Finsbury Park
Finsbury Park in North London is a popular cosmopolitan neighbourhood within the Borough of Haringey, although it also covers parts of Hackney and Islington. It is an area with great diversity and a busy, vibrant feel that appeals to city workers and families alike. Finsbury Park itself is the centrepiece of the area, while the main thoroughfares of Blackstock Road, Stroud Green Road, and Seven Sisters Road provide a superb mix of shops, eateries, restaurants, and bars.
Away from the main highways lie quiet tree-lined streets and a varied range of period terraced and modern properties. Major destinations such as the Emirates Stadium and Alexandra Palace are within easy travelling distance. With excellent transport links and a wide variety of period housing stock, Finsbury Park is one of North London’s most sought-after locations. In recent years, new large scale developments have emerged, attracting a younger demographic and industry professionals.
History
This area of London has a fascinating history that is still evident to this day. The park that dominates the neighbourhood was formally established as a recreation ground in the mid-1800s to bring new green space into the city. Previous to the development of a new usable green area, the suburb was severely overcrowded, which led to inferior wellbeing of residents in comparison to more spacious areas of the city.
This prompted the council to take action to improve living conditions for the health and wellbeing of nearby residents. A recreation ground was developed and this eventually became a park years later. Soon after, Finsbury Park’s importance as a transport hub began to take shape with the arrival of the Great Northern and City Railway and the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway.
In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a large influx of immigration from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In the 1980s, Somalians arrived and further added to the diversity of the district. Today, Finsbury Park maintains its position as one of London’s most important transport hubs with tube, bus and rail connectivity to all areas of the city. There are many examples of Victorian architecture around the area, particularly the attractive terraced housing that line many of the quieter side streets.
Modern Era
Finsbury Park has undergone significant changes over the past decade. There has been a huge influx of professionals and city workers moving to the area, which has spawned a thriving ‘cafe culture’. It is not uncommon to see a trendy wine bar or upscale restaurant set among the traditional range of shops and eateries on some of the neighbourhood’s highstreets. As part of this transformation, several large scale apartment developments have been built to cater for increased demand. Further developments are planned to attract new home buyers and renters alike.
Demographics
People of all types are drawn to Finsbury Park because of the welcoming, cosmopolitan feel. There is a broad mix of cultures and this is evident in the plethora of cuisines, specialist shops, and faith establishments in the neighbourhood. The area is very community-driven, helping to create a friendly atmosphere akin to a ‘village within a city’. It is estimated that over 100 languages are spoken. There is a mixture of families, individual city workers, and couples. According to the 2011 census, the major languages spoken are English, Turkish, Somali, Spanish, and Bengali. 'Little Algiers' near Blackstock Road has strong North African links.
In more recent years, there has been a steady influx of professionals, many who work in the creative industries, such as website development and graphic design. New types of housing developments and favourable commuting links have been instrumental in attracting younger age groups to Finsbury Park. This trend appears to be continuing with several further developments planned for the area.
Parks & Recreation Areas
The centre of the area is Finsbury Park itself, a 100+ acre plot of greenery set among the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a popular beauty spot for families and features a tranquil lake, relaxing tree-lined walkways, and an array of recreational facilities. This includes an outdoor gym, athletics track, a bowling green, a children’s playground, a skatepark, netball, basketball, and tennis courts, and plenty of open space for idyllic walks and exercise.
The park also plays host to multiple public events and festivals throughout the year, especially in the spring and summer seasons. But there are several other green areas within easy walking distance. Parkland Walk situated west of the railway line next to Finsbury Park provides a tranquil walking route away from the busy city streets — all the way to near Highgate tube station!
Clissold Park in nearby Stoke Newington also has much to offer and is well worth exploring. Woodberry Wetlands east of the park is a popular tree-lined walking area based around two reservoirs. It is an excellent spot for a quiet stroll while stopping for a coffee. Further away in Stoke Newington is Abney Park, a stunning woodland cemetery that is popular with dog walkers and those seeking peace and calm.
Transport
Situated in London’s Zone 2, Finsbury Park has the most convenient transport outside of Zone 1. This is a major draw for people looking to call Finsbury Park their home. There are excellent transport links to all areas of the city and beyond via inter-city rail. The main station provides easy access to tube, overground, rail, and bus services from one central terminus. This also includes Thameslink and National Rail services via the East Coast Main Line.
There is great connectivity whether you want to travel within London or venture further afield. Travelling by tube, central London can be reached within approximately 25 minutes, making Finsbury Park a popular choice for city workers. Manor House underground on the Piccadilly Line is also nearby, as is Arsenal underground, which gets understandably busy on match days. Regular services to Heathrow are also available for residents who need direct links to the airport.
