Barnet and Southgate are established residential areas in North London. They suit students who want a calmer neighbourhood feel, good green space, and straightforward links into central London via the Northern or Piccadilly lines.
Typical zones: Barnet (often Zone 5), Southgate (often Zone 4). Your exact zone depends on your address and nearest station — we’ll confirm this in your quote, as it affects travel costs.
Main stations: High Barnet / New Barnet (Barnet), Southgate (Southgate).
Typical commute feel: Residential areas with direct Tube links; journeys are longer than inner London but predictable.
Best for: Students who prefer quieter evenings, more space, and good value compared with many Zone 1–2 locations.
Transport and travel times (guide only)
Station-to-station examples (off‑peak, train/tube time only):
High Barnet → King’s Cross St Pancras: around 30–35 minutes (Northern line).
High Barnet → Bank: around 35–45 minutes (Northern line).
Southgate → King’s Cross St Pancras: around 25–30 minutes (Piccadilly line).
Southgate → Leicester Square: around 30–35 minutes (Piccadilly line).
Times vary by exact route, service and time of day. Peak periods can add time, especially on busy central sections of the network.
Food and day-to-day living
Both areas have practical high streets with supermarkets, pharmacies and everyday services, plus a good mix of cafés and places to eat.
Barnet: local cafés, pubs and restaurants around High Barnet and New Barnet, with a mix of cuisines (for example Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern/Turkish options), plus regular supermarkets and everyday shopping.
Southgate: restaurants and cafés around the station and nearby shopping parades, often including Mediterranean and South Asian options, with easy links to wider North London for more choice.
Local highlights
Trent Park – large green space for walks, running and outdoor time.
Grovelands Park – lakeside park for walks and picnics.
Barnet Market – traditional market with food and local stalls (typically mid‑week and Saturdays).
Hadley Green / High Barnet high street – village‑feel streets with independent shops, cafés and local pubs.
Alexandra Palace (nearby) – events, live music, exhibitions, ice skating and panoramic views across London.
Local character and safety
Barnet and Southgate are primarily residential, with a mix of families, professionals and students. Town centres can be busier at school and commuter times, while nearby residential streets are generally calmer.
Like any part of a large city, follow normal safety precautions:
Keep valuables secure, especially on public transport.
Stick to well‑lit main roads if walking at night.
Be aware of your surroundings in busy areas such as stations and high streets.
Who this area tends to suit
Students who prefer a quieter, more residential feel (especially in the evenings).
Students who value green space and a local neighbourhood atmosphere.
Students commuting to locations with strong Northern/Piccadilly line access (for example King’s Cross, the West End, or the City).
Budget‑conscious students who are happy with a longer commute in exchange for better value than many central areas.
Property prices (guide only)
Property prices in this part of North London are generally above the England average, but can offer better value than many Zone 1–2 locations.
Apartments (flats): often in the £350,000–£600,000 range.
Family homes (houses): often in the £650,000–£1,000,000+ range.
As a broad guide, these levels are well above the England average property value. Prices vary significantly by exact street, property type and condition.
Things to consider
Travel costs: Zone 4–5 travel can cost more than Zones 1–2 if you travel frequently.
Commute time: journeys into central London are usually longer than inner-zone areas—factor this into your daily routine.
Nightlife: these areas are more residential; for bigger nights out, most students travel into central London.
FAQs
Is this area a good fit for students?
Yes—especially if you want a calmer residential base, good green space, and reliable Tube links into central London.
Can you place me somewhere quieter within the area?
Yes — often. If you prefer quieter streets, tell us in your application and we’ll advise on locations that tend to feel more residential.
How long is the commute to central London?
It depends on your nearest station and destination. The examples above give a station‑to‑station baseline; peak times and route changes can add time.
Useful links
If you know your dates and your school or work location, you can apply for a homestay online. We usually respond within one to two working days.
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