Muddy Stilettos' best places to live in north London

Muddy Stilettos has released its 2025 list of the top 300 places to live, after looking at everything from food and drink to house prices.

Across London, ten areas were named, including Crouch End, Dartmouth Park, Islington and Queen’s Park north of the river.

Here, we take a look at why these parts of north London are so great to live in, and why you might consider making them your new home.

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Crouch End

Crouch End is known for its 19th-century clock tower (Image: David Winskill)

Famed for its 19th century clock tower, Crouch End is also home to much-loved independent shops, pubs, restaurants and bars.

French restaurant Les 2 Garcons Bistro is a firm favourite, as well as The Queens pub.

Alexandra Palace is on the area’s doorstep, and if you’re after a few laughs, Downstairs at The King’s Head is said to be the oldest comedy club in London.

But you’ll have to have a good budget if you’re thinking of making the move to Crouch End. Average flat prices are in excess of £500,000, and be prepared to pay seven figures if you’re looking for a house.

Celebrities Alan Carr, David Tennant, Katherine Ryan and Simon Pegg also call it home – so locals are used to rubbing shoulders with A-listers.

Dartmouth Park

Dartmouth Park lies close to Hampstead Heath (Image: Andre Langlois)

Not a million miles away lies Dartmouth Park, on the western edge of Hampstead Heath.

Naturally, this neighbourhood is a firm favourite with outdoor swimmers and dog walkers.

Offering a quieter pace of life than other parts of north London, Dartmouth Park still has plenty of shops and cafes to enjoy.

A strong community means there are often lots of local events neighbours can take part in. This includes the annual local bash, the York Rise Street Party.

If you thought Crouch End was expensive, you might want to skim past this bit. Terraced houses in Dartmouth Park sell for an average of £1.7 million and monthly rent on a two-bedroom flat hovers around the £2,200 mark.

Islington

Pastries at Pophams - a must-try (Image: Alex Marsh)

Muddy Stiletto names Islington on its list. Looking at the guide’s recommendations, there’s no doubt it is referring to the borough’s neighbourhoods clustered around Upper Street.

Pophams café offers world class pastries and coffee, and Ottolenghi has an outpost in the centre of the area.

There are pubs aplenty – from Derek Jarman’s favourite The Angelic to The Old Queens Head.

Upper Street is known for its high-end shops, as well as its antiques market in Camden Passage.

House princes here are not as steep as in Dartmouth Park, but the average home will still set you back more than £1 million.

Queen’s Park

The park has six all-weather tennis courts, an ornamental quiet garden and children’s playground with paddling pool (Image: Brent Council)

Home to Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller, Dermot O’Leary and Louis Theroux, Queen’s Park also has plenty of star power.

A short walk from Portobello Market, the area is host to plenty of fantastic pubs and restaurants, including Michiko Sushino and Salusbury Pub.

Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market and the annual Queen’s Park Day help to bring this northwest London community together.

There is also the park itself, which offers something for everyone with six all-weather tennis courts, an ornamental quiet garden and children’s playground with paddling pool.

Prices here are similar to Islington, with the average home going for just over £1.1 million.