Living in Finchley

Finchley is a large, suburban part of north London made up of several centres: Church End around Finchley Central station, East Finchley on the Northern line's High Barnet branch, and North Finchley further up the high road, with its arts centre and shops. Each has its own character, but together they feel settled, green and family-oriented.

Finchley Central lies on the High Barnet arm of the Northern line, with a short shuttle branch to Mill Hill East; trains reach Camden in around fifteen minutes and the City and West End in twenty-five to thirty. East Finchley station, with its famous archer statue on the roof, sits closer to Hampstead Garden Suburb and Highgate. Buses run along the main roads, and the North Circular crosses the area, bringing heavy traffic to its junctions.

Green space is abundant. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk follows the Dollis Brook through Finchley, and Avenue House's grounds, Victoria Park and several playing fields provide open space close to most homes. Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood are within easy reach to the south, and Coldfall Wood is near East Finchley.

Housing consists largely of interwar semi-detached houses, Edwardian and Victorian terraces and mansion blocks, many with gardens. The rental market includes flats in converted houses and purpose-built blocks, as well as family houses, and the area's schools make it popular with families. Finchley has a large Jewish community, and many shops, synagogues and bakeries reflect that. Evenings are quiet, with pubs, restaurants and a cinema but little nightlife. Finchley suits families and people who want more space and calm for their rent, and who can accept a longer tube journey into central London.