Finchley sits in a prime location of North London, close enough to central London to offer a smooth commute, while far enough away to enjoy its own identity and easy access to the countryside.
With stunning homes and a slower pace of life, Finchley has become a sought-after destination among those making the exodus from central London. Young families have been moving out of the city and into the suburbs in recent years to escape rising prices, and they find a haven in Finchley.
Outstanding Transport Links
Harry Beck, architect of the underground Tube map, lived in Finchley. No surprise, then, that the area has some of the strongest underground connections in London, served by four stations on the Northern Line. The Northern Line service to Finchley is quick, putting you into the heart of London in under 30 minutes, and reliable, with line closures and signal failures comparatively rare.
Finchley also has an extensive bus network and is within easy reach of the M1, which connects the area to the Midlands and the North.
Access to Schools
The popularity and strong performance of Finchley’s schools have contributed to it becoming a top choice among young families. The district has 17 primary schools to choose from, including Manorside, Our Lady of Lourdes, St Mary’s CofE and Moss Hall, which all received ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted. There are also six secondary schools in the area, as well as Oak Lodge School, which offers learning opportunities to SEN students.
It Has Plenty of Green Spaces
Finchley started out as a small woodland community in the 11th century. Today, it has a reputation as one of London’s leafiest areas, offering plenty of places to enjoy a stroll and take in the British Spring and Summer time. Stephens House and Gardens, Victoria Park, Highgate Wood, Coldfall Woods, and Cherry Tree Wood are some of the local favourites.
It is a Foodie Haven
Finchley is one of London’s often overlooked culinary treats. Greek, Thai, and Italian restaurants sit alongside Indian vegetarian eateries, and casual Vietnamese hangouts. Try Nahling, Rani, and Bufi for a culinary trip around the world without leaving the streets of Finchley.
Pub Culture
While it may not have a reputation for decadence, if quiet pints with good company is more your thing, then Finchley is for you. The area has a thriving pub culture and comes into its own on hot days when people flock to the beer gardens. The Bald Face Stag and The Clissold Arms both have open beer gardens to enjoy the sunshine. The Bohemia is also a Finchley hotspot, with a Sunday roast that hits the spot, an onsite brewery, and friendly staff.
Phoenix Cinema
Phoenix Cinema is the oldest, longest running independent cinema in the UK, and one of Finchley’s gems. With special events like Q and A sessions and classic film screenings, film lovers from across London frequent the Phoenix for their film fixes. For blockbusters, there is also the Everyman and Vue.
You Feel Like a Local
Despite sitting in one of the world’s busiest cities, Finchley offers residents something different. The slower pace of life, coupled with plenty of small grocery shops, gives the area a more rural feel than most of London’s suburbs. You feel like you can pop out for a pint and bump into someone you may know, a feeling that is often lost in London’s sprawling metropolis.