Wood Green and Bounds Green are neighbouring North London areas in Zone 3, close to Alexandra Palace. They suit students who want straightforward Tube access to central London and Heathrow, plus practical day‑to‑day shopping without the premium prices of many inner‑zone neighbourhoods.
Typical zones: Zone 3 (your exact zone depends on your address and nearest station)
Main stations: Wood Green (Piccadilly line), Bounds Green (Piccadilly line), Alexandra Palace (National Rail)
Typical commute style: direct Tube/rail links, with plenty of bus routes for shorter journeys
Good for: students who want strong transport links and good value compared with many Zone 1–2 areas
Transport and travel times
Examples below are station‑to‑station, off‑peak journey times (train/tube time only). Times vary by route and service.
Wood Green → King’s Cross St Pancras: about 16 minutes (Piccadilly line)
Wood Green → Leicester Square: about 21 minutes (Piccadilly line)
Alexandra Palace → King’s Cross: about 11 minutes (National Rail)
Alexandra Palace → Moorgate: about 21 minutes (National Rail)
Food and day-to-day living
Wood Green has a busy high street and shopping centre, with plenty of supermarkets, budget‑friendly cafés and takeaways. Nearby Green Lanes is well known for Turkish and Kurdish restaurants and bakeries, and you’ll also find South Asian and other international options.
Bounds Green is more residential, with small local shops and places to eat near the station. For a wider choice of food and groceries, it’s a quick bus or Tube ride into Wood Green (and across to Green Lanes).
Local highlights
Alexandra Palace – concerts, events, ice skating and panoramic views over London
Alexandra Park – large green space for walks, outdoor time and views
Green Lanes (nearby) – well known for Turkish and Kurdish restaurants, bakeries and grocery shops
Bowes Park – local green space for a quieter break from the high street
Myddleton Road (Bowes Park) – small independent shops, cafés and community feel
Local character and evenings
Wood Green is livelier around the high street and shopping centre, especially later in the day and on weekends. Bounds Green tends to feel calmer, with residential streets a short walk from the main roads.
As with any large city, it’s sensible to take normal precautions when out and about—especially at night and on public transport.
Who this area tends to suit
This area often suits students who:
want a straightforward commute into central London (and a direct Tube line towards Heathrow)
prefer Zone 3 value, while still being well‑connected for study and social plans
like having plenty of everyday shopping nearby.
Property prices (guide only)
Property prices in Wood Green and Bounds Green are generally above the England average, but typically lower than many of London’s most expensive inner‑zone neighbourhoods.
Apartments/flats: often in the £350,000–£500,000 range (roughly 60–125% above the England average for flats).
Family homes: often in the £650,000–£1,100,000 range (often around 120–250% above the England average for houses, depending on size and type).
These figures are a broad guide for the area and will vary by street and property type.
FAQs
Is this a good area for students?
Yes — it’s a practical option if you want strong transport links and good day‑to‑day amenities without paying Zone 1–2 prices.
Is the area quieter or busier?
Wood Green is busier around the high street and station area. Bounds Green tends to feel more residential, with quieter streets nearby.
How long is the commute to central London?
From Wood Green and Alexandra Palace stations, many central journeys are around 15–30 minutes station‑to‑station, depending on destination and route.
Can you place me closer to a Tube station?
Tell us your school/work address and any preferences (for example step‑free access, early starts, or a shorter commute) and we’ll advise on the most suitable locations.
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.
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
“London Homestays has been an excellent accommodation partner for our students. The team is always helpful, responsive and highly professional. They consistently match students with the right hosts based on individual requirements, ensuring a positive and comfortable homestay experience.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
Our Partners & Accreditations
We use cookies to improve your experience and analyse site traffic. Cookie Policy
