Relocating to Hendon? Here’s your essential guide to making the move. We’ll explore housing options, transport links, local amenities, schools, cost of living, and the community vibe. By covering these crucial aspects, this guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about settling in this vibrant town.
Key Takeaways
- Hendon is a family-friendly area in North West London, known for its rich history, diverse community, excellent schools, and numerous parks and community facilities.
- The area offers a wide range of housing options including modern apartments and period properties, with average property prices reflecting the growing popularity of the area.
- Hendon boasts superior transport links with access to the Northern Line, Thameslink rail services, and multiple TFL bus routes, making commuting to central London convenient and time-efficient.
Overview of Hendon
Hendon is a bustling town in North West London, celebrated for its unique charm and close proximity to the city centre. With a history dating back to Roman times and significant contributions to the field of aviation, Hendon is steeped in rich history. The town features beautiful parks, trendy shops, and diverse restaurants, catering to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re looking to explore museums, shop at local stores, or enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries, Hendon has something to offer everyone.
The main draws to the Hendon area include:
- Its family-friendly atmosphere
- Multicultural community
- Various housing options
- Good transport links
- Educational institutions
- Local amenities
- Leisure activities
- Safety measures
- Cost of living
- Nearby attractions for entertainment and leisure
The subsequent sections will provide a thorough examination of these aspects, aiming to give you a comprehensive understanding of life in Hendon, including the influence of notable figures like Henry Charles Stephens.
Family-Friendly Environment
One of the standout features of Hendon is its family-friendly environment. Some of the family-friendly features in Hendon include:
- Hendon Park and Sunny Hill Park, which are popular spots for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities, offering well-maintained gardens and sports facilities.
- Fair Play Barnet playground, which is designed to be maximally accessible and inclusive for children and adults alike.
- High-quality schools, such as Hendon School, which is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
- Community centres in Hendon, which feature facilities like a 5-court sports hall and a soft play area for kids, making them ideal family-friendly destinations.
Hendon has a strong sense of community, with excellent amenities and a diverse range of activities for residents and visitors. The area hosts events and activities suitable for families and individuals alike, ensuring there’s always something to do. Regardless of whether you’re a young professional or raising a family, Hendon provides convenient access to green spaces and community facilities suitable for all ages and varied interests.
Multicultural Community
Hendon is renowned for its vibrant multicultural atmosphere. The area is home to residents from diverse ethnicities and nationalities, creating a rich tapestry of cultures. This diversity is reflected in the local high street, which features a variety of international eateries. Whether you’re craving Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or fully kosher meals, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.
Community events play a significant role in fostering the multicultural spirit of Hendon. The annual Hendon Carnival celebrates the local community with music, dance, and street food, bringing together families and young professionals alike. Regular community events such as fairs and festivals further enhance the strong sense of local engagement and cohesion.
In Hendon, a warm, welcoming and diverse community awaits you.
Housing Options in Hendon
Hendon offers a wide spectrum of housing options to meet diverse preferences and budgets. You can find everything from state-of-the-art apartment complexes to enchanting period properties. Whether you fancy modern living spaces equipped with the latest amenities or prefer older homes with distinctive features, Hendon caters to all tastes.
Modern Apartments
For those who prefer contemporary living, modern apartment complexes like Beaufort Park offer an excellent choice. Beaufort Park is a notable complex in Hendon, featuring contemporary living spaces with a range of amenities. Residents can enjoy features such as:
- Gyms
- Swimming pools
- 24-hour concierge services
- Communal gardens
Additionally, Beaufort Park includes parks and shops, as well as Allianz Park, making it a self-contained community that caters to all your needs.
These modern apartments are particularly appealing to young professionals and families looking for convenience and modernity. With easy access to local amenities and transport links, they offer a comfortable lifestyle in an urban setting. Hendon’s modern apartments offer an ideal balance for those who appreciate the buzz of city life as well as the serenity of green spaces.
Period Properties
If you have a penchant for history and classic architecture, Hendon’s period properties will captivate you. Streets like Wykeham Road are known for their charming period homes that often feature original architectural details. These older properties showcase the character and historical charm that many homebuyers find irresistible.
