Located just beneath the fancy suburb of Harrow-on-Hill, this neighbourhood - known as South Harrow or Roxeth, is one of West London’s more modest suburban villages. Serviced by the Piccadilly line via the South Harrow tube station, its zone 5 location is no issue for residents who commute to central London. Most of these residents are families who were drawn to the area for its affordable housing, plethora of green space, and tight-knit community feel. The area surrounding Northolt Road’s business and shopping centres consists mostly of blocks of council flats and modest post-war brick terraced houses. However, as you wander to the northern part of the neighbourhood, the area is lined with larger detached Victorian style houses, equipped with private gardens. Regardless of which area they live in though, residents in the neighbourhood all enjoy the high street’s many local pubs and community centres. Whether they’re catching up over a pint at The White Horse, or participating in a community meeting at the Royal British Legion Harrow Club, residents love the suburban serenity of the area.

This neighbourhood dates back to the early 19th century when it was developed into a suburb. By 1855, a gas works had been built on the site. The area around this site began to attract residents working in the area, and once the railways arrived in the early 20th century, it became built up even more. Following the Second World War, council flats were constructed through the neighbourhood, offering other options aside from the already existing detached houses. Today, the area remains fairly quiet and suburban but has recently become the focus of multiple potential development projects.

Late politician and musician, David Edward Such once lived in South Harrow. Known as Screaming Lord Sutch, he was the leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.

Being in zone 5, the neighbourhood can at times feel quite removed and isolated from the rest of London. However, locals love the space and high quality of life that this distance allows them. With access to the Piccadilly line, it’s an easy ride into central London whenever they do need to get away.

While this part of Harrow has a strong community which has typically resisted new development, the local council has recently introduced a growth plan for the area. The ‘building a better Harrow’ scheme is a collaboration with Wates Residential which aims to provide 1,500 new homes and new job opportunities for local residents. On top of this, Hawkins Brown architects are currently overseeing the construction of 574 new homes on the Grange Farm Estate. Replacing the existing 1960’s housing estate, this scheme will deliver a brand-new community centre and a network of public streets and squares will create open spaces for public and communal use.