Property
There is a varied mix of property types available in Finsbury Park, offering something for all tastes and budgets. The property offer is diverse with two and three-story Victorian terraces, semi-detached dwellings, and newer large-scale apartment developments like City North and Woodberry Down. The diverse housing supply is one of the key reasons Finsbury Park is so popular for homeowners and renters. The area appeals to individuals, families, couples, professionals, or anyone who requires amenities on the doorstep and great links to the rest of the city.
The terraced housing stock is largely Victorian and provides impressive period features on leafy suburban side streets. These pleasant neighbourhoods are popular with families who require high-quality housing within easy reach of nearby nurseries and schools. Terraces are available as entire houses or as multiple occupancy flats for people on a lower budget. Large single properties are rarer, with the majority having been split into separate flats due to the high cost of London properties.
Numerous modern developments have sprung up over recent years. One example is City North, located next to Finsbury Park’s central transport interchange. This development offers stylish urban living in an attractive apartment complex. It also boasts a range of on-site facilities, including a cinema, restaurants, and convenience stores.
The Woodberry Down development near Woodberry Wetlands is another exciting new-build offering fantastic views and modern amenities. This huge scale development when complete will comprise over 5,000 homes, bringing new life into the area and attracting a wider range of families and workers to the area.
Estate Agents in Finsbury Park
Here at Bennett Mason, we are the principal estate agent and local specialist for properties in the Finsbury Park area. We provide sales, lettings, and property management in Finsbury Park and numerous other areas of London. Get in touch with us today to enquire about any property services in Finsbury Park, or read more about this location below. If you require any further details, we are happy to help.
Education
The proximity to quality educational establishments makes Finsbury Park a popular choice for families. There are many primary schools, nurseries, and several state secondary, academy, and independent schools within walking distance. Most of the schools in the immediate area are rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Stroud Green Primary School, Parkwood Primary & Nursery, Montem Nursery School, and Ambler Primary School are centrally located schools for children aged below 11. City and Islington College, the Arts & Media School, and Skinners’ Academy cater for older age groups. A number of adult education centres are also available within the Finsbury Park area. Due to Finsbury Park’s excellent transport infrastructure, neighbouring schools and colleges in other districts are within easy reach.
Restaurants
Finsbury Park has a diverse multi-ethnic community that makes it a brilliant area for eating out. It boasts all kinds of cuisines to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. This includes cheap eats, mid-range, and upscale establishments. There is no shortage of eateries, takeaways, and dine-in restaurants in the neighbourhood. In fact, thanks to a number of regeneration projects, the area has increased its restaurant offer and now appeals to an even wider section of the community.
Turkish, Lebanese, Somali, Greek, Italian, African, Asian, and British cuisine can typically be found on the main high-streets, especially on Blackstock Road and Stroud Green Road. The Seven Sisters Road also has a great mixture of establishments to try. But there are dozens of other gems to find tucked away in the many side streets that surround the park. A simple search online will uncover an abundance of restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Pubs & Nightlife
Besides restaurants, Finsbury Park has an eclectic mix of pubs and bars. People looking for lively nightlife will find plenty of choices. The World's End on Stroud Green Road, the Faltering Fullback on Perth Road, The Finsbury on Woodberry Grove, and The Twelve Pins on Seven Sisters Road are popular hotspots day or night, but there are many more. With great transport links on the doorstep, it is easy to commute into other areas of London as well.
Highbury is within walking distance and boasts an additional range of pubs, bars and restaurants. Residents can venture slightly further afield with ease and reach popular areas such as Kentish Town and Camden. The West End and central London can also be easily reached by tube within 20 to 30 minutes. It is worth noting that Finsbury Park itself regularly has entertainment, music events, and festivals throughout the year. Some of these are ‘ticket only’ and highly subscribed.
Shopping
There is a great mixture of shopping opportunities in Finsbury Park. While the range and diversity of shops is not as extensive as those in the West End, the basics are certainly covered, and there are many surprising independent gems to uncover. This includes specialist businesses catering to the different sections of the community.
Much of the fashion shopping is centred around Fonthill Road, a high street with dozens of budget-friendly clothing stores. On the other main highstreets, convenience stores sit next to small independent retailers. Many popular chain stores are also available in the area. Stroud Green Market and Finsbury Food Market are well worth visiting for fresh produce. Finsbury Park also plays host to regular visiting markets, as do the surrounding streets.
Summary
Finsbury Park is one of North London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods for families, couples, and individuals. The cosmopolitan makeup gives the area a vibrant atmosphere and warm welcome, while the many amenities and recreational facilities ensure there is plenty to see and do. With several ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools in the area, Finsbury Park is a great choice for families or even city workers who want to take advantage of the area’s excellent transport links. There is a wide range of housing on the rental market and for purchase, ensuring something for everyone.
At Bennett Mason, we are the go-to estate agents in Finsbury Park N4 and have in-depth, specialist knowledge on all aspects of the local area. Get in touch with us today to see our range of properties and to speak to an advisor.
Finsbury Park Office: 020 7226 0770
