Which is best for commuters? Finchley vs Borehamwood
The South Hertfordshire town of Borehamwood, most famous for its film and television studios, is outside of London but is still only 25 minutes from King’s Cross St Pancras by train. Quiet residential streets with a strong community feel combine with a bustling town centre offering a full range of shops and amenities.
Finchley is a wide and varied district of North London, with three underground stations in Zone 4 and one in Zone 3. It has a strong community and a broad range of properties from different eras and in different styles, from the Victorian and Edwardian terraces of Central Finchley to the 1930s detached and semi-detached houses in the west.
Transport connections
Elstree & Borehamwood railway station is on the Midland Mainline in Travelcard Zone 6 and provides frequent services to St Pancras and Blackfriars, as well as Wimbledon and Sutton. There are also easy rail connections to St Albans, Luton (including Luton Airport Parkway), Gatwick Airport and Brighton.
Borehamwood is five minutes from the M25 and close to the A1, while the Hertfordshire countryside is just a short drive away. It is also on the 107 bus route from New Barnet to Edgware and the 292 into West London.
The High Barnet branch of the Northern Line runs through Finchley and can be picked up at Woodside Park, West Finchley, Finchley Central or East Finchley. Euston is 15 to 21 minutes away, depending on which station you use. There are frequent buses into North London and the West End, including two night buses, the N13 to Aldwych and the N20 to Trafalgar Square.
Drivers can also enjoy easy access to the North Circular and the M1.
Properties
Borehamwood is growing but is still noticeably more affordable than North London. New-build apartments and starter properties sit alongside mid-century semis with period features, such as wide bay windows and Victorian terraces.
Finchley's capacious leafy streets are home to many picturesque properties, from Hampstead Garden Suburb to the 1930s terraces of West Finchley. Desirable high-rise flats sit cheek by jowl with multi-million-pound mansions in East Finchley, while North Finchley offers a range of 19th century detached houses and modern developments, such as the luxury apartments of Imperial Square.
Amenities
Both Borehamwood and Finchley have excellent infant, primary and secondary schools as well as a mix of local shops and national retail outlets. Borehamwood is close to Aldenham Country Park and has its own theatre, cinema, several gyms and a swimming pool, plus cafés, restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.
Finchley's eclectic selection of eateries caters to all tastes and requirements, and there are many excellent bars and gastropubs. The Phoenix Cinema and the Artsdepot community centre, which incorporates a theatre and gallery, provide culture and entertainment. Finchley Lido and several nearby golf clubs are great for staying healthy.
Conclusion
Both Finchley and Borehamwood are brilliant choices for commuters, providing affordable alternatives to inner-city living. Of the two, Finchley offers a more diverse and vibrant environment, combining the advantages of the suburbs with the sophistication and convenience of the London lifestyle, while Borehamwood has a quieter community feel and has great access to the countryside as well as the city.
If you would like to know more information about Finchley and Borehamwood, you can read our Finchley area guide and Borehamwood area guide.