Period properties in Hendon offer the following benefits:
- Spacious interiors
- Sizable gardens
- Unique details and traditional architectural designs
- Allure of older homes
- Rich heritage of Hendon
- Amenities of a modern town
Living in these avenue house properties allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, with the convenience of inner-city living.
Property Prices
Property prices in Hendon have seen a steady increase over the past few years, reflecting the area’s growing popularity. The average property price in Hendon over the past year was £679,637, with two-bedroom apartments averaging around £400,000. Flats in Hendon sold for an average of £435,833 recently, while semi-detached properties had an average selling price of £886,265.
Renting in Hendon is also a popular option, with one-bedroom flats typically costing between £1,200 and £1,500 per month. For larger properties like three-bedroom houses, the monthly rent can range from £2,000 to £2,500.
Whether you intend to buy or rent, the Hendon property market offers a plethora of options to accommodate diverse needs and financial capacities.
Transport Links in Hendon
Hendon prides itself on its superior transport connections, making it a prime location for daily commuters and individuals who value effortless access to central London. The town is served by the Northern Line on the London Underground, which provides direct connections to key areas including Edgware, Morden, and central London. This makes commuting to the city centre a breeze, with stations like Charing Cross and St Pancras just a short ride away. Additionally, its strategic position in north London ensures easy access to other parts of the city.
In addition to the Northern Line and nearby Colindale tube stations, Hendon benefits from Thameslink rail services, facilitating travel and commuting. Multiple TFL bus routes, such as the 113 bus connecting to Marble Arch and Oxford Street, and the 83 bus offering a direct route to Golders Green and Ealing Hospital, further enhance the town’s transport links. Given the extensive transport options available, commuting from Hendon is both convenient and time-efficient.
Education in Hendon
Hendon Central is known for its high-performing educational institutions, making it an excellent choice for families with school-aged children. The area boasts notable primary schools such as Parkfield, Bell Lane, and Hasmonean Primary Schools, ensuring a strong foundation for young learners. Additionally, Hendon Secondary School offers a great opportunity for students to continue their education in a supportive environment.
Top secondary schools near Hendon include:
- Ark Pioneer Academy, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
- Hendon School, a National Citizen Service Champion School and holder of the British Council International Schools Award
With such esteemed educational institutions, parents can rest assured of the high standard of education their children will receive in Hendon.
Local Amenities and Services
Hendon offers a range of essential amenities and services, ensuring residents have everything they need within easy reach. For those who enjoy dining out, Hendon Park Café offers fantastic smoothies, milkshakes, and sushi, and is kosher. Sunny Hill Café is another popular spot, known for being dog-friendly and offering great food and ice cream, with easy, free parking.
Residents can also benefit from healthcare options and professional services such as Dave’s Barbers, appreciated for its professional service and clean environment. With a variety of shopping, dining, and healthcare options, Hendon provides a convenient and comfortable living experience.
Leisure and Recreation
Hendon offers a wide range of leisure and recreational activities, particularly in the form of green spaces and parks. Barnet features a mix of formal parks and gardens, wild landscapes, and extensive greenbelt areas for various leisure activities.
Whether you enjoy a leisurely walk, a family picnic, or more active pursuits, Hendon’s green spaces provide the perfect setting. With well-maintained parks and plenty of outdoor activities, residents can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle while living in Hendon.
Safety and Community
Hendon is considered a safe area with a strong sense of community. Crime rates in Hendon are generally lower than the national average, making it a desirable place to live. This safety is supported by active neighbourhood watch programs and collaborations between residents and local authorities, ensuring a secure environment for all.
Crime Rates
Crime rates in Hendon have decreased over recent years, with community policing playing a significant role in this improvement. The local police force, the Metropolitan Police Service, works closely with the community to prevent crime and ensure public safety. Residents benefit from frequent police patrols, which help deter criminal activities and enhance the sense of security.
While Hendon is generally safe, it is advisable to keep valuables out of sight and ensure home security, especially when away, as some areas may be more prone to crime than others. Overall, the proactive measures in place contribute to Hendon’s reputation as a secure residential area.
