Golders
Green. Local History.
And is it
a good area to raise a family?
What is
the cost of accommodation this year?
Golders
Green, London: History and Family-Friendliness
1. Historical
Overview
Golders Green
is an area in the London Borough of Barnet, known for its rich history and
cultural diversity. Historically, it was a part of Middlesex and developed
significantly with the arrival of the tube station in 1907, which spurred its
growth as a suburban residential area. It became notably cosmopolitan in the
early 20th century with a significant Jewish community, alongside other
immigrant populations, contributing to its diverse cultural fabric.
2. Family-Friendliness
Golders Green
is considered a good area to raise a family due to several factors:
- Education:
The area boasts a range of reputable schools, contributing to its appeal for
families.
- Green
Spaces: It offers numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Golders Hill
Park and the adjoining Hampstead Heath, providing ample outdoor recreational
opportunities for children and adults alike.
- Community
and Safety: It has a strong sense of community with relatively low crime
rates compared to more central areas of London.
- Amenities:
There are excellent local amenities including shops, cafes, restaurants, and
cultural facilities like the Golders Green Hippodrome.
3. Cost of
Accommodation
As of 2023,
the cost of accommodation in Golders Green can be considered relatively high,
reflective of its London location and the amenities it offers. Property prices
and rental costs tend to be above average for London:
- Buying:
Average house prices in Golders Green can range significantly but typically
start from around £500,000 for smaller properties like apartments, with larger
family homes going well into the millions.
- Renting:
Rental prices also vary; a one-bedroom apartment might cost between £1,200 to
£1,500 per month, while larger family homes could range from £2,500 to over
£4,000 per month depending on the size and exact location.
4. Conclusion
Golders Green
offers a vibrant, culturally rich environment with good schools, ample
amenities, and excellent green spaces, making it a desirable location for
families. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is on the higher
side, which is an important consideration for anyone planning to move there.
What is
the difference between Cricklewood and the Golders Green?
Cricklewood
and Golders Green: Comparing Two London Neighbourhoods
Both
Cricklewood and Golders Green are neighbourhoods within the London Borough of
Barnet, yet they have distinct characteristics and appeal.
1. Location
and Atmosphere
- Golders
Green: Located closer to central London than Cricklewood, Golders Green is
known for its vibrant Jewish community and cultural diversity. It has a
bustling atmosphere, particularly around the main shopping and dining areas
near the tube station. The area feels more cosmopolitan and has a more
established, affluent vibe.
- Cricklewood:
Situated to the west of Golders Green, Cricklewood has a more mixed urban feel
with a significant Irish and Polish community, among others. It is generally
considered more residential and less upscale than Golders Green. The area has
been undergoing regeneration, improving its appeal but maintaining a more
laid-back, less polished character compared to Golders Sreen.
2. Housing
and Cost of Living
- Golders
Green: Typically, property prices and rents in Golders Green are higher
than in Cricklewood. The area offers a range of housing options from large
detached houses to modern apartments, attracting middle to upper-class
residents.
- Cricklewood:
Housing here is often more affordable, offering good value especially for
larger properties. The area has a mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses along
with newer developments. This makes it attractive to a broader demographic,
including young professionals and families looking for more space at a lower
cost.
3. Amenities
and Transport
- Golders
Green: Well-known for its excellent amenities including a wide variety of
shops, restaurants, and cafes that reflect its diverse community. It also
boasts good schools and recreational facilities like Golders Hill Park.
Transport links are strong with the Golders Green tube station providing access
to the Northern Line.
- Cricklewood:
While it has essential local amenities and some nice local parks, it is
generally less well-served compared to Golders Green. However, it has good
transport links, with Cricklewood railway station offering services to central
London and other destinations, and several bus routes connecting to nearby
areas.
4. Community
and Lifestyle
- Golders
Green: The area's significant Jewish population influences local culture,
cuisine, and festivals, contributing to a unique community vibe. It’s a place
with a strong community feel, supported by various community centers and
synagogues.
