On the west side of Finchley Road, and with the neighbourhood’s suburban high street running through the heart of the community, this residential area of Golders Green is as convenient as it is welcoming. Situated in north London, tucked just underneath the North Circular Road, this neighbourhood is still reasonably central and well-connected via Golders Green and Brent Cross stations, whilst retaining a sense of escape – very rare for London. With Hampstead Heath surrounding the neighbourhood to the east, the area has access to one of the best green spaces in the city, though it also has its own local parks in the form of Dollis Valley and Princes Park. The area’s suburban homes, which are mainly Edwardian semi-detached properties with gardens, are perfect for families, and are situated close to some good schools. Lastly, the locale benefits from a rich multiculturalism, based around its thriving local Jewish population and also its growing Asian community.

Golders Green has medieval origins and started life as humble grazing land for cattle and sheep. It was named after the Godyere family who lived in the area, and who most likely owned some more of the land in the vicinity. Until the 19th century, development was slow. Even up to the 1900s, Golders Green was little more than a hamlet of 16 homes dotted between Hoop Lane and the Brent River. Thus, it was with the rise of industry that the area adopted its current suburban identity. Brickmaking in particular formed the primary base of the local economy as the population grew. It was during the 19th century that the Jewish community that the area is now known for began to grow, although it was really in the 20th century during the Second World War that Jewish migration became particularly prevalent.

There’s a spooky local legend that a house on the local street Golders Gardens is haunted. Apparently, the house was left to some unlucky soul in a will under the condition that the body of the testator (the dead person) ‘remained above ground’. It’s said that the body was left in a coffin in the attic and has haunted the place ever since. Certainly creepy, and probably smelly too.

The areas around Hampstead Heath and North London in general aren’t cheap, and Golders Green is sadly no exception. The price of good schools and housing, a safe and close community and a good commune is very high. Another qualm that can prove problematic for a few residents living closer to the North Circular Road is the issue of road safety, congestion and pollution.

Barnet Council released in 2020 their strategy document for Golders Green Town Centre with a broad vision including the provision of ‘new homes for a growing and aging population, as well as flexible workspaces for new and existing businesses. It will offer great access to sustainable transport, public realms, healthy lifestyles, quality local services, leisure and learning facilities.’ In 2022, the council also announced that they were seeking a design team for a £1.5 million public realm upgrade of Golders Green town centre. So the neighbouring may have an exciting future ahead!