Living in Haringey Area Guide

If you’re considering Haringey Borough in North London as your new home, this guide aims to provide a detailed overview to help you make an informed choice. From understanding the neighbourhoods to knowing the local amenities, schools, and employment opportunities, this guide covers all the essential aspects.

Living in Haringey offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The London Borough of Haringey is known for its diverse population, making it a hub of various cultures and traditions. One of the standout features of Haringey is its commitment to supporting its residents—whether you are young people looking for recreational activities or families looking for something to do.

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Neighbourhoods

Haringey Borough comprises several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a unique living experience. Understanding these areas will help you choose a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and needs.

When it comes to housing, Haringey offers a wide range of options from two-bedroom flats to larger family homes. Property prices are relatively affordable compared to other areas in London, making it a popular choice for both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade their living situation. The local council provides extensive housing support, ensuring that all residents have access to safe and comfortable living conditions.

Hornsey

Hornsey is a charming and family-friendly neighbourhood in North London, known for its peaceful atmosphere and close-knit community.

Housing: Hornsey offers a diverse range of housing options. You can find Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, many of which retain original features. New-build apartments and modern townhouses are also available, making it a versatile choice for families, professionals, and first-time buyers alike.
Attractions: Hornsey boasts a variety of attractions. The area has numerous independent shops, cafes, and local pubs. Priory Park is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation, featuring tennis courts, a playground, and a café. Nearby, the historic Hornsey Town Hall offers cultural events, performances, and community activities.
Community: The community in Hornsey is vibrant and welcoming. Regular local events, markets, and community groups help foster a strong sense of belonging among residents. The area’s family-friendly vibe is enhanced by good schools and numerous parks, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle down.

Highgate

Highgate is one of London’s most picturesque and affluent areas. Its village-like atmosphere is a major draw for families and professionals.

Housing: Highgate offers a mix of period properties, including Georgian and Victorian houses. Modern apartments are less common but do exist.
Attractions: Highgate village has an array of independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Highgate Cemetery, where notable figures like Karl Marx are buried, is a significant landmark.
Community: The area is known for its strong sense of community, with several local events and markets fostering neighbourly interaction.

Muswell Hill

Muswell Hill is known for its stunning views of the city and its Arts and Crafts-style housing.

Housing: You’ll find large, well-preserved Edwardian homes, perfect for families. There are also some modern flats and new developments.
Attractions: The Broadway offers a variety of dining options, from Italian bistros to Japanese sushi bars. The Everyman Cinema provides a boutique cinema experience.
Cultural Scene: Muswell Hill has a rich cultural life, with events like the Muswell Hill Festival and Alexandra Palace’s frequent concerts and exhibitions.

Crouch End

Crouch End is celebrated for its community spirit and family-friendly environment.

Housing: Victorian and Edwardian homes are prevalent, but contemporary flats are also available.
Attractions: The area boasts a selection of independent businesses, from bookshops to artisan bakeries. The Crouch End Picturehouse is popular among residents.
Community Activities: Numerous community events such as the Crouch End Festival and Farmers’ Market bring locals together.

Tottenham

Tottenham offers a more affordable living option and is currently undergoing significant regeneration.

Housing: Predominantly Victorian and Edwardian terraces are available, along with new-build apartments.
Attractions: Beyond football at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the area offers diverse restaurants, lively markets, and the Bernie Grant Arts Centre.
Regeneration: Major redevelopment projects are bringing new shops, homes, and community spaces, enhancing Tottenham’s appeal.

Wood Green

Wood Green is a bustling, multicultural area ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

Housing: The area offers a mix of Victorian terraces, 20th-century housing estates, and modern apartments.
Attractions: Wood Green Shopping City is a significant retail hub. The Green Rooms, an arts hotel and creative space, is also noteworthy.
Entertainment: The Chocolate Factory hosts artists and craftsmen, fostering a creative community. The Mall hosts occasional events and exhibits.

Shopping

Wood Green Shopping Mall

Wood Green Shopping Mall is a major retail centre in Haringey. It is home to high street brands such as H&M, Primark, and Boots, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for all your fashion, beauty, and household needs. The mall also boasts a food court with various dining options, as well as a cinema, providing a perfect day-out destination for retail therapy and entertainment.

Crouch End Broadway

Crouch End Broadway offers a more boutique shopping experience. You’ll find an array of independent shops, organic food stores, and craft shops. This area is ideal for those seeking unique purchases and specialised items. From artisanal bakeries to bespoke clothing stores, Crouch End Broadway provides a charming contrast to the larger shopping centres.

