Belsize Park area is located in the northern London borough of Camden. Its tree lined streets provide a quiet respite from the busyness of central London. The proximity to Hampstead Heath is also a real perk of living in this neighbourhood. In addition, the area also boasts Kentish Town City Farm, a favourite among kids, and numerous pubs and restaurants for adults, including The Gipsy Queen, a favourite among locals. This neighbourhood is a great option for those who want to explore outside of central London, while still living in an accessible location.

The sub-manor of Belsize was first recorded in the early 14th century. The name derives from Bel-assis, meaning ‘beautifully situated’, which is accurate even still today. In the 17th century, well-to-do Londoners built country houses in Belsize - all with spacious grounds. While terraces of houses were built in the 1820s, the main phase of suburbanisation didn’t come until after 1850. Slowly but surely the country houses were demolished, and their grounds covered with detached or semi-detached houses we see in the neighbourhood today.

Michael Palin, an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter, lives in the Oak Village area in this neighbourhood. Palin is most well known for his role in the comedy group Monty Python.

Unfortunately, buying property in this area is a costly option, even by London standards. Additionally, theft is the highest reported crime in this neighbourhood. Even so, residents say they feel safe in the neighbourhood and that it has a lovely community feel.

In 2020, the rejuvenation of Kiln Place Estate was completed as part of the Gospel Oak regeneration programme. The initiative sought to revitalise the housing estate and increase its density without demolishing any of the existing buildings. These efforts led to the construction of 15 new homes, including 7 new homes for council rent. Improvements were also made to the children’s playground and new garden fences backing onto the playground. In 2022, Camden council announced that it was seeking development partner to carry out the next stage of regeneration on the Bacton Estate redevelopment. Phase 1 was completed in 2015 and won the 2016 Building Award’s Housing Project of the Year. The regeneration plan aims to deliver a total of 247 new homes (176 private, 61 social rent and 10 intermediate homes), as well as 260 sq m of commercial space. Considering the success and acclaim of the first phase, it is hoped that the regeneration’s future is just as bright.