Moving to Enfield: Area Guide
One of London’s most northern boroughs, Enfield is developing fast as a result of numerous regeneration projects.
It’s an up and coming area that’s perfect for families, retired couples and first-time buyers, much-loved by locals for its green fields and peaceful surroundings.
Offering some of the cheapest rental and purchase prices in the city, Enfield is below the London average, one of the many reasons why it’s becoming a favourite location for renters.
If you’re thinking of moving to Enfield, we’ve put together this guide with all you need to know.
Where is Enfield?
Enfield is a market town in Greater London, situated in the London Borough of Enfield and bordered by Barnet, Haringey, Hatfield, Waltham Forest and Epping Forest. It’s one of the 35 major centres in Greater London.
A brief history of Enfield
Enfield’s name originates from the Anglo-Saxon Eanafeld, meaning ‘open land belonging to a man called Eana’ or ‘open land for lambs’.
Enfield was originally a set of settlements united by one church and a farmers’ market.
By 1572, many streets were built, connecting Enfield to other locations and allowing the its market to flourish as the heart of the town.
After a period of decline, trading resumed in the 1870s and in 1904 a new wooden structure was built to replace the market’s stone cross.
Enfield is famous for being the location of a number of crucial inventions, including the first hothouses and the first cash machine.
An in-depth look at Enfield
Who lives there?
Enfield is a favourite spot for families and first-time buyers, thanks to its budget-friendly properties, wide variety of restaurants and good transport links to central London.
Types of property in Enfield
Enfield town centre recently underwent major redevelopment work, completed in 2006. In the summer of 2011, a new apartment block was built on the Burleigh way, and others are still under construction.
If you’re planning on moving to Enfield, you can expect to pay in the region of £900 to £1,100 per month for a one-bedroom flat, and £1,200 to £1,400 per month for a two-bedroom house.
Properties with three or more bedrooms usually enter the market from £1,500 and can reach £2,000 per month for a five-bedroom house.
Enfield transport
Enfield Town station is well connected to Liverpool Street, with National Rail and London Overground services that take you into central London in about half an hour.
A large variety of bus routes connect Enfield to London and nearby underground stations including Oakwood and Cockfosters (both on the Piccadilly line).
Restaurants and shopping
You’ll find a great variety of artisan shops and family-run restaurants in Enfield, as well as two different shopping centres.
Aksular Enfield Town
This popular restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Turkish dishes, fresh salads and kebabs. It also offers a great vegetarian menu. Sit back and enjoy Aksular’s relaxed and friendly ambience.
Crown and Horseshoes
This family-run, riverside pub is equipped with an attractive beer garden for a summer’s evening drink. Crown and Horseshoes serves great traditional pub food, with plenty of space for drop-ins and great service for celebrations and special occasions.
Nissi Restaurant
Nissi is a contemporary Greek restaurant, specialising in its homemade mezedes. Their delicious food is made with the freshest local ingredients, sourced daily from the fish market and local butcher. The menu offers a taste of the Cypriot cuisine, including chargrilled meat, seafood, meze plates and plenty of vegetarian options.
Wildes Cheese
Wildes Cheese is an award-winning, independent cheese maker. Pop in and taste a wide range of artisan handmade cheeses or try out a cheese-making class.
Palace Exchange Shopping Centre
Don’t miss this popular retail centre, right at the heart of Enfield. The Palace Exchange Shopping Centre offers a wide range of shops to satisfy all your retail needs, with brands including Argos, Boots, M&S and Office, as well as Clarks, H&M, Topshop and Monsoon.
Pearsons Department Store
For a selection of higher-end brands, make sure to pay a visit to Pearsons Department Store, selling everything from fashion and beauty to furniture. The store is much-loved for its skylight restaurant where you can relax and recharge from your busy day of shopping.
Art in Enfield
Enfield’s parish church, located on the north side of the marketplace, is a great example of local architecture. Dedicated to St Andrew, the church features masonry surviving from the 13th century, and a nave, north aisle, choir and tower dating from the late 14th century. Avid history and architecture fans should also check out nearby Enfield Grammar School, a surviving Tudor building.
Socialising in Enfield
Two-thirds of Enfield is made up of open spaces, including parkland, farms and fields, perfect for BBQs and picnics in summer.
- Taste international street food in Enfield Market, open from Wednesday to Friday
- Try the high rope course at Go Ape
- Get your sweat on at Go Jumping trampoline park
- Watch a musical at Chicken Shed Theatre
- Attend a live music performance at Millfield Arts Centre
- Participate in a garden event at the Forty Hall manor house
- Learn about the history of transport at Whitewebbs Museum of Transport
Moving to Enfield
As a beautiful and community-spirited area of London, Enfield has a lot to offer in terms of leisure, food and nature.
If you’re keen on moving somewhere quiet but well connected to central London, it’s time to find a home in Enfield.
