£ GBP
Sign in

Living in Southgate

Southgate blends neighbourhood calm with a vibrant, multicultural lifestyle. With a mix of long-standing locals and newcomers, Southgate’s culture is warm, welcoming and quietly dynamic.

About Southgate

Southgate’s history dates back to 1370, when a small medieval settlement grew around the South Gate of the King’s hunting grounds at Enfield Chase. Today, the town centre is a lively hub of restaurants, bars and shops, surrounded by generous green space. With a mix of housing, from period homes to modern developments on tree-lined streets, Southgate appeals to families, professionals and those looking to upsize. It has the feel of a self-contained town, offering everything you need right on your doorstep.

Fact file

  • In Waterfall Road is the Minchenden Oak, said to be the largest oak tree in England, at around 800 years old.
  • The Royalty Ballroom (now PureGym) on Winchmore Hill Road was used as one of the locations for the filming of cult classic movie Quadrophenia (1979).
  • Growing up in the area, singer Amy Winehouse attended Ashmole School, now converted into a successful academy specialising in music and science.

Architecture and property

Highgate’s architecture reflects its rich history and refined character. The area is known for its elegant Georgian townhouses and grand Victorian villas, many set along elevated streets with views across London. Conservation efforts have preserved much of its historic charm, while modern developments, often discreetly tucked among period properties, offer stylish living with contemporary comforts. From spacious family homes to chic apartments, Highgate’s property market caters to those seeking both heritage and high quality in one of North London’s most prestigious postcodes.

Going out

Southgate offers a vibrant mix of dining experiences. On The Broadway, La Paella is the go-to spot for authentic tapas, don’t be surprised if you spot a famous face or two! Just steps away, Warda serves up a modern twist on traditional Lebanese cuisine and for the Italian lovers, head to Fantozzi. 

For a traditional country pub feeling, The Woodman on Bourne Hill is the place to be and it prides itself on being family-friendly.

The Chicken Shed Theatre is a fully inclusive company welcoming adults and children of all abilities. Its packed calendar includes theatre, comedy, music and workshops - there’s something for everyone. Local music lovers can enjoy performances by the Southgate Symphony Orchestra, a community group or just a short trip away in Enfield, the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport is a must-visit for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Southgate is home to two libraries: Southgate Circus Library, which also hosts a Citizens Advice Bureau and Oakwood Library.

Local amenities

Retail shops are mainly in and around The Green and The Broadway, with a mix of specialist shops like The Balloon Shop and high street staples including Marks & Spencer and Boots. 

For groceries, locals head to the large Asda on Chase Side or one of two nearby Tesco stores. Cook, on Cannon Hill, offers a range of frozen home-cooked ready meals and delivers them, making life a little easier. 

For fresh handcrafted desserts, cream cakes and savouries, Wilton Patisserie is a favourite with the locals.

Fitness enthusiasts can choose between Southgate Leisure Centre, offering a gym, swimming pool and indoor cycle studio or PureGym, which includes personal training options. For sports fans, Saracens Amateur RFC is based in Southgate, with teams for all ages and genders, from under-sevens to adults.

Green spaces

Surrounded by beautiful parks, there's a space for everyone. Grovelands Park, with its elegant mansion house designed by John Nash, is a vast green space featuring a nine-hole pitch and putt course, cafe, bowling green, basketball courts and more. Nearby, Broomfield Park spans 54 acres and includes a classically designed water garden, a model boating pond and a picturesque community orchard. Just a short distance away in Cockfosters lies Trent Country Park, a sprawling 400-acre expanse of meadows and countryside. In addition to its scenic walking trails, it hosts summer concerts, festivals, public equestrian and hockey centres.

Education

There are a number of primaries in Southgate and the surrounding areas, including Walker Primary, Osidge Primary and Brunswick Primary School for younger children, the local Ashmole Academy and Southgate School in neighbouring Cockfosters, for 11 and upwards; and for girls the independent Palmers Green High School.

Transport

Southgate is on the Piccadilly Line, offering direct access to Central London. New Southgate and Palmers Green railway stations provide services to Moorgate, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage. For air travel, Heathrow Airport is around 45 minutes away by car, while Luton Airport can be reached in just 35 minutes.

Local bus routes include the 121, 125 and 298, as well as the N91 night service from Central London. With easy access to the M25 and nearby junctions of the M1, escaping the city for a weekend break is quick and convenient.

Properties for sale in Southgate

Avenue Road, London, N12
Save Saved
10

Avenue Road, London, N12

Apartment
1
1
1

A chain-free one bedroom apartment situated on the top floor of this purpose built development, offering excellent potential for modernisation and improvement. Complete with an allocated parking space, the property presents an ideal opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or those looking to create a home to their own specification.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved
Stanhope Court, East End Road, London, N3
Save Saved
13

Stanhope Court, East End Road, London, N3

Apartment
1
1
1

A delightful ground floor one bedroom flat, featuring a spacious reception room, a contemporary kitchen and a luxury bathroom. The property provided stylish decor throughout with access to a communal garden.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved
Highbury Square, Southgate, London, N14
Save Saved
11

Highbury Square, Southgate, London, N14

House
4
2
1

This spacious four-bedroom townhouse offers over 1,100 sq ft of well-arranged accommodation across three floors. The property features a fitted kitchen, a bright reception room with direct access to a private 32ft rear garden, a guest cloakroom, four well-proportioned bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and two further bathrooms. Ideal for family living, the home provides flexible space for growing families, guests or home working.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved
Friern Park, London, N12
Save Saved
6

Friern Park, London, N12

Apartment
2
1
1

Spacious two double bedroom apartment which set within a prestigious and well maintained development within the heart of North Finchley.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved
Nether Street, London, N12
Save Saved
2

Nether Street, London, N12

2
1
1

This lovely two-bedroom split-level flat comes with its own private roof terrace and secure gated parking.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved
Lodge Lane, North Finchley, London, N12
Save Saved
6

Lodge Lane, North Finchley, London, N12

Apartment
2
2
1

A fantastic larger than average two double bedroom top floor apartment available for rent in excellent order throughout located close to High Street and Woodside Park Tube.

View Details
EmailCall
Save Saved