Curious about moving to Enfield? This North London borough offers affordable housing, excellent transport links, quality schools, and lots of green space. Discover the top reasons to move to Enfield and see if it’s the right place for you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone seeking a vibrant community with a blend of urban conveniences and suburban charm, Enfield has something to offer everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Enfield offers affordable housing options, including shared ownership schemes and various rent assistance programs, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers and families.
- The area’s excellent transport links, including the Piccadilly line and major roads like the North Circular Road and M25, provide seamless access to central London and other parts of the city.
- Enfield boasts numerous high-quality educational institutions rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, catering to the diverse needs of children and ensuring a strong academic foundation.
Affordable House Prices
One of the most appealing aspects of Enfield is its affordability compared to the rest of London. Enfield is known for its variety of housing options, from charming Victorian townhouses to modern apartments, making it an attractive choice for both first-time buyers and families. The average house prices in Enfield are below the London average, providing excellent value for money.
Specific areas like Palmers Green offer a mix of period properties and modern developments, catering to different tastes and preferences. Additionally, Enfield provides various affordable housing options, including social housing and intermediate housing. Social housing offers low-cost rented homes for low-income households, while intermediate housing caters to those needing housing above social rent but below market levels.
Shared ownership schemes in Enfield enable individuals to buy a share of a home from as little as 25%, ideal for those looking to step onto the property ladder. The area also offers the London Living Rent and Discount Market Rent schemes, aiming to assist households in saving and transitioning to homeownership. With such a diverse range of affordable housing options, Enfield truly stands out as a cost-effective place to live.
Excellent Transport Links
Enfield’s excellent transport links make it a commuter’s paradise. The area is well-served by the Piccadilly line, with stations at Arnos Grove, Southgate, Oakwood, and Cockfosters, providing seamless access to central London. Enfield Town railway station, also known as Enfield Town Station, and Bush Hill Park railway station offer convenient Overground and National Rail services, ensuring easy access to various parts of the city.
Major roads like the North Circular Road and the M25 run through Enfield, offering excellent connectivity for those who prefer driving. Whether you’re heading to Liverpool Street for work or exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Crouch End or Muswell Hill, Enfield’s transport links ensure you can easily reach your destination without hassle.
Enfield’s excellent public transport accessibility strikes the perfect balance between the bustle of city life and suburban tranquillity, appealing to those who value such convenience. With good transport links, moving to Enfield ensures you’re never far from the action in central London while enjoying the peace and charm of North London.
Quality Education
Enfield meets the vital expectations of families regarding education. The area boasts numerous ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ rated schools, ensuring a high-quality education for children. Highlands School, catering to students aged 11-18, is one such institution with an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.
Primary schools such as Eversley Primary School, One Degree Academy, and Grange Park Prep have also received ‘outstanding’ ratings, providing excellent education from a young age. St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls in nearby Palmers Green is another top-rated option, known for its academic excellence and supportive environment.
Enfield also offers specialised education through institutions like Waverley School, which provides outstanding special education for children aged 3-19. The area’s diverse high-quality educational institutions, both mainstream and specialised, guarantee excellent opportunities for every child.
Abundant Green Space
Enfield is a haven for nature lovers, with two-thirds of its area dedicated to open spaces. This abundance of green space offers residents a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Notable parks in Enfield include Grovelands Park and Trent Park, both providing beautiful settings for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
Lee Valley Regional Park, London’s largest open space, spans over 10,000 acres and stretches 26 miles along the River Lee. This vast park offers a variety of sports and leisure activities, including ice skating, horse riding, and canoeing. Myddelton House Gardens, part of the Lee Valley, tells the fascinating story of Edward Augustus Bowles, a renowned self-taught gardener and botanist.
Enfield’s abundant green spaces and parks create an ideal environment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring historic gardens or enjoying a day out in the park, Enfield’s green spaces provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Diverse Dining Options
Food enthusiasts will find themselves at home in Enfield, thanks to its diverse range of dining options. From international street food to elegant cafes, Enfield offers a culinary adventure to suit all tastes. The vibrant Enfield Market features an open-air food court that sells international street food daily, providing a variety of flavours from around the world.
The vibrant Enfield Market features an open-air food court that sells international street food daily …
Palmers Green is known for its bustling café culture, offering numerous eateries where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or a quick coffee. Winchmore Hill also boasts a variety of dining spots, ranging from traditional pubs to trendy restaurants, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
From Italian restaurants to popular cafés, Enfield’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. The area’s diverse dining options make it a food lover’s paradise, with something to satisfy every craving.
Vibrant Culture and History
Enfield’s rich culture and history are evident in its historic sites, arts centres, and community initiatives. The scenic Forty Hall and its surrounding gardens are a staple of the area, offering a glimpse into Enfield’s historical charm. Enfield Market, with its vibrant atmosphere, has a history dating back to a charter from 1303, adding a touch of historic allure to the shopping experience.
