Living in Finchley

About Finchley

The area is a well-positioned neighbourhood offering easy access to picturesque woodlands and excellent transport links, including the M1 and fast connections to central London. The area attracts a diverse mix of residents, from families and young professionals to singles and creatives, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and varied housing options. Finchley also has a strong Jewish community, with several synagogues and a cultural centre contributing to the area's heritage. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, Finchley offers something for everyone.

Fact file

• Finchley was Margaret Thatcher’s parliamentary constituency between 1959 and 1992.
• Historically, St Pancras and Islington Cemetery is one of London's most important burial grounds. Its mix of old and new graves also makes it one of the most charming, with several parts being Grade II listed.
• Draughtsman Harry Beck, who came up with the original version of the iconic Tube map in 1931, lived in Finchley. A copy of which can be found alongside a plaque on the southbound platform of Finchley Central Tube station.

Architecture and property 

Finchley offers a remarkably diverse property landscape, showcasing a wide range of architectural styles. From the grand homes of Hampstead Garden Suburb to the modest terraces of West Finchley, the area caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. The Bishop’s Avenue is lined with multi-million-pound mansions, while just around the corner, Prospect Ring features three striking 11-storey blocks of flats.

Central Finchley is known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses, while charming 1920s and 1930s properties dominate West Finchley. Whether you're looking to rent, buy, or settle into your forever home, Finchley offers something for everyone.

Going out

Finchley offers a wide variety of things to do from food to culture and leisure being well covered. From global cuisine to local favourites, there’s something for every taste. Greek restaurant Genzo is regularly named one of the best in the area, while classic pubs like The Old White Lion and The Bald Faced Stag are popular with locals for their relaxed atmosphere and modern pub food.

Artsdepot is a vibrant community arts centre featuring theatre spaces, dance and drama studios, a gallery and a cafe. JW3 is a leading Jewish cultural hub, offering a packed programme of film screenings, exhibitions, performances and plenty more. For film lovers, the Phoenix Cinema, one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, screens a mix of new releases, classics and arthouse films.

Local amenities

Shopping is easy along High Road and Ballards Lane, with locally owned boutiques, specialist food stores and supermarkets including Waitrose, Aldi and Sainsbury’s. For more extensive retail therapy, Brent Cross Shopping Centre is just a 10-minute drive away.

Finchley’s location on the northern edge of London also provides access to several golf clubs, including Mill Hill Golf Club and Metro Golf Centre. Finchley Golf Club is a standout, known for having one of the trickiest courses in the capital. The area also boasts a range of fitness options, from David Lloyd and Finchley Lido Leisure Centre - with swimming pools, a sauna and dance studios, to excellent yoga spaces like The Iyengar Yoga Studio.

Green spaces

While Finchley maintains an urban feel, it’s surrounded by green spaces perfect for outdoor escapes. Locally, Finchley features smaller parks like Coldfall Woods, Cherry Tree Wood and Woodside Park. Victoria Park is a family favourite with play areas and a cafe, while Friary Park offers quiet gardens and open lawns, often used for the annual summer show. Just outside Finchley, Mill Hill Park offers excellent sports and recreational facilities, while Highgate Wood and Kenwood House nearby provide peaceful and scenic walks.