The London Borough of Barnet consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in North London. Known for its excellent schools, green spaces, strong transport links, and family-friendly neighbourhoods, Barnet attracts everyone from young professionals and first-time buyers to growing families and retirees.
This in-depth guide explores the best areas to live in Barnet, breaking down each neighbourhood by lifestyle, housing, safety, transport, schools, and overall quality of life. Whether you are planning a move now or researching for the future, this article will give you a clear, realistic picture of what living in Barnet is really like.
Why Barnet Is One Of London’s Most Popular Boroughs
Barnet sits in North London and borders Hertfordshire, giving it a unique blend of suburban calm and city connectivity. It is one of London’s largest boroughs by population and land area, offering a wide range of neighbourhoods with very different characters.
Strong Reputation For Schools
Barnet is widely regarded as one of the best boroughs in London for education. It has:
- Numerous high-performing state primary schools
- Several outstanding secondary schools
- Access to selective and independent schools
This reputation alone drives long-term demand from families.
Green Space And Quality Of Life
Unlike many inner London boroughs, Barnet offers:
- Large parks and open spaces
- Tree-lined residential streets
- Lower population density in many areas
This contributes to a calmer, more spacious feel.
Transport And Connectivity
Barnet benefits from:
- Northern line Underground services
- Thameslink and National Rail connections
- Easy road access via the M1, A1, and North Circular
Commute times into central London typically range from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on location.
High Barnet
Best for: Families, professionals, long-term buyers
High Barnet is one of the borough’s most recognisable and well-established areas. Sitting at the northern end of the Northern line, it offers a traditional suburban London lifestyle.
Housing And Streets
High Barnet is characterised by:
- Victorian and Edwardian houses
- Semi-detached family homes
- Quiet residential roads
Many homes come with gardens and driveways, which is increasingly rare in London.
Schools And Community
The area is particularly popular with families due to:
- Well-regarded primary and secondary schools
- A strong local community feel
- Access to parks and green spaces
Transport
High Barnet Underground Station provides direct Northern line services into central London.
Things To Consider
- Property prices are higher than the borough average
- Nightlife is limited
High Barnet is ideal for those seeking stability, space, and excellent schools.
Finchley Central
Best for: Professionals, families, commuters
Finchley Central offers a balance between suburban living and urban convenience, making it one of Barnet’s most sought-after locations.
Lifestyle And Amenities
Finchley Central features:
- A lively high street with cafés and restaurants
- Independent shops and supermarkets
- Gyms, cinemas, and leisure facilities
Housing Options
The area offers a mix of:
- Period houses
- Modern apartments
- Converted flats
This variety makes it appealing to both renters and buyers.
Transport
Finchley Central Station sits on the Northern line, offering reliable access to the City and West End.
Things To Consider
- Busy main roads in some parts
- Higher rents near the station
Finchley Central suits those who want connectivity without sacrificing neighbourhood feel.
Hendon
Best for: Young professionals, students, renters
Hendon has become increasingly popular due to its excellent transport links and relative affordability compared to other parts of Barnet.
Transport Strength
Hendon benefits from:
- Hendon Central Underground Station (Northern line)
- Hendon Thameslink Station
- Quick access to St Pancras and central London
This makes it a strong choice for commuters.
Housing And Development
Housing includes:
- Modern apartment blocks
- Victorian conversions
- Student accommodation linked to nearby universities
Local Amenities
Hendon offers:
- Brent Cross nearby for shopping
- Gyms, cafés, and local parks
- A diverse, vibrant community
Things To Consider
- Some areas feel busier and more urban
- Less green space than Mill Hill or Totteridge
Hendon is ideal for renters and professionals prioritising transport.
Mill Hill
Best for: Families, long-term buyers, green space lovers
Mill Hill is one of Barnet’s most desirable areas, offering a semi-rural feel while remaining firmly within London.
Environment And Lifestyle
Mill Hill is known for:
- Rolling green spaces
- Quiet residential roads
- Village-like atmosphere
It feels noticeably calmer than most London neighbourhoods.
Housing
Homes in Mill Hill include:
- Large detached and semi-detached houses
- New-build family developments
- Gated communities in some parts
Schools
Mill Hill has access to:
- Highly rated state schools
- Prestigious independent schools
Transport
Mill Hill East station connects to the Northern line, while nearby National Rail services offer additional commuting options.
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices
- Fewer nightlife options
Mill Hill is best for those prioritising space, greenery, and long-term family living.
Totteridge
Best for: High earners, families, luxury living
Totteridge is one of the most exclusive areas in Barnet and consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live in North London.
Village Feel
Totteridge offers:
- A genuine village atmosphere
- Large detached homes
- Quiet lanes and countryside views
Despite this, it remains connected to London.
Housing And Prestige
Properties are typically:
- Large detached houses
- Set on spacious plots
- Architecturally distinctive
Transport
Totteridge and Whetstone Underground Station provides Northern line access into central London.
Things To Consider
- Very high property prices
- Limited rental options
Totteridge suits buyers seeking luxury, privacy, and long-term investment.
Whetstone
Best for: Professionals, families, value seekers
Whetstone sits next to Totteridge but offers better value while retaining strong amenities and transport links.
Local Life
Whetstone features:
- A busy high road with shops and restaurants
- Supermarkets and everyday services
- A mix of families and professionals
Housing
Housing options include:
- Purpose-built flats
- Terraced and semi-detached homes
- Newer apartment developments
Transport
Northern line services make commuting straightforward.
Things To Consider
- Traffic on main roads
- Less green space than Totteridge
Whetstone offers strong value within a premium part of Barnet.
Safety And Community In Barnet
Barnet is generally considered one of the safer London boroughs, particularly in its suburban neighbourhoods. Areas such as High Barnet, Mill Hill, and Totteridge are often viewed as especially family-friendly.
As with all London boroughs, safety can vary by street, but overall Barnet benefits from:
- Lower density housing
- Strong community presence
- Well-maintained public spaces
Schools And Education In Barnet
Education is one of Barnet’s strongest assets. The borough consistently performs well in school league tables and attracts families specifically for schooling.
Parents benefit from:
- High-performing comprehensives
- Grammar school access nearby
- Renowned independent schools
This creates long-term housing demand and stability.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Living
Barnet offers excellent access to green spaces, including:
- Local parks and recreation grounds
- Woodland and open countryside near the borough edges
- Easy access to Hertfordshire countryside
This makes Barnet particularly appealing to families and dog owners.
Transport And Commuting Overview
Transport options across Barnet include:
- Northern line Underground services
- Thameslink rail connections
- Major road networks
This flexibility allows residents to commute across London or even outside the city.
Who Barnet Is Best For
Barnet is particularly well suited to:
- Families prioritising schools
- Professionals commuting to central London
- Buyers seeking long-term value
- Renters wanting suburban living
It may be less appealing to those seeking nightlife-heavy areas or very short commutes to Zone 1.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Barnet depend on your priorities:
- High Barnet for traditional family living
- Finchley Central for balance and convenience
- Hendon for transport and affordability
- Mill Hill for greenery and space
- Totteridge for prestige and luxury
- Whetstone for value within a prime location
Barnet remains one of London’s most reliable boroughs for quality of life, combining space, schools, and connectivity better than many parts of the capital.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Information about areas, property, safety, transport, and amenities may change over time and can vary by location.
Nothing in this post should be taken as professional, legal, financial, or property advice. Readers should carry out their own research before making any decisions.
London 33 accepts no liability for reliance on the information provided.