Cultural hubs like the Pavilion on the Green in Edmonton, co-designed by the community and architect Fisher Cheng, feature summer programs of arts, culture, and workshops, including the Untold Edmonton Festival. Enfield Council’s cultural initiatives, such as the refurbished Dugdale Arts Centre and the Living Room Library, further enrich the area’s cultural landscape.
Enfield Council’s future plans, including the development of Devonshire Square into a permanent cultural and community hub, illustrate their dedication to creating a vibrant and engaging environment for residents. Enfield’s blend of history, arts, and community initiatives provides a rich cultural experience for all who live here.
Shopping and Amenities
Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Enfield. The town centre features a range of high-street shops, independent boutiques, and eateries, ensuring a varied shopping experience. Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, anchored by major retailers such as M&S and Waitrose, offers a convenient and comprehensive shopping destination.
Palace Exchange, an open-air shopping centre, features 25 retail units, including popular stores like Next, TK Maxx, and H&M, providing a diverse array of shopping options. Additionally, Enfield Town Centre, often considered the city centre, is home to a variety of dining options, making it a perfect spot for a day out at town shopping centres and dining.
Enfield’s shopping amenities, a mix of high street retailers, independent boutiques, and diverse dining options, cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re running errands or enjoying a leisurely shopping trip, Enfield has it all.
Active Lifestyle Opportunities
Enfield promotes an active lifestyle with a range of sports and recreational facilities. Southbury Leisure Centre is a key facility in the area, featuring two swimming pools, including a 25m pool and a teaching pool. The gym offers a variety of cardiovascular and resistance machines, free weights, and stretch areas, catering to all fitness levels.
Dedicated studios with semi-sprung floors and air conditioning host numerous weekly classes, from yoga to high-intensity interval training, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The sports hall accommodates activities like basketball, badminton, and table tennis, while children can enjoy soft play zones with ball pools, crash mats, and obstacle courses.
The sauna is the perfect spot for recovery and relaxation after a workout. Enfield’s focus on promoting an active lifestyle ensures that residents have ample opportunities to stay fit and healthy.
Safety and Community
Enfield, ranking among the top 20 safest boroughs in London, is a choice location considering safety as a key factor. The area has dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Teams working to keep crime levels average, ensuring a secure environment for residents. Despite a slightly higher overall crime rate compared to London, Enfield remains a safe area with a strong community spirit.
Specific areas like Palmers Green are known for their strong sense of community, making them ideal for families. While vehicle crimes have been reported in Palmers Green, the overall safety and community-oriented atmosphere make it a desirable place to live.
Enfield’s commitment to safety and fostering a strong community ensures that residents can enjoy a secure and welcoming environment. The presence of good schools and an active local council further enhances the sense of community and belonging.
Proximity to Nature and Recreation
Enfield’s proximity to nature and recreational areas, such as Mill Hill County, offers residents easy access to picturesque countryside and outdoor activities. The Merryhills Way is a popular public right of way that provides easy access to high-quality countryside, perfect for long walks and nature exploration. Enfield Chase offers urban views from public footpaths like the London Loop, creating a beautiful blend of urban and rural landscapes.
The area’s extensive green spaces, such as Trent Park, Grange Park, and the town park within Lee Valley Regional Park, provide a wide range of recreational activities, from horse riding to fishing. These parks and open spaces offer residents a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
FUN FACT
Enfield, with its easy access to green spaces and recreational areas, is an idyllic location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The combination of urban convenience and natural beauty makes Enfield a unique and desirable place to live.
Summary
Enfield stands out as a vibrant, affordable, and community-oriented area in North London. With its affordable house prices, excellent transport links, quality education, abundant green spaces, diverse dining options, rich culture and history, shopping amenities, active lifestyle opportunities, and safety, Enfield offers a high quality of life for all its residents. Moving to Enfield means embracing a balanced lifestyle that caters to every need, making it the ultimate place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Enfield an affordable place to live?
Enfield is an affordable place to live due to its variety of housing options, such as social and intermediate housing schemes, shared ownership, and affordable house prices below the London average.
How is the transport connectivity in Enfield?
Enfield has excellent transport links, including access to the Piccadilly line, Overground, National Rail services, and major roads like the North Circular and M25, providing convenient connectivity.
Are there good schools in Enfield?
Yes, there are numerous good and outstanding-rated schools in Enfield, including Highlands School, Eversley Primary School, and St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls.
What recreational activities are available in Enfield?
In Enfield, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including exploring green spaces like Trent Park and taking advantage of sports facilities such as Southbury Leisure Centre.
Is Enfield a safe place to live?
Yes, Enfield is considered one of the top 20 safest boroughs in London, with dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Teams ensuring a secure environment for residents. It is a safe place to live.
