THE QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD IN NORTH LONDON NAMED THE BEST TO LIVE WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS THEIR NEIGHBOURS

There's one tucked-away area of North London that offers a rare blend of city convenience and suburban charm. Named one of the best places to live in London for 2025 by lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos, residents say it’s easy to see why.

Tucked between Kentish Town and Highgate, and just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath, Dartmouth Park is a hidden gem many Londoners have never heard of. Its village-like atmosphere and thriving local businesses make it a standout spot.

Lee Smyth, 46, has been running Truffles Deli – an Italian deli – for 16 years. He says the area’s anonymity is part of its charm.

READ MORE: A look at the beautiful secret park in North London right next to a London Underground station

'Village vibe'

Lee said: “The cool thing about Dartmouth Park is nobody knows where it is. You tell people you live here, and they go, ‘Where’s that?’ And you’re like, ‘Oh, near Tufnell Park or Kentish Town.’ We like to keep its exact location a secret – it keeps the village vibe intact.”

Lee, who has lived in Dartmouth Park his whole life, says the tight-knit community and abundance of independent businesses make it feel unique. He added: “There’s nothing quite like Dartmouth Park. It’s lovely being so close to the centre, but still feeling like you’re in the countryside.”

'Here, everyone says "good morning"'

He says the local spirit is unlike anywhere else. Lee added: “In London, you can go years without knowing your neighbours. But here, everyone says ‘good morning’ – it’s like being in a small town.”

Despite its prime location, the area still offers a few bargains. At Truffles Deli, a cappuccino costs just £2.60 – a steal compared to most of London. At the deli, all the mugs and plates are unique, giving it a quaint vibe.

However, Dartmouth Park’s stunning location and proximity to the heath come with a hefty house price tag - flats average at £655,000, while terraced homes sold for an average of £1.7 million last year.

But for most residents, its proximity to nature is worth the price. Erin, 36, who moved from Canada, says the landscapes and community drew her to the area.

'It feels close to nature'

She said: “I love being close to Hampstead Heath – lots of hills, nice views of London. It reminds me of home, with the heath and ponds making it feel close to nature, even in the city.”

Rory Ferguson, 28, agrees that being right next to the heath is a huge perk. He added: “We’ve got Hampstead Heath and Camden right next door, so you don’t need to do everything here. Having one of the best parks in the world on our doorstep? Yeah, I’ll take that.”

'We know our customers'

The neighbourhood also offers a slice of TV fame. BOLD – a local coffee shop – was featured in the BBC hit Fleabag as Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character’s cafe. Owner Ibrahim ‘Ibo’ Aksu, 41, who moved from Istanbul, says he fell in love with the area instantly.

He said: “We looked all over London, but this place just felt right. The people here are so friendly – we know our customers, their kids, and they know us. It’s a real local community, which is rare in a big city.”

Even new businesses feel the warmth. Ozgen Sumbul, 35, opened Lime Bistro just 15 months ago but says the community welcomed her with open arms.

She said: “Even before we opened, when we were still doing construction, people kept popping in to say hello. Now, people wave at me as they walk by or stop in for a chat. It’s like we’ve become friends and family.”

With its idyllic location, independent businesses, and neighbourly spirit, it’s no wonder Dartmouth Park is topping the lists. For those lucky enough to live here, it’s the best of both worlds – countryside charm with the city on your doorstep.

2025-03-23T07:27:19Z