Located in North London, Barnet offers a good blend of urban convenience, maintaining the buzz of the city, whilst still having access to a wide range of suburban green open spaces and 200 parks, such as Bethune Park, Brent Park, Highlands Gardens and many more.
You can also find an abundance of nature reserves across the Borough of Barnet too. Interestingly, the development of Barnets into the local countryside was halted after the Second World War, making one third of Barnet in the Green Belt. This means, without this further development, Barnet would look much different today, and their green open spaces and nature reserves would be much harder to find.
Across Barnet, there is a great selection of educational institutions to choose from, a wide selection of independent shops and restaurants, a weekly Barnet market, and of course access to its excellent transport links taking you to Central London.
Barnet is an attractive destination for families, working professionals still wanting easy access to the city, but also a highly popular location for investors looking for property investment opportunities.
In this area guide to living in Barnet, we look at what’s on offer to the locals, and those looking to move and live here. We review some of the local and best places to eat and drink, the quality of the local schools available, as well as the investment opportunities available, including property prices and rents too.
If you’re considering moving to Barnet, the guide will aim to help you make that decision, and help you call Barnet home.
Are You Thinking of Moving to Barnet?
Barnet, although not one of the cheapest parts of London for property investment, with property being 15% higher than the average London property price, also isn’t anywhere near the most expensive.
The London Borough of Barnet is an ideal choice for those looking for a balance of city living, with the suburban comfort. Its diverse neighbourhoods cater to various lifestyle, whether you’re after more vibrant community hubs, or more peaceful residential areas. The borough also boats a variety of properties, from period homes to modern apartments, all accommodating to individual preferences and budgets.
Whether you’re a young family moving to the area with access to wide green areas with excellent quality of schools, an older couple seeking for somewhere to retire, or simply after that close to city-life feel, Barnet has plenty to offer.
Benefits of Living in Barnet
- Local Community: Barnet has a strong sense of community, and especially popular with families looking out for one another. There are numerous events and activities that bring residents together.
- Green Spaces: The area is home to over 200 parks and many nature reserves, offering tons of opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Education Opportunities: Barnet features a range of highly rated schools and educational institutions, making it appealing for families settling in the area.
- Transport Links: With multiple public transport options and proximity to major roadways, commuting is incredibly convenient for residents.
Local Community and Lifestyle in Barnet
Barnet is said to have a quieter atmosphere than your neighbouring areas such as Finchley, Hampstead, and Highgate. The local community in Barnet is diverse, friendly, and safe, and it tends to see couples and young families in their thirties moving to the area due to the quieter and family-oriented nature.
There is the Barnet Market open twice a week on every Wednesday and Saturday, running from 8:00am to 2:00pm, selling all sorts of fresh produce from meat, fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. And a new Sunday market takes place on the Barnet Market site where local brewers serve up drafts of some of the finest beer and street food you could possibly want.
You’ll be glad to know that Barnet is also one of the safest boroughs in London to live in, ranking in the top ten safest areas to live in London. In 2022 it had also been nominated as one of the top 20 safest areas in the UK, making it an incredibly popular place to live.
The locals also have access to the Spires Shopping Centre, located in the centre of the town, and home to a range of high street stores such as Waterstones, JD Sports, H&M, Costa, and Poundland.
Explore Barnet’s Green Spaces
Barnet is home to a fantastic range of parks, open spaces, and nature reserves. You’ll have access to a range of parks, gardens, natural wild landscapes, leafy and scenic river valleys, lakes, and wildlife habitats.
There are over 200 green spaces and parks across the Borough of Barnet, with the following favourites on Tripadvisor being:
- Jacks Lake: A peaceful lake in Hadley woods, where you can sit and enjoy a picnic watching the many waterbirds. If you’re into fishing, then you’ll be able to catch a range of fish from carp, pike, roach, rudd, and even barbels.
- Barnet Gate Wood: A nature reserve in an open ancient woodland with trees such as oak and hornbeam. Rhododendron also dominates the undergrowth here. It is a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.
- Oak Hill Park: One of the largest local parks in East Barnet with a 5.5-acre nature reserve, this park has a great number of facilities, ranging from football and tennis courts, golf course, play areas for children, and an outdoor gym. There are some lovely views spanning across the grasslands on the brow of the parks hill.
- Greenhill Gardens: Greenhill Gardens in New Barnet is dominated by an ornamental lake and is a hotspot with bird watchers. You’ll find plenty of avian activity here. There is a lot of running space for kids as well.
The local council invest a lot into the wildlife diversity of Barnet, ensuring the family-friendly parks and nature reserves are maintained and appealing to all nature-lovers.
Education Opportunities in Barnet
With around 125 primary schools and 59 secondary schools across Barnet, with 21% of them being private schools, families have a great selection of highly rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ schools to choose from.
Most popular primary schools in Barnet include Christ Church Primary School, Ark Pioneer Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s School, and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School.
- Art Pioneer Academy: A secondary school and sixth form in Barnet with strong cultural and wellbeing practices focusing on behaviour, safeguarding, diversity and inclusion. Their curriculum expands across English, Maths, Science, Geography, Computing, Drama, and Music.
- Queen Elizabeth’s School: A state-funded grammar school for boys with a mission to ensure each boys turns into a confident, able and responsible young men. With over 450 years of experience, this grammar school is at the top of their game.
