Enfield is one of North London’s most diverse and underrated boroughs. Stretching from the suburban calm of Trent Park and Winchmore Hill to the busy urban centres of Edmonton and Enfield Town, the borough offers a wide range of lifestyles, property types, and price points. For families, commuters, first-time buyers, and long-term residents, Enfield presents a compelling mix of green space, transport links, schools, and relative affordability compared to many other London boroughs.
This comprehensive guide explores the best areas to live in Enfield, helping you understand which neighbourhoods suit different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities. Whether you are renting, buying, or simply researching your options, this article will give you a realistic and detailed picture of living in Enfield.
Why Enfield Is A Popular Place To Live
Enfield sits on the northern edge of Greater London, bordering Hertfordshire. This location gives the borough a unique character: it feels greener and more spacious than inner London while still offering practical access to the capital.
Several factors continue to drive interest in Enfield.
Space And Greenery
Enfield is one of London’s greenest boroughs, home to:
- Trent Park
- Forty Hall Estate
- Grovelands Park
- Numerous local parks and playing fields
For families and anyone seeking breathing space, this is a major advantage.
Transport Connections
Despite its suburban feel, Enfield is well connected:
- National Rail services into Liverpool Street and Moorgate
- Piccadilly line access via Southgate, Oakwood, and Arnos Grove
- Good road access to the A10, A406, and M25
Commute times to central London often range between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on location.
Housing Variety
Enfield offers:
- Period Edwardian and Victorian homes
- 1930s semi-detached houses
- Modern apartments and regeneration developments
- Family-sized properties with gardens
This variety attracts a broad mix of residents.
Enfield Town
Best for: Families, professionals, town-centre living
Enfield Town is often considered the borough’s central hub and one of its most desirable areas.
Lifestyle And Amenities
Enfield Town offers:
- A busy high street with major retailers
- Restaurants, cafés, and pubs
- Enfield Town Park nearby
- A strong sense of local identity
The area balances convenience with a residential feel.
Transport
Enfield Town Station provides National Rail services into Liverpool Street, making it popular with City commuters.
Housing
Housing includes:
- Period properties
- Purpose-built flats
- Some newer apartment developments
Prices are higher than other parts of the borough, reflecting demand.
Things To Consider
- Busy shopping areas at weekends
- Higher property prices compared to Edmonton
Enfield Town suits those who want amenities on their doorstep without sacrificing suburban comfort.
Winchmore Hill
Best for: Families, village atmosphere, long-term buyers
Winchmore Hill is one of Enfield’s most sought-after residential areas.
Village Feel
The area is known for:
- A charming village green
- Independent cafés and shops
- A peaceful, community-focused atmosphere
It feels more like a small town than part of London.
Schools
Winchmore Hill is popular with families due to:
- Well-regarded primary and secondary schools
- A strong family-oriented community
Transport
Winchmore Hill Station offers National Rail services to Moorgate, making commuting straightforward.
Housing
Properties are mainly:
- Edwardian and 1930s houses
- Semi-detached and detached homes
- Some flats near the station
Things To Consider
- Limited nightlife
- Premium prices compared to other Enfield areas
Winchmore Hill is ideal for those prioritising quality of life and community.
Palmers Green
Best for: Families, commuters, cultural diversity
Palmers Green sits in the southern part of Enfield and has long been popular with professionals and families.
Community And Culture
Often nicknamed “Little Cyprus,” Palmers Green is known for:
- Diverse food scene
- Independent restaurants and bakeries
- A welcoming, multicultural community
Transport
Palmers Green Station offers fast rail links to Moorgate, while nearby Underground stations provide Piccadilly line access.
Housing
The area features:
- Attractive Edwardian houses
- Tree-lined streets
- Family-sized properties with gardens
Green Space
Broomfield Park is a major local highlight, offering open space, sports facilities, and a lake.
Things To Consider
- Busy main roads in parts
- Limited nightlife
Palmers Green suits those who want strong transport links and a family-friendly environment.
Southgate
Best for: Families, suburban living, Underground access
Southgate is one of Enfield’s best-known areas and is particularly popular with families.
Transport Advantage
Southgate Underground Station sits on the Piccadilly line, providing direct access to:
- Central London
- Heathrow Airport
This is a major draw for commuters.
Housing And Lifestyle
Southgate offers:
- Spacious semi-detached homes
- Quiet residential streets
- Local shopping centres and schools
Schools
The area is well served by both state and independent schools, making it attractive to families planning long-term.