Muswell Hill Broadway

Another notable shopping area is Muswell Hill Broadway. It features a mixture of high-street names and independent shops. The Farmers’ Market held on Sundays offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and gourmet food items, supporting local producers and artisans.

Stroud Green Road

In the Finsbury Park area, Stroud Green Road is known for its eclectic mix of shops, from global groceries to quirky bookshops and vintage boutiques. This area brings a slice of the world to your doorstep.

Food and Drink

Restaurants

The Salisbury, Harringay: This traditional British pub offers a homely atmosphere paired with classic British dishes. Ideal for Sunday roasts and hearty meals.
The Haberdashery, Crouch End: Perfect for vegan and vegetarian delights. The café is a community favourite for breakfast and brunch with a twist.
The Bull & Last, Highgate: This high-end gastropub serves up exquisite British cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to these, Haringey boasts various international cuisine options. Whether you’re craving Italian pasta at Melange in Crouch End or authentic Turkish kebabs at Gökyüzü in Harringay, the diversity is impressive.

Takeaways

There’s no shortage of takeaway options in Haringey. From classic fish and chips at Fish Fish in Muswell Hill to trendy sushi bars like Midori in Hornsey, you’re spoilt for choice.

Cafes and Bakeries

Kiss the Hippo, Muswell Hill: A go-to spot for coffee lovers, serving specialty coffee and delightful pastries.
Blighty Cafe, Tottenham: Celebrated for its cosy atmosphere and hearty breakfasts, making it a popular weekend brunch destination.

Local Pubs

The Flask, Highgate: This historic pub offers a warm ambiance, excellent ales, and a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
The King’s Head, Crouch End: Known for its vibrant live comedy and music performances, providing an excellent spot for socialising.
The Beehive, Tottenham: A lively local pub that frequently hosts quiz nights, live music, and community events.

Cultural Spots

The Green Rooms, Wood Green

This arts hotel and creative space hosts a variety of events including art exhibitions, theatre performances, and workshops. It’s a hub for creatives and offers excellent networking opportunities.

Jacksons Lane, Highgate

A leading arts and theatre venue, Jacksons Lane offers a range of performances from circus acts to theatre productions. They also provide community arts programmes and classes for all ages.

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Tottenham

Named after the late MP Bernie Grant, this centre is a beacon for cultural diversity. It regularly showcases theatre, film, music, and dance performances, alongside workshops and community events.

Fitness and Recreation

Leisure Centres

Park Road Pools and Fitness, Crouch End: A comprehensive facility offering swimming pools, a gym, and fitness classes.
Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness: Features a modern gym, multiple pools, and a wide variety of fitness programmes.

Yoga and Pilates Studios

Triyoga, Muswell Hill: Offers a broad range of yoga styles and pilates classes suitable for all levels.
Yoga Junction, Crouch End: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and experienced instructors.

Socialising and Things to Do

Haringey offers a myriad of options to keep residents entertained, from outdoor activities to vibrant nightlife.

Outdoor Activities

Alexandra Palace: Known locally as Ally Pally, it boasts an ice-skating rink, boating lake, and panoramic views of London. It frequently hosts concerts, exhibitions, and farmers’ markets.
Finsbury Park: This expansive park offers tennis courts, a reservoir for boating, and open spaces for picnics and sports. Finsbury Park also hosts music festivals like Wireless.

Arts and Culture

Jacksons Lane: Situated in Highgate, this arts centre offers theatre, dance, and circus performances. It also provides workshops and classes.
Bernie Grant Arts Centre: Located in Tottenham, this venue showcases diverse cultural events, including theatre, dance, and film screenings.
Alexandra Palace Theatre: This historic theatre offers a range of performances from plays to live music.

Nightlife

Bars and Clubs: Wood Green offers lively bars like The Goodness Brewery. Crouch End’s The Good Mixer is a popular choice for live music and craft beers.
Pubs: Traditional pubs like The Harringay Arms in Crouch End and The Prince in Wood Green remain local favourites for a relaxed evening out.

Health and Wellness

GP Clinics and Health Centres

Haringey is well-served by numerous GP clinics and health centres. Facilities such as The Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre provide comprehensive health services including GP consultations, nursing care, and specialist clinics.

Pharmacies

Major pharmacy chains like Boots and Superdrug are readily available, alongside independent pharmacies ensuring that medical supplies and advice are easily accessible.