- St Mary’s Church of England Primary School: A welcoming and inclusive primary school for pupils ages 4-11. They have a great curriculum covering reading and phonics, writing, maths, physical education, and art and design.
Further Education in Barnet
The Barnet and Southgate College is a great opportunity for students looking to expand their education and learning across a range of disciplines powering them into their chosen career interests. From courses such as engineering, hairdressing, beauty therapy, sports, performing arts, computing, and even animation, this college is highly popular and supportive.
Transport Links in Barnet
Barnet has excellent transport connections, including access to the Northern Line, and the National Rail services at Oakleigh Park and Mill Hill Broadway, providing direct routes into central London. Additionally, the area has well connected bus routes from High Barnet.
Take the Northern Line from High Barnet straight to London Bridge in under an hour.
Barnet also has strong road access too, allowing drivers to take the A41 into central London, taking roughly one hour and two minutes, as well as taking you to Wembley along the A406. For further afield, and local towns such as Watford and Luton in twenty minutes to forty minutes.
There is easy access to airports like Heathrow airport, taking just forty-seven minutes via the M25, and one hour twenty minutes via the Northern Line and Elizabeth Line.
If you’re into cycling, then you’ll be pleased to know the top 10 cycling routes in Barnet providing some beautiful scenery across many cycle routes.
Whether you’re looking to work in the city, or locally, commuting in Barnet is efficient.
What is The Property Market Like in Barnet?
Barnet boasts a range of property options, from period homes to modern developments, catering to various preferences and budgets. The area’s ongoing regeneration projects and strong community means it an attractive prospect for property investment.
Whilst Barnet’s property prices certainly reflect the area, locals find property prices here more affordable than other North London boroughs and areas.
Throughout Barnet you can find period properties, Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses, and modern flats and apartments.
Over the past 12 months the average property sales price in Barnet was £571,890. The total value of property sales was £531,029,711.
30% of sales over the past 12 months were flats, sold at an average price of £338,137. Houses sold at an average of £714,094.
- Detached houses: £1,049,407
- Semi-detached houses: £685,593
- Terraced houses: £537,049
- Flats: £338,137
Average Rent Prices in Barnet
The average rent over the last 12 months in Barnet for homes achieved £1,972 per month. This is a +7% growth compared to the previous 12-month period.
66% of homes let in Barnet over 12 months were flats, achieving an average rent of £1,659 per month. Houses had an average rent cost of £2,730 per month.
- Studio Flat: £,1227
- 1 Bed Flats: £1,408
- 2 Bed Flats: £1,755
- 3 Bed Flats: £2,517
If you’re looking to purchase or rent property in Barnet then contact our Barnet estate agent branch on 02039721293 for sales, or 02033254700 for lets.
How Barnet Compares to Nearby Areas
We’ve collated some local data to show you just how Amersham compares to nearby towns such as Chesham, Beaconsfield, and Gerrards Cross. Each area offers unique benefits in terms of property prices, green spaces, transport, and lifestyle.
| Feature | Barnet | Finchley | Edgware | Golders Green |
| Green Spaces | Welsh Harp Nature Reserve and Reservoir | Victoria Park, Finchley Golf Club | Stonegrove Park, Edgwarebury Park | Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Heath Extension |
| Average Property Price | £571,890 | £624,629 | £580,460 | £1,087,248 |
| Transport | Northern Line, multiple bus routes, major roadways | Northern Line, bus services | Northern Line, bus services | Northern Line, bus services |
| Lifestyle | Welcoming, quiet, relatively affordable in comparison, popular with families and professionals | Residential area with a mix of families, good amenities | Diverse community with various amenities | Vibrant area with a mix of cultures, extensive eateries and range of shops |
Best Places to Live in Barnet
Barnet has 15 recognised neighbourhoods to choose from, each with its own appeal. Some popular ones include:
High Barnet: An historic area with a village type feel to it, featuring period properties and a busy high street. Ideal for those seeking a blend of history and modern amenities.
East Barnet: A family-friendly neighbourhood with an excellent selection of schools, parks, and a strong sense of community.
New Barnet: Offers more modern housing options and convenient transport links, suitable for professionals commuting to central London. There are plenty of green spaces and good schools too.
Friern Barnet: Known for its green spaces and suburban charm, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with access to good schools, transport links and good amenities.
Where to Eat and Drink in Barnet
When it comes to Barnet, if you know where to look, you’ll find some amazing eateries. From the likes of The Green Dragon, one of Barnet’s best pubs for quality drinks and food. They’re the only multi-award winning pub in Barnet and have an incredible seasonal changing menu.
Described as having ‘edible works of art’ with ‘unparalleled service’, L’Art Seafood and Grill is an Italian inspired dining experience you don’t want to miss out on. From their fresh homemade pasta dishes such as their Tortelloni Caccio e pepe, to grilled salmon filet evening main meals, everyone leaves this restaurant excited to come back.
The Barnet Cafe serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner options, with classics like the traditional English breakfast, to a Spanish omelette, and a good selection of paninis.
Ready to Live in Barnet?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking to rent property, our expert Barnet estate agents are here to help. For Lettings, call us on 02039721293 for sales, or 02033254700 for lets. Or book a free property valuation with our Barnet branch today.
