Living in Holloway

Holloway runs along the Holloway Road, part of the main A1 route north out of London, and its character is shaped by that busy, noisy road. The stretch around the Nag's Head junction is a large shopping area with chains, discount stores, a market and a wide range of cafés and restaurants, while the university buildings of London Metropolitan University line the southern end.

The area sits between some of north London's most sought-after neighbourhoods — Highbury, Tufnell Park and Islington — and shares their Victorian terraced streets in its quieter parts, especially towards Highbury and Tufnell Park. It also contains large council estates, student housing and newer blocks, among them the redevelopment of the former Holloway Prison site into homes and a park.

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is a short walk away, and on match days the streets, pubs and stations fill with fans. Green space is limited: the nearest large spaces are Highbury Fields, Caledonian Park and, further north, Hampstead Heath and Parkland Walk.

Holloway Road station, on the Piccadilly line, reaches King's Cross in a few minutes and the West End soon after, and Caledonian Road and Arsenal stations are close by. Highbury & Islington, at the southern end of the Holloway Road, adds the Victoria line and Overground, and Upper Holloway has Overground trains east and west. Rents are generally below those in Islington, Highbury or Tufnell Park, making the area popular with students, young professionals and sharers. Holloway suits people who want central north London transport and lower rents, and who do not mind a busy, unglamorous main road and uneven streets.