Community Spirit
Hendon is known for its strong community spirit, with many residents actively involved in local volunteer activities. Community initiatives often focus on supporting the vulnerable, including the elderly and those facing financial difficulties. Local community groups work on various projects, from neighbourhood clean-ups to social gatherings, enhancing the communal atmosphere.
The Hendon Leisure Centre, along with the Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre, offers a wide range of activities for the community, including:
- Gym workouts
- Fitness classes
- Swimming
- Sports facilities
With such a vibrant community spirit, residents of Hendon feel connected and supported, contributing to the overall quality of life in the area.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Hendon includes expenditures on council tax, utilities, and other daily expenses. Understanding these costs is crucial for anyone considering a move to the area.
Council Tax
Council tax rates in Hendon fall under the London Borough of Barnet, a significant component of the cost of living. Band D properties typically cost around £1,665 per year in council tax.
This tax covers various municipal services, including waste collection, road maintenance, and local amenities, ensuring a well-maintained and functional community. It’s crucial to incorporate this cost into your budget while planning your move to Hendon.
Utilities and Other Costs
Utility costs in Hendon include standard expenses like electricity, gas, and water. The average cost for basic utilities in a 915 sq ft apartment is around £199.83 per month. Other living expenses can include broadband, which costs approximately £30 per month for internet services with speeds of 60 Mbps or more.
Additionally, a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data averages about £15 per month in Hendon. When you add these costs to daily expenses like groceries and transportation, you get an idea of the overall cost of living in the area.
Things to Do Near Hendon
Hendon is a hub of varied attractions and activities, both indoor and outdoor. There’s a wealth of places to explore and enjoy in the area, from the Royal Air Force Museum to Hampstead Heath, including the popular Hendon Golf Club and the picturesque Hendon Waterside.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts, Brent Reservoir, also known as the Welsh Harp, is a popular destination near Brent Street. It is ideal for:
- Watersports like sailing and windsurfing
- The Phoenix Canoe Club and Outdoor Centre at Welsh Harp offers kayaking and canoeing activities
- Bird-watching is another activity that nature lovers can enjoy at Brent Reservoir.
Hampstead Heath, a large, ancient London park, offers numerous walking trails and scenic views, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a day of fresh air and relaxation. These green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation close to Hendon.
Indoor Activities
Hendon is also home to several cinemas that feature the latest films. Notably, the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, near Hendon, is one of the oldest continuously running cinemas in the UK, showcasing both mainstream and independent films. This historic venue offers a unique movie-going experience, blending modern screenings with a rich cinematic heritage.
In addition to cinemas, visitors can explore local museums to learn about the area’s history and culture. Theatres in Hendon offer a range of performances including plays, musicals, and concerts, providing ample entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. These indoor activities ensure that there is always something to enjoy, regardless of the weather.
Summary
In summary, Hendon is a vibrant and diverse town that offers a high quality of life to its residents. With its rich history, excellent transport links, variety of housing options, high-performing schools, and numerous amenities, Hendon caters to families, young professionals, and individuals from all walks of life. Whether you’re drawn to its multicultural community, family-friendly environment, or plethora of recreational activities, Hendon is a place where you can truly feel at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main draws to living in Hendon?
The main draws to living in Hendon are its family-friendly atmosphere, vibrant multicultural community, excellent transport links, high-performing schools, diverse housing options, and numerous local amenities and leisure activities.
What are the transport options available in Hendon?
In Hendon, you can easily get around using the London Underground, Thameslink rail services, and various TFL bus routes, providing convenient access to central London and other important areas.
Are there good schools in Hendon?
Hendon is known for its high-performing educational institutions, including Hendon School, Ark Pioneer Academy, and Queen Elizabeth’s School.
What types of housing are available in Hendon?
In Hendon, you can find modern apartments in complexes like Beaufort Park, charming period properties on streets like Wykeham Road, and a range of property prices to suit different budgets.
What are the crime rates like in Hendon?
Hendon is considered a safe area with lower-than-average crime rates, due to active neighbourhood watch programs and collaborations between residents and local authorities. This makes it a generally safe place to live.