The neighbourhood of Willesden Green might feel isolated from Central London, but it is in fact easily accessed by multiple nearby bus and tube lines. Locals in the area live in one of the many varied housing options - whether it be large post-war flats or smaller Georgian style semi detached terraced houses. They also enjoy the many vibrant businesses that line their high streets. The area is home to a diverse group of residents and the high street eateries reflect this. Residents and visitors alike love going for Japanese food at Sushi Masa and tapas at The Social. Beyond its bustling high street, the neighbourhood draws in families for its tight knit community and wonderful schools in the area. While it has been an affordable North London option in the past, Willesden Green is quickly becoming more popular and its housing prices reflect this.

The name Willesden comes from the Anglo-Saxon Wellesdune, which means “the hill of the spring.” The area began as a small settlement of farms. However, by the 18th century, it had grown into a village. This growth picked up even further during the 19th century, when the Metropolitan Railway arrived. Many Londoners received their hey, milk and horses from the area. As industrial businesses, like Brick Works, grew in the area, working-class Londoners began to move in. By WWI, most of the area’s farms had been replaced by housing and commercial businesses. After a period of hardship following destruction from WWII, the neighbourhood was revitalised at the start of the 21st century into the lively suburb that locals know and love today.

This neighbourhood was once home to many recording studios, acting as a hub for musical artists and their production companies. Today, many have closed, but Resident Studios still stands and supports a variety of genres.

Unfortunately, unlike other suburban parts of North London, there are no parks in this part of the neighbourhood. Still, residents don’t mind since many have their own gardens and yards. For those that don’t, it’s only a short walk to nearby Gladstone Park.

An example of recent development in the neighbourhood is Springhill House by McCarthy & Stone, which offers luxury flats to retiring Londoners who are over the age of 60. The units all have underfloor heating, balconies, and walk-in wardrobes, which added to its appeal and popularity when it was completed. Regarding more recent development in the area, a housing scheme at Willesden Green Garage, in St Paul’s Avenue, is expected to be completed in Spring 2023. ‘St Paul’s Mansions’, as the development is now known, is a partnership between Meadow Partners and HG Construction that will provide 76 flats (a slight alteration from the original 70 proposed) in a building up to seven storeys high, as well as 18 car parking spaces and a children’s play area.