Libraries and Community Centres

Haringey Libraries

Wood Green Central Library: Offers a vast collection of books, free internet access, and hosts community events and reading groups.
Hornsey Library: Recently renovated, it provides excellent facilities including study spaces, a local history archive, and various activities for children and adults.

Community Centres

Hornsey Vale Community Centre: Offers a wide range of classes, from fitness to arts and crafts, and hosts community events and private functions.
The Hub at Lordship Rec, Tottenham: A community building offering activities, workshops, and a café, set within the beautiful Lordship Recreation Ground.

With all these amenities, Haringey ensures that its residents have access to everything they need, contributing to a high quality of life in this vibrant borough.

Schools and Colleges

Education is a crucial consideration for first-time buyers with families. Haringey is home to some outstanding schools and colleges.

Primary Schools

St. Michael’s Primary School: Located in Highgate, known for its rigorous academic standards and extracurricular activities.
Coldfall Primary School: Situated in Muswell Hill, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Known for its inclusive environment and excellent facilities.

Secondary Schools

Alexandra Park School: Highly regarded, it offers a broad curriculum and a strong focus on technology.
Fortismere School: Known for its comprehensive approach, offering both academic excellence and emotional support programs. Excellent sports facilities and creative arts programs further bolster its reputation.

Colleges and Further Education

Haringey Sixth Form College: Offers a wide array of A-level courses, vocational training, and adult education programs.
CONEL (College of North East London): Provides an extensive range of courses from engineering to health and social care. The college has strong industry links, providing excellent opportunities for work placements.

Transport Links

Transport links in Haringey are excellent, with several key stations like Harringay Green Lanes and Turnpike Lane offering easy access to the rest of London. This makes it an ideal location for commuters who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more suburban setting.

Underground

Piccadilly Line: Stops at Wood Green and Turnpike Lane, offering quick access to Central London.
Victoria Line: Stops at Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale, ensuring rapid transit into the city centre.

Overground

Gospel Oak to Barking Line: Convenient for east-west travel, with stops at Harringay Green Lanes and Crouch Hill.
Great Northern Line: Stops at Finsbury Park, Alexandra Palace, and Bowes Park, providing easy access to both central London and Hertfordshire.
South West Line to Central Londo: Stop at tottenham and alexander palace.

Buses

Numerous bus routes traverse Haringey, connecting you to Central London, neighbouring boroughs, and beyond. Buses operate frequently, with some routes running 24/7.

Cycling

Haringey is becoming increasingly cycle-friendly, with dedicated paths and cycle lanes. The area is part of the London Cycle Network, promoting safe and convenient cycling.

Green Spaces and Parks

Haringey is particularly appealing for those seeking a place to live that combines urban convenience with suburban tranquillity. Take time to explore Haringey’s green spaces and parks such as Finsbury Park and Alexandra Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, the local community is incredibly active, often organising events and social gatherings that foster a sense of belonging.

Highgate Woods

A serene spot ideal for walking, running, or enjoying nature. The woods feature a playground, a café, and regular nature walks organised by local groups.

Priory Park

Located in Crouch End, this park offers tennis courts, an outdoor gym, and a café. It’s a fantastic spot for families, with well-maintained playgrounds and ample space for picnics.

Parkland Walk

This is London’s longest linear nature reserve, a disused railway line turned into a scenic walking and cycling path. It connects Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace and is rich in wildlife.

Employment Opportunities

Haringey provides a variety of employment opportunities, both within the borough and through convenient access to Central London.

Local Businesses

Retail: Numerous retail positions are available in the shopping districts, including management and customer service roles.
Cafes and Restaurants: There’s a steady demand for staff in the hospitality industry, offering roles from baristas to chefs and waiting staff.

Major Employers

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts: This institution provides jobs in education, administration, and facilities management.
Tottenham Hale Regeneration: This ongoing project is generating new positions in construction, retail, and community services.

Commuting to Central London

With efficient transport links, commuting to Central London for work is straightforward. The journey from Wood Green to King’s Cross on the Piccadilly Line takes approximately 15 minutes. This easy access opens up a vast array of job opportunities in the city centre.

Conclusion

Haringey is a fantastic place to call home. With its rich cultural diversity, excellent transport links, and strong community support, it offers a high quality of life for its residents. Whether you are a young professional, a family, or someone looking to enjoy retirement, Haringey has something to offer everyone. Its wide range of neighbourhoods, each with distinct characteristics, ensures that there is something for everyone. From excellent schools to beautiful green spaces, Haringey offers a balanced lifestyle.