- Cricklewood:
Has a more diverse, working-class atmosphere with a strong sense of community
spirit. It's seen as a more down-to-earth area where various cultural
communities interact more seamlessly.
5. Conclusion
Choosing
between Cricklewood and Golders Green largely depends on one's budget, desired
lifestyle, and community atmosphere. Golders Green offers a more upscale,
diverse environment with excellent amenities and transport links, suitable for
those looking for a vibrant, culturally rich area. Cricklewood, on the other
hand, may appeal more to those seeking a quieter, more affordable place to
live, with decent access to central London but a less polished day-to-day
environment. Both neighbourhoods provide unique benefits, making them
attractive to different types of residents.
Is there a neighbourhood in London, or neighbourhoods, that is known
for its French population?
South Kensington
Yes, the neighbourhood
of South Kensington in London is particularly well-known for its
substantial French population. This area, often referred to as the "French
Quarter," has a vibrant French community, largely due to the presence of
several French institutions. Here are some features that contribute to its
French character:
1. French
Institutions: South Kensington is home to the French Consulate, the French
Institute which includes a cinema, library, and French language school, and the
Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, a prominent French international school that
attracts many French families living in London.
2. Shops
and Cafés: The area boasts a variety of French shops, bakeries, and cafés
that cater to the French community. Places like La Cave à Fromage and Maison
Puget offer authentic French goods and cuisine.
3. Cultural
Activities: The French Institute frequently hosts cultural events,
including French film screenings, art exhibitions, and lectures, all of which
strengthen the French cultural presence in the area.
4. Community:
The concentration of French amenities and institutions has fostered a
tight-knit community, making it a preferred destination for French expatriates
in London.
This French
influence not only defines the character of South Kensington but also makes it
a cultural hub for French nationals and Francophiles in London.
Is
that the only French neighbourhood in London?
While South
Kensington is the most notable area with a concentrated French presence in
London, there are other areas where French expatriates tend to reside, though
these communities might be less visibly distinct compared to the "French
Quarter."
1. Marylebone:
This upscale neighbourhood in central London has a number of French boutiques,
bakeries, and bistros, reflecting a significant French presence. It is also
popular due to its central location and proximity to various cultural and
shopping destinations.
2. Chelsea:
Another affluent area that attracts French residents, Chelsea offers a
cosmopolitan lifestyle with its high-end shops, galleries, and restaurants.
It’s a popular choice for families, including many French expats, due to its
reputable schools and beautiful residential streets.
3. Fulham:
Close to Chelsea, Fulham is another area popular among French families,
particularly those with children attending the Lycée Français Charles de
Gaulle. It is known for its village-like feel, parks, and family-friendly
amenities.
4. Kentish
Town and Camden: These areas have become increasingly popular with younger
French professionals and families, drawn by relatively more affordable housing
compared to central London and vibrant local cultures.
These areas
do not have the same level of institutional French presence as South Kensington
but still attract a sizeable number of French expatriates due to their
amenities, lifestyle offerings, and sometimes, proximity to French schools or
cultural institutions. Each neighbourhood offers a unique blend of London charm
and French cultural influences, making them attractive to French residents.
Average
cost of three bedroom rental – house and apartment
Data
is for 2023.
|
Neighbourhood
|
Average Cost of 3-Bedroom House (per
month)
|
Average Cost of 3-Bedroom Apartment
(per month)
|
|
South Kensington
|
£5,500 - £8,000
|
£4,500 - £7,000
|
|
Marylebone
|
£4,000 - £6,500
|
£3,500 - £5,500
|
|
Chelsea
|
£5,000 - £7,500
|
£4,000 - £6,000
|
|
Fulham
|
£3,000 - £4,500
|
£2,500 - £4,000
|
|
Kentish Town
|
£2,500 - £3,500
|
£2,000 - £3,000
|
|
Camden
|
£3,000 - £4,500
|
£2,500 - £4,000
|
|
Golders Green
|
£2,500 - £4,000
|
£1,800 - £3,500
|
|
Cricklewood
|
£2,000 - £3,000
|
£1,500 - £2,500
|
