What is it