When it comes to choosing where to live in London, one thing is for sure: you are going to find yourself spoilt for choice. No matter what part of London you decide to move to, you will have lots to think about and consider before making that big move.
For those looking to make a North London move, two of the main choices to consider are Highgate (N6 Postcode) and Muswell Hill (N10). So, to help you make the decision and weigh up which option is right for you, we have put together some key points to keep in mind when considering either Muswell High or Highgate. If you are still comparing different parts of the capital, you may also find our guide to the best places to live in South London useful before narrowing down your search.
At a glance
If you want the short version:
- Choose Highgate if you are a professional or part of a couple who values a fast, direct commute, period charm and a more exclusive feel, and you have the budget to match.
- Choose Muswell Hill if you are settling down as a family, want larger homes and plenty of green space, and you are happy to catch a bus to reach the nearest Tube.
Why Highgate might be the right choice
Many of the people who choose Highgate fall into the young professional or couple bracket, so if you are moving to London without children, this could be the perfect spot for you.
The area carries a real sense of exclusivity, and that sits alongside genuine culture and heritage. Highgate Village, at its heart, is full of independent cafes, restaurants and historic pubs, while landmarks such as Highgate Cemetery, the resting place of figures including Karl Marx, give the neighbourhood a character few other parts of London can match. Much of the housing stock is made up of handsome period properties, which only adds to the appeal.
If you would rather spend your time outdoors, you are well placed. Highgate sits only a short walk from both Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood, two of the capital's finest green spaces and ideal for weekend walks or simply escaping the pace of the city for an hour or two.
Getting into central London is straightforward as well. Highgate has its own station on the Northern line, so you can be in the middle of town quickly and with very little fuss, something that makes a real difference if you commute regularly.
There are trade-offs to think about, though. Highgate is one of the more expensive areas in London, and both property prices and the general cost of living tend to run higher here than in many neighbouring spots. For a lot of people the lifestyle justifies it, but it is worth going in with your eyes open. If you do decide Highgate is the right choice, timing your move carefully can make a real difference, especially if you are working around completion dates, school holidays or busy moving periods. Our guide to the best time of year to move house in the UK covers some of the main things to think about before setting a date.
Why choose Muswell Hill?
Where Highgate leans towards people living alone or as part of a couple, Muswell Hill is the more family-friendly of the two. It is a lively, welcoming place, with independent shops, cafes and restaurants lining the Broadway, yet the overriding feeling is one of community rather than bustle.
Green space is in good supply too, which is ideal if you want to be able to step outside without feeling like you are in the thick of the city. Alexandra Palace is the obvious example. As well as its famous events and concerts, "Ally Pally" offers sweeping parkland, a boating lake and some of the best panoramic views over London you will find anywhere.
For families, the facilities and amenities are a major plus. Many of the homes are on the larger side, often generous Edwardian and Victorian houses that suit growing households, and the area is served by a number of schools with strong reputations locally. Add in the parks and the easy, friendly feel of the Broadway, and it is easy to see why families settle here for the long term.
One thing to keep in mind is that Muswell Hill does not have its own Underground station, which can make commuting and trips into central London a little trickier to plan. The trade-off is manageable, though. Regular buses link the Broadway to nearby stations such as Highgate and East Finchley, so you are never far from the network. Because Muswell Hill relies more on bus connections and residential roads, it is worth thinking about the practical details of moving day early, including access, parking and timings. These are exactly the kinds of things covered in our guide to common UK moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
So, which one is right for you?
In the end, it comes down to how you live and what you value most. If quick, direct access into the city tops your list, Highgate has the edge thanks to its Northern line station.
If you are putting down roots as a family and want larger homes, green space and a close-knit community on your doorstep, Muswell Hill is hard to beat.
| Highgate (N6) | Muswell Hill (N10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Young professionals and couples | Families and those settling for the long term |
| Character | Exclusive, historic, village feel | Lively, friendly and community-focused |
| Transport | Own station on the Northern line, direct into central London | No Underground station; regular buses to Highgate and East Finchley |
| Green space | Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood nearby | Alexandra Palace parkland on the doorstep |
| Housing | Handsome period properties | Larger Edwardian and Victorian family homes |
| Schools and family life | More couple and professional focused | Well-regarded local schools and room for growing families |
| Cost | Among the pricier parts of London | More affordable than Highgate, though still sought after |
Once you have compared Highgate and Muswell Hill side by side, the next step is turning your preferred area into a practical moving plan. A clear moving house timeline can help you stay organised, particularly if you are arranging surveys, packing, contracts and moving dates at the same time.
Ready to Plan Your Move in North London?
Once you have decided whether Highgate or Muswell Hill feels like the right fit, the next step is planning the move itself. That is where Pinnacle Removals & Storage can help. It is also worth preparing a simple first night box before moving day, so items such as toiletries, chargers, medication, nightwear and basic kitchen essentials are easy to find when you arrive.
With experience carrying out removals across North London, including areas such as Highgate and Muswell Hill, our team understands how to manage local moves carefully and efficiently. Whether you are moving a short distance nearby, relocating elsewhere in London, or planning a move further afield, we can help with professional packing services, careful handling and a removals service tailored to your home.
If you are getting ready to move in North London, get in touch with Pinnacle today for friendly advice and a personalised removals quote.
