Moving to Highgate: Area Guide
Highgate is just five miles from central London. Yet, step foot into the North London neighbourhood, and it will feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle that the capital has become well renowned for.
The area is known as Highgate Village for a good reason. This charming part of London offers plenty of village vibes with its quiet streets, quaint cafes, pubs, and local shops. It’s a hit with celebrities, too. Jude Law, Kate Moss and Jamie Oliver have called the N6 postcode their home at some point.
If you’re thinking of moving to Highgate, expect to find an elegant neighbourhood that is neatly tucked away, while still providing excellent transports links that include a tube station with direct links to central London and the City.
Highgate offers open spaces galore, pretty period homes and a strong sense of community.
Where is Highgate?
Highgate is located on the northeastern corner of Hampstead and is around five miles from Charing Cross. It’s one of London’s more affluent suburbs and includes Muswell Hill, Archway and Hornsey as its neighbouring postcodes.
A brief history of Highgate
Highgate takes its name from the hunting grounds of the Bishop of London’s estate, where there were high, deer-proof hedges known as “the gate in the hedge.” The bishop was believed to keep a toll-house, and a number of pubs cropped up along the route. Some of which remain to this day.
Centuries’ later notorious highwayman Dick Turpin became well associated with the area, and he reportedly frequented the Flask pub, another watering hole that still stands today.
Highgate hasn’t always been its own neighbourhood: the north area of the High Street and Hampstead Lane was initially part of Hornsey parish. `
The N6 postcode is the route of Europe’s first-ever cable car. It operated between 1884 and 1909. During World War II, Highgate was heavily bombed, and the tube station acted as a shelter from enemy plane attacks.
An in-depth look at Highgate
Who lives in Highgate?
While celebs like Jude Law and Kate Moss add the glitz and glam, Highgate is also popular with many families thanks to its high-quality schools. Over the last decade, it has also become increasingly sought-after with renters who want to get away from London’s typical bustling streets. The average age in Highgate is 37.
Types of property in Highgate
There are a wealth of charming period properties in Highgate, many of which come from the Georgian and Edwardian era. Some of these have since been converted into apartments, though many remain as houses.
New developments are few and far between, with Canewood Court of Hampstead Lane representing some of the area’s newest housing. The Bishop’s Avenue, one of the most expensive streets in the UK, is just a short walk from Highgate. Unsurprisingly, not many of these properties are available to rent.
If you’re thinking of renting in Highgate, expect to pay around £1,450 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, £2,000 for a two-bedroom property and £3,200 for a three-bedroom home. Properties with four or more bedrooms market for prices between £6,000 and £30,000 per month.
Highgate transport
Highgate is well connected for a small village-like area, which only increases its appeal. A tube station on the Northern Line means residents can be in central London or the City in about 15 minutes. The only caveat is that the tube station is around a 10-minute walk from the main village area.
Several bus services go to Moorgate in East London, Tottenham Court Road and London Bridge. Highgate is connected to the A1, which is a major road out of London and into the north of England. Highgate is in Zone 3.
Restaurants and shops in Highgate
You’ll never be short of food options in Highgate, with the area boasting a mix of restaurants and gastropubs. There aren’t an abundance of shops, but the ones that do line the high street are mostly independently run.
The Flask
A staple of Highgate, The Flask has been going strong for centuries. Today, it’s a Fuller’s pub with an extensive range of ales and great pub grub. There’s a scenic outside space, which fills up quickly during the warmer months. In the past, The Flask has been a regular haunt for famous authors, playwrights and even rockstars.
The Angel Inn
A gastropub with bags of charm, The Angel Inn combines comfort and elegance. Set at the top of Highgate Village, the pub has a reputation for its scrumptious Sunday Roasts. There’s also traditional pub grub to tuck into, as well as a range of cask ales to sample.
Highgate Bookshop
Another favourite, the local bookshop in Highgate is a welcoming place to find the latest reads. There is a broad range of titles, such as travel, non-fiction and fiction. It’s a cosy spot with peaceful settings and, of course, great books.
Mary’s Living and Giving Shop
No ordinary charity shop, Mary’s is a chic boutique with a selection of pre-owned designer gear. Owner Mary Portas even made the news a few years ago when she gave an inspirational speech to locals as she opened Highgate’s snazziest fashion store.
Socialising in Highgate
Living in Highgate means you’ll have access to plenty of open spaces where you can go for a scenic stroll. The friendly and community-led atmosphere makes it a great place to go for a walk and discover cultural attractions.
Things to do and see if you’re renting in Camden
- Visit Highgate Woods
- Stroll around Highgate Village and admire the charming houses
- Go for a walk on Hampstead Heath
- See a show at Jacksons Lane Theatre
- Marvel at the 1800s-built Highgate Cemetery
- Explore the area’s blue plaques
- Go to Waterlow Park
- Have breakfast at the Pavilion Cafe
- Enjoy afternoon tea at High Tea of Highgate
Moving to Highgate
Highgate is packed with charm, which makes it a favourite with many renters. The N6 postcode offers the village life yet still has easy links into London’s major hubs. One minute you’ll be enjoying a country pub lunch; the next you’ll be in the heart of London. Highgate offers the best both worlds.
