This part of Southgate is an outdoors enthusiast’s paradise. Wandering through the area on a weekend, you’ll find families picnicking at Southgate Green, locals strolling through Arnos Park, and kids running through Conway Road Recreation Ground. Even for those not living in the area, these different offerings draw many visitors in to the neighbourhood. Visitors also love strolling through the historic Southgate Cemetery, and catching a match at The Walker Cricket Ground. While the area might not have many eateries or commercial businesses, its quaint residential feel is what has attracted many families. With the great mix of large Tudor-style houses, post-war terraced houses, and Georgian cottages, locals are more than content strolling to the neighbouring areas for a bite to eat.

Back in the middle ages, Southgate was made up of multiple estates. Later on, in the 18th century, the land was divided up amongst wealthy landowners. At this time, the neighbourhood was famous amongst Londoners for its large mansions and wealthy residents, and development was slow in the area due to the many hilly regions that prevented the railway from being constructed there. Following the First World War though, the neighbourhood’s bus service improved, bringing in more commuters. Since then, many shops and smaller homes have been built, while a good portion of the mansions have been converted into flats.

Arnos Park was originally a part of a site that was owned by the Nuns of Clerkenwell. The area gets its name from ‘Armholt’, a nearby wood that existed back in the 1300s.

This neighbourhood doesn’t have its own tube station, though most residents don’t mind going to the nearby Southgate station or relying on one of the many bus routes that run through the neighbourhood.

Enfield Council recently released new requirements for additional housing in the area. The previous housing target will likely be doubled. Sites within Southgate have been identified as potential areas for the new developments. We have therefore seen numerous new housing developments north of this postcode area. For example, work has begun on the old Thomas Lipton Memorial Hospital at Osidge House which will be transformed into new homes. The first phase of the project, which is now completed, consisted of three 4 bedroom townhouses, six mews houses, and two penthouses. The second phase involves the conversion of the Grade II listed former home of Thomas Lipton into eleven self-contained apartments. North of here, work is underway on the large New Avenue development in Cowper Gardens. Set to be completed in multiple phases until 2025 the scheme will include 451 new homes, 140 of which will be affordable.