020 8077 8968Barnet is one of the outer London boroughs and with a population of nearly 332,000 people, it is also among the largest. Thanks to its abundance of green spaces and parks, this part of the English capital has a special appeal. However, given that many of the borough’s districts rank among the most expensive ones in London, Barnet attracts a large number of affluent individuals and families.
Structure and character of the borough
The London Borough of Barnet occupies a territory of almost 87 sq. km and it is located in North London. It consists of 37 districts which are organized into 21 electoral wards. Barnet borders with five different London boroughs, which include Enfield, Camden, Haringey, Brent, as well as Harrow. To its north, on the other hand, is situated the county of Hertfordshire.
One of the first things people notice when they first visit Barnet is that it is an incredibly green part of London. There are more than 200 parks in the borough and nearly one-third of its territory is undeveloped. The fresh air, low crime rates and outstanding schools in Barnet make it a top choice for first-time house buyers. Unfortunately for most of them, living in this lush borough is practically impossible as home prices in many of its districts are high even for a pricy city like the UK capital. Most of the more affluent areas in Barnet are located in its northern part. Real estate prices in East Barnet EN4 for example, can reach up to nearly £1 million. Similar is the case in Chipping Barnet EN5 – a district that enjoys the attention of many celebrities, including Cheryl Cole and Emma Bunton. Certainly, the rich and famous enjoy the many upmarket spots that EN5 has to offer them, as well as the area’s peaceful atmosphere.
The other face of Barnet
The London Borough of Barnet is not reserved only for the most affluent of Londoners. Unlike its northern districts, those in the south are much more affordable. That is probably why they are also the most densely populated as well. Although Cockfosters EN4 is among the cheapest of them, it also has an impressive number of parks, various modern facilities and it is well-connected to the rest of the English capital. Nevertheless, unlike the borough’s northern districts, those located in its southern part are developed and highly urbanized. It is believed that this difference has to do with the Midway Railway which is set in Barnet’s western side. Areas like Cricklewood NW2 and Colindale NW9 both witnessed a rapid urban development in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, after the famous railway company moved to Barnet in 1881.
Yet, there are also districts like Childs Hill NW2 that can be ranked neither among Barnet’s rich areas, nor among its poorer parts, since they are a combination of the two. Although it was among the poorest London areas in the 1900s, with the years, Childs Hill’s southern part was recently added on the map of the UK capital’s luxury real estate market. Nevertheless, prices all over the borough seem to be rising. Not long ago, the average home price in East Finchley N2 crossed the £500,000 market and it is not closer to £550,000.
Things to do in the borough
As a place with a very diverse population, the borough of Barnet has a wide range of excellent dining options. No matter whether you are fan of Indian, Thai or Caribbean cuisine you will be able to find a restaurant that will match your own preferences, especially if you head to Edgware HA8. Kosher shops are another common sight in HA8 and other Barnet districts, since the number of the local Jewish population is among the highest not only in London, but also in the UK.
Taking a walk through Barnet’s lush parks is simply a must. Arkley EN5, NW7 is like a hub for nature reserves. Even though the district does not impress with its size, its territory includes seven nature conservation sites. If you prefer to go shopping, maybe you should head to Brent Cross NW2, NW4 and spend some money in the Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
The borough of Barnet is rich in tourist attractions and museums, the most notable of them is Royal Air Force Museum London, which is known as one of the world’s biggest museums dedicated to aviation.