With tree lined streets, and countless affordable single family brick houses, it’s no surprise that the neighbourhood of Goff’s Oak attracts families looking for a change from London. The neighbourhood boasts multiple schools, like Goff’s Oak Primary, Goff’s Academy and Woodside Primary. While the area might feel a bit quiet, with little going on, residents enjoy getting plenty of use out of their private yards - spending as much time outside as the weather will permit. When they are looking for something interesting to do in town, there’s always local events and volunteering opportunities at the GO Hub Community Centre. Residents also love gathering over a Sunday roast at The Goff’s Oak Gastropub, and maybe following it with some pints at nearby Wheelwrights. Despite its sleepy suburban vibe, it’s easy to understand why locals love living in Goff’s Oak.

Goff’s Oak Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in the area. Dating back to 1868, the church has been through many changes. When it first opened, Goff’s Oak was a village with no more than 600 residents! A group of farmers wanted a congregation, and quickly rallied around John King when he started building the church in the mid 1800s. Eventually, in the mid 20th century, the congregation decided to expand. In 1957, they built a multi-purpose hall next to the chapel that’s still in use today!

Spice Girl turned fashion icon, Victoria Beckham, grew up in Goff’s Oak. Now a worldwide celebrity, she’s come a long way from this quaint but sleepy suburb.

Unfortunately, there is no rail station in this part of the neighbourhood. Residents who want to pop into London and leave their car at home must head over to nearby Theobalds Grove station. From there, it’s an easy ride on The Overground into London.

Despite having a predominantly rural and suburban character, this area will see a substantial increase in housing options over the coming years. It was recently announced that the area around Rosedale Way in Churchgate will soon be converted into a development with 215 new homes. While the site is technically within the Greenbelt, Broxbourne Council is considering waiving the status in order to allow for much needed housing. The development will likely take about three years more to be completed. Meanwhile, a similar project planned on greenbelt land is underway in Goff’s Oak. The scheme is set to comprise 80 houses on the north side, and 45 houses on the south side of Goff’s lane.

Looking further in the future this is an area that should undergo significant change with Crossrail 2 currently planned to stop at nearby Chestnut Station. The new line is currently on hold and will likely be a decades long project, but will make the commute into central London significantly quicker.