With its bold mix of multicultural hangouts and a lively social scene, North London is a well-connected hub for renters in the capital.
You can enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe north of the Thames. There's a wide choice of vibrant areas close to Central London and charming urban villages a bit further afield, all well-connected by the city’s transport links.
After spending almost a decade letting apartments across the capital, we've built up a wealth of experience of London's up-and-coming and most popular neighbourhoods. So, if you want to know where the best places to live in North London are, we’ve picked eight of the most sought-after places to live.
Camden
Renowned for its iconic markets where you can find everything from food to fashion, Camden houses a trendy mismatch of hangouts. This makes it one of the best places to live in North London for young professionals looking for an lively social scene.
Much like its eclectic markets, the area boasts a variety of properties to suit your budget, from stylish apartments to large townhouses. Its central location means you won’t have difficulty commuting. You can walk to Kings Cross in just 20 minutes or hop on the Northern Line for a 5-minute Tube journey to Euston. And, with Regents Canal running alongside Camden, you’ll always be able to enjoy a scenic running or dog-walking route.
Hampstead
One of North London’s most picturesque locations, Hampstead is surrounded by the beautiful 320-hectare Hampstead Heath. The perfect spot to relax with friends on a sunny day, kickstart your running routine, or walk the dog, the park is just one of the area’s many appeals. There’s a wealth of local hangouts, from independent bookstores to traditional pubs. And you’ll be able to pick up your groceries at Hampstead Community Market.
Rental properties match the location’s green surroundings, with plenty of old Georgian and Edwardian houses on the market. Hampstead’s prime location in North London means you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to transport links. You can ride the Northern Line into Euston in just 15 minutes.
Highgate
If you’re looking for a slower pace and the community-minded atmosphere of a small village, then Highgate one of the best places to live in North London for you. Although further out, the Tube station takes you straight into Leicester Square in just 15 minutes and Bank in 20 minutes.
Characterised by its beautiful historic houses and modern new-builds, there are plenty of charming properties available for renters. As you would expect, the high-street is lined by family-run businesses. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or gifts, or just looking for your local pub (try The Bull, The Gatehouse or The Westlers), there’s no shortage of places to go. You’ll also benefit from green spaces, including Waterlow Park and the neighbouring Hampstead Heath.
Archway
One of North London’s most up-and-coming areas, you’ll have lots of cool independent cafés and restaurants to explore in Archway. Wander down Junction Road and visit the likes of Bread and Bean, Lost Boys Pizza, and Il Mio Mosaic to name a few. Also, the area’s brand new square hosts a number of events throughout the year, so there’s always something happening.
On the outskirts of Zone 2, Archway’s convenient location on the Northern Line means you can be at Kings Cross in less than 10 minutes. Plus you’ll be right on the doorstep of Archway Station if you choose to live in our stylish apartments at Vantage Point. That gives you an extra half-hour in bed before work!
Finsbury Park
With modern apartments and trendy eateries, Finsbury Park is a favoured spot among those looking for a cool social scene with a quick commute. Well connected by the Piccadilly and Victoria lines, you can get straight into Central London in less than 15 minutes.
The area’s namesake park offers a nice retreat from the London’s bustle with its boating lake and tennis courts. Come the summer months, you can even watch your favourite artists play. The park has a buzzing musical calendar, including Wireless Festival. Or enjoy a cultural fix at Park Theatre, which champions up-and-coming talent.
Swiss Cottage
The suburban community vibe and parklands of Swiss Cottage make it one of North London’s quieter, leafier areas. With plenty of rental apartments available, including beautiful old Victorian house conversions, the area is an attractive one if you’re looking for old-world charm and some peace away from the City.
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are close by, making for a scenic running route. As is Lord’s Cricket Ground, home of English cricket. Or if you’re an avid cyclist, you’ll benefit from the new Cycle Superhighway 11, which will be completed in the next few years. For a more traditional commute, Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road are the closest Tube stations, taking you into Bond Street in 15 minutes. The area is also serviced by Overground trains and strong bus routes.
Crouch End
A green retreat located just 5 miles from central London, Crouch End has no shortage of park spaces for those wanting a quieter lifestyle. The relaxed village atmosphere of the area is coupled with a growing art scene – watch the latest independent film or some local talent performances at the ArtHouse Cinema or recently reopened The Arts Centre.
For renters, there are plenty of pretty period properties and a number of new developments near Crouch End Hill. Although the area lacks an underground station, you can easily take an Overground train or the W7 bus route into Central London.
Muswell Hill
With its high-end boutiques and leafy boulevards, Muswell Hill is among North London’s quietest areas. There’s an abundance of Victorian and Edwardian period properties available for renters for those seeking historic architectural charm. Although the area’s lack of train stations can be off-putting, Muswell Hill is well serviced by buses, so a commute doesn’t need to be problematic.
You’ll be right on the corner of Alexandra Palace, home to some of the biggest musical and sporting events, not to mention the 80-hectare Alexandra Park with its boating lake, farmers’ market and excellent running routes. Or catch the latest film at Everyman Cinema.
Best Places to Live in North London
So, there’s no denying that North London offers plenty of vibrant and characterful areas to live for renters. Have we missed your favourite North London place off our list? Tweet us @EssLiving and let us know. Or, if you’re torn between the north or south of the Thames, read our round-up of the best places to live in South London.
