Nestled in the borough of Barnet, Finchley stands as one of the most sought-after areas in North London. Boasting easy access to a range of amenities, green spaces, and a thriving community spirit, Finchley is a wonderful place to call home.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into what it’s like to live in Finchley, exploring its unique characteristics, attractions, and the reasons why you might want to choose Finchley as your next home.
Is Finchley a Nice Place to Live?
Finchley is widely regarded as a highly desirable place to live. Its reputation for safety, well-maintained neighbourhoods, and top-notch schools makes it particularly appealing to families. The area’s cultural diversity adds to its charm, fostering a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and community events. Residents often cite the suburb’s friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community as defining features that make Finchley a great place to call home.
Finchley’s allure lies in its perfect balance of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity. With its tree-lined streets, diverse housing options, and excellent amenities, it appeals to a wide range of residents, from young professionals to growing families and retirees.
What Life is Like in Finchley
Finchley has been chosen as the residence by renowned figures such as George Michael, Margaret Thatcher, Emma Bunton, and Spike Milligan. And it’s no wonder why. Just a stone’s throw away from central London via a few Underground stops, Finchley offers a green, leafy and inviting ambiance.
Finchley offers a blend of lush greenery and tight-knit community spirit, all while ensuring residents have easy access to the bustling heart of London and beyond.
Finchley boasts a notable concentration of exceptional schools too, many of which have earned an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. This, combined with its abundance of parks and green spaces, makes Finchley an ideal place to raise a family.
With low crime rates and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Finchley provides the perfect sanctuary for those seeking a reprieve from the fast pace of London life while maintaining close proximity to the city.
Transport Links
Finchley benefits from excellent connections to central London. Situated along the Northern Line, four Underground stations—East Finchley, Finchley Central, West Finchley, and Woodside Park—provide convenient access to both the vibrant West End and the bustling financial district, catering to diverse travel needs.
For those seeking an alternative route into the city, nearby Overground stations like New Southgate and Alexandra Palace offer services to King’s Cross and Moorgate, providing convenient transportation options.
Motorists enjoy a direct route to the M25 and easy access to various parts of London. Also, the M1 provides a convenient route northward to destinations such as Watford, Luton, and Leicester, as well as a straightforward path to Birmingham.
Travelers and holidaymakers will also find it convenient that the M1 provides swift access to Luton Airport in under 35 minutes, opening up connections to numerous international destinations from there.
Exploring the Different Areas of Finchley
Now let’s go into some more detail about the different areas of Finchley.
East Finchley
East Finchley is known for its leafy streets and elegant Victorian homes, exuding quintessential suburban charm. Its focal point, East Finchley High Road, features independent shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs. Cherry Tree Wood offers residents and visitors leisurely strolls, while the historic Phoenix Cinema provides entertainment as a local landmark.
North Finchley
North Finchley, at Finchley’s northern end, is a lively hub with a bustling High Road featuring diverse shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Culinary enthusiasts can savour global and British cuisine at its eclectic eateries, while the Arts Depot hosts year-round cultural events, performances, and exhibitions.
West Finchley
West Finchley appeals to families and professionals alike. Characterised by tree-lined avenues and spacious homes, this leafy enclave provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The nearby Victoria Park offers green spaces for relaxation and recreation, while the bustling Finchley Central provides convenient access to amenities and transportation links.
Finchley Central
Finchley Central, a bustling commercial and transportation hub, features Finchley Central Station at its core, offering swift connections to central London. The neighbourhood has diverse shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, catering to various tastes. Foodies can explore trendy cafes and ethnic eateries, while lively nightlife ensures ample entertainment options after dark.
Church End
Church End, in Finchley’s southeastern corner, is a serene residential area known for its picturesque streets and green spaces. Residents can stroll through Finchley Church End Cemetery or visit the historic St. Mary’s Church, a centuries-old local landmark. With its peaceful atmosphere and tight-knit community, Church End offers a tranquil escape from urban life.
Employment Opportunities in Finchley
While many residents commute to central London for work, Finchley itself offers a range of employment opportunities across various sectors. The suburb is home to various businesses ranging from retail and hospitality to professional services and healthcare. Nearby business parks, such as the North London Business Park, as well as industrial estates provide further employment prospects for local residents too.
