Wandering through the streets of West Finchley will reveal the quiet and lush residential pockets that have encouraged so many families to move to the neighbourhood over the past few years. Seeing the surprisingly serene atmosphere makes the are seem almost as if you were out in the English countryside. In reality, thanks to the area’s tube station, it’s just a 20-minute ride into Central London. It’s likely that it’s for this reason that so many young, commuting professionals are beginning to find their way to West Finchley as well. Still boasting some affordable housing options like the numerous postwar semis, residents are also spoiled by the recreational facilities like Finchley Golf Course or Victoria Park, as well as the numerous highly rated schools. For those younger residents, there are also plenty of great bars and eateries to spend the weekends at. Between catching up over drinks at Catcher in the Rye, and indulging in a Turkish feast at Ishtah, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy living in West Finchley!

Nether Street, which runs through West Finchley, dates all the way back to the 14th century. It originally served as an access road to properties in the area, like the large Brent Lodge estate. This lodge was a charitable estate and took up a good portion of today’s neighbourhood. However, in the early-20th century, the grounds were dramatically downsized, and by 1862, the house itself was demolished. While it was sad to lose this historical institution, the site made way for the West Finchley tube station in 1932. This tube station makes the otherwise detached suburb feel accessible.

The West Finchley tube station is made mostly from recycled pieces from North England’s railway stations. The iconic bridge is said to have come from a station in York. Finchley Football Club is also responsible for the introduction of red and yellow cards. They replaced the original brown flags in 1947.

Unfortunately, West Finchley is no longer one of North London’s best kept secrets. Real estate agents have noticed that prices have been inching up in the neighbourhood over the past couple of years. Still, it’s not too late to grab a semi-affordable place in the neighbourhood!

While development might be a bit slower in West Finchley than in other parts of London, investors have still been paying close attention to the neighbourhood in recent years. However, earlier in 2022, residents banded together to put a stop to the nine-home development on Great North Road. Finchley is therefore unusual in London because of the ability of the community to see off unwanted development. However, there are some smaller schemes that have managed to slip through in this postcode. Park Place, at 193-195 Ballards Lane is a residential-led development comprising 41 new flats. In the coming years, Barnet Council will be investing in the local town centre, encouraging new retail and civic buildings.