Things To Consider
- Higher property prices
- Less nightlife than inner London
Southgate is ideal for those wanting classic suburban London living.
Oakwood
Best for: Green space lovers, families, quieter living
Oakwood lies just north of Southgate and offers a calmer pace of life.
Green Surroundings
Oakwood is close to:
- Trent Park
- Oakwood Park
- Walking trails and open countryside
This makes it particularly appealing to nature lovers.
Transport
Oakwood Underground Station is also on the Piccadilly line, offering reliable access to central London.
Housing
Properties include:
- 1930s houses
- Detached and semi-detached homes
- Larger plots than many London areas
Things To Consider
- Fewer shops and restaurants
- More car-dependent lifestyle
Oakwood suits people who want space and greenery while remaining within London.
Edmonton
Best for: First-time buyers, renters, regeneration areas
Edmonton is one of the more affordable parts of Enfield and has been the focus of significant regeneration.
Edmonton Green
Edmonton Green acts as a major local centre.
Why People Choose Edmonton Green
- Lower property prices
- Shopping centre and transport hub
- National Rail services to Liverpool Street
Regeneration
Ongoing regeneration aims to:
- Improve housing stock
- Enhance public spaces
- Increase employment opportunities
Housing
Edmonton offers:
- Flats and maisonettes
- Terraced houses
- New-build developments
Things To Consider
- Busy environment
- Ongoing development work
Edmonton is ideal for those seeking value and future growth potential.
Bush Hill Park
Best for: Families, period homes, quiet living
Bush Hill Park is a hidden gem within Enfield.
Residential Appeal
The area is known for:
- Attractive Edwardian properties
- Quiet streets
- A strong residential feel
Transport
Bush Hill Park Station offers rail services to Liverpool Street, making it suitable for commuters.
Community
Bush Hill Park has:
- A strong neighbourhood identity
- Local shops and amenities
- Easy access to Enfield Town
Things To Consider
- Limited nightlife
- Higher prices than Edmonton
Bush Hill Park suits those wanting peaceful living with character.
Grange Park
Best for: Families, suburban atmosphere
Grange Park offers a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
Housing
Homes are typically:
- 1930s houses
- Semi-detached and detached
- Family-sized with gardens
Transport
Grange Park Station provides rail access to Moorgate, while nearby Underground stations expand options.
Lifestyle
The area is quieter and more residential, appealing to families and older residents.
Safety And Quality Of Life In Enfield
Safety varies by area and street, as with any London borough. Generally:
- Winchmore Hill, Southgate, Oakwood, and Bush Hill Park are considered quieter
- Edmonton is busier and more urban but improving due to regeneration
- Community initiatives and local policing play an important role
Researching specific streets is always recommended.
Schools And Education
Enfield has a broad range of educational options:
- Primary and secondary schools
- Grammar schools nearby in neighbouring boroughs
- Colleges and adult education centres
Areas like Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, and Southgate are particularly popular with families due to school availability.
Green Spaces And Outdoor Life
One of Enfield’s biggest strengths is its green space.
Highlights include:
- Trent Park with walking trails and open fields
- Forty Hall Estate with historic grounds
- Grovelands Park with lakes and woodland
- Numerous neighbourhood parks
This significantly enhances quality of life.
Transport And Commuting In Enfield
Transport options include:
- National Rail into Liverpool Street and Moorgate
- Piccadilly line Underground services
- Bus routes connecting across North London
- Road access to major routes
Enfield’s transport network supports both commuters and local travel.
Cost Of Living In Enfield
While not the cheapest borough, Enfield remains more affordable than many parts of North and West London.
Costs vary significantly by area:
- Higher in Winchmore Hill, Southgate, and Oakwood
- Lower in Edmonton and parts of Enfield Highway
This range allows residents to choose areas that suit their budget.
Who Enfield Is Best For
Enfield suits:
- Families seeking space and schools
- Professionals commuting to central London
- First-time buyers looking for value
- Nature lovers wanting green space
- Long-term residents planning to settle
It may be less suitable for those seeking vibrant nightlife or ultra-central living.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in Enfield depend on your priorities.
- Enfield Town for amenities and convenience
- Winchmore Hill for village charm and schools
- Palmers Green for culture and transport
- Southgate for Underground access and family living
- Oakwood for green space and tranquillity
- Edmonton for affordability and regeneration potential
With its balance of space, greenery, and connectivity, Enfield continues to attract people looking for a sustainable and comfortable London lifestyle.
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.