The main sectors of employment in and around Finchley are as follows:
- Professional and financial
- Healthcare
- Education
- Retail
- Hospitality, Leisure and Recreation
- Business Support Services
- Construction
Education and Schools in Finchley
Finchley boasts an abundance of excellent schools, making it an exceptional choice for families looking to provide their children with top-tier education.
Parents of young children have an array of exceptional schools to choose from. Chalgrove Primary School and Manorside Primary School are both rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
There are fantastic secondary schools to choose from too. St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School and Oak Lodge School (a special academy school) are both rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted’.
Other primary and secondary schools in the area include:
- Tudor Primary School
- Our Lady of Loudres R C Primary School
- Wren Academy, Finchley
- Finchley High School
Amenities in Finchley
Finchley boasts an impressive array of amenities to cater to residents’ needs. From bustling high streets lined with shops and cafes to modern leisure centres and well-equipped libraries, there’s no shortage of conveniences within easy reach. The suburb is also home to several supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and places of worship, ensuring that residents have everything they need right on their doorstep.
Attractions in Finchley
Due to its close proximity to the Metropolitan Green Belt, Finchley stands out as one of North London’s most verdant areas. Many of Finchley’s major attractions are much greener than you might expect for a suburb in North London.
Cherry Tree Wood, a 5.3-hectare haven, is a remnant of historic Finchley Wood. Managed by locals, it offers woodland, grassland, playgrounds, and tennis courts. It hosts the annual East Finchley Community Festival, a lively event with music, food, and local businesses.
If you’re seeking additional green spaces, Finchley offers an abundance of options. Among them, Long Lane Pasture stands out—a two-acre wild meadow meticulously preserved by an independent trust, offering an untouched green sanctuary in the heart of Finchley.
A bit further out lies the Royal Airforce Museum London, an essential destination for military history enthusiasts and aviation aficionados alike. There is an impressive array of aircraft on exhibit, ranging from iconic biplanes like the Sopwith Camel to cutting-edge fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Stephens House & Gardens, a Victorian-era listed property, serves as a venue for both public and private occasions, from weddings and art workshops to conferences and live music performances.
Shopping Options
Whether you’re hunting for fashion essentials, home decor, or specialty goods, Finchley’s retail offerings are sure to impress.
For standard grocery shopping, Finchley is home to several supermarkets, including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Tesco.
High Road and Bollards Lane are the most popular spots for shopping, with a variety of high-street shops, locally owned boutiques and independent shops, as well as specialist food stores. For independent and antique shops, East Finchley is the best place to be.
The Brent Cross Shopping Centre, which is around 10 minutes away by car, has a fantastic selection of shops for some serious retail therapy. The Mall Wood Green, located about 25 minutes from Finchley by car, boasts a number of major high street retailers alongside inviting spots to pause for a refreshing drink or a delicious meal whenever you feel the need to refuel.
Eating and Restaurants
Finchley’s culinary scene is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from cosy cafes to upscale international dining. With diverse options spanning traditional British dishes to exotic delicacies, there’s something to please every palate, whether you seek a pub meal, a quick bite, or a fine dining experience.
Some of Finchley’s most popular restaurants are:
- Gokyuzu Restaurant: A Turkish restaurant serving authentic flavours of the Mediterranean coupled with traditional Turkish hospitality
- The House Restaurant: A highly regarded Italian restaurant on Ballards Lane
- Sima’s Persian Grill: A restaurant serving delicious Persian and Azerbaijani food in a homely environment
- The Catcher in the Rye: A quirky local pub serving Modern British food, and a great selection of cask beers and spirits
- The Clissold Arms: A bright gastropub with a large terrace and a cocktail lounge dedicated to a band who played their first ever gig here: The Kinks
Leisure and Entertainment in Finchley
When it comes to leisure activities, Finchley has something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the suburb’s modern leisure centres, tennis courts, and golf courses, while those seeking cultural enrichment can explore local galleries, theatres, and museums.
The Phoenix Cinema
The Phoenix Cinema, established in 1910, stands as one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas. It holds a diverse array of screenings, encompassing big-budget films and independent cinema, along with presentations of opera, theatre, ballet, and dance beneath its iconic vaulted ceilings.
Arts Depot
The Arts Depot is a dynamic cultural centre showcasing a wide array of artistic expressions. With theatre productions, art exhibitions, workshops, and performances spanning various genres, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, The Arts Depot provides a welcoming space to engage with London’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Great North Leisure Centre
The Great North Leisure Park has a selection of familiar restaurants as well as a Hollywood Bowl and the Finchley Lido Leisure Centre.
Sport Clubs, Gyms and Fitness Centres
There is a great selection of gyms and fitness centres in Finchley.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has a variety of facilities, including an 82-station state-of-the-art gym. A large range of fitness classes take place at the centre, and there is also a leisure pool with a wave machine and jets, as well as a 25m pool for more standard swimming, and an outdoor pool during the summer months.
Other gyms in the area include:
- Park View Health Clubs Finchley
- Pure Gym London Finchley
- David Lloyd Finchley
- FJ Gym
- Onyx Fitness
- Carlos Method Fitness
- Lean Body Training
Finchley Golf Club provides not only a stunning 18-hole golf course but also a delightful oasis. Crafted by the renowned Scottish golfer James Braid, the course meanders through picturesque parkland.
For those less inclined towards golf, Finchley Manor Tennis Squash & Health Club offers an enticing alternative. As one of the oldest tennis clubs globally, it boasts impressive amenities including ten tennis courts, four squash courts, a comprehensive gym, and a soothing sauna for unwinding after a match.
Green Spaces
Despite its urban location, Finchley is blessed with an abundance of green spaces and natural beauty. As well as the aforementioned Cherry Tree Wood and Long Lane Pasture, there is also Victoria Park and the Dollis Valley Greenwalk.
The surrounding countryside offers further opportunities for outdoor recreation, with scenic trails, nature reserves, and picturesque picnic spots waiting to be explored.
Cost of Living in Finchley
As a desirable London suburb, Finchley generally has higher living costs compared to some other areas, with expenses such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment slightly higher compared to other regions.
In the borough Barnet as a whole, you can expect to pay the following for everyday items:
- Regular milk (1 litre): £1.08
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): £1.23
- A dozen regular eggs: £3.33
- Chicken fillets 1kg: £7.62
- Apples (1kg): £2.36
- Bananas (1kg): £1.22
- Oranges (1kg): £2.60
- Basic utility bill in an 85m2 apartment (electricity, heating, water): £175.33
These are average costs at the time of writing from Numbeo. For more information on average daily costs, please look at Numbeo’s Barnet page.
Crime and Safety in Finchley
Finchley has a generally low crime rate, contributing to its reputation as a safe and welcoming community.
In the borough of Barnet as a whole, the overall crime rate in 2022 was 70 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the ten safest boroughs in London.
Pros and Cons of Living in Finchley
Like any area, Finchley has its pros and cons that prospective residents should consider.
Pros
- Excellent schools: Finchley boasts outstanding primary and secondary schools, making it an ideal location for families.
- Green spaces: The area features numerous parks and green areas, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
- Transportation links: Finchley offers easy access to central London via multiple Underground stations and bus routes.
- Diverse amenities: Residents enjoy a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, catering to various tastes and preferences.
- Strong sense of community: Finchley fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, with active neighbourhood associations and community events.
Cons
- Higher cost of living: The desirable location and amenities in Finchley may come with higher housing prices and living expenses compared to other areas.
- Limited nightlife: While there are some pubs and bars, Finchley may not offer as vibrant a nightlife scene as central London neighbourhoods.
- Traffic congestion: Like many London suburbs, traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours, particularly on main roads and around transport hubs.
- Limited parking: Finding parking can be challenging in some parts of Finchley, especially in densely populated residential areas.
- Noise pollution: Although generally quieter than central London, Finchley may still experience noise from traffic or nearby commercial areas.
Other Areas Where You Could Live in Barnet
While Finchley is undoubtedly one of the gems of Barnet, the borough offers a variety of other attractive residential areas worth considering. From the leafy suburbs of High Barnet and Whetstone to the bustling town centres of Edgware and Hendon, each area has its own unique character and appeal. Whether you’re drawn to historic charm, suburban tranquillity, or vibrant urban living, Barnet has something to suit every lifestyle and preference.
Are You Thinking of Moving to Finchley?
Finchley offers its residents a fantastic standard of living. Its blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity, make it a highly sought-after area for families, professionals, and individuals alike. With its excellent schools, diverse culinary scene, and abundance of green spaces, Finchley provides residents with a high quality of life.
If you are thinking of moving to Finchley, please get in touch with our Finchley estate agents. We can help to make your move to Finchley a reality. We also offer services to sellers and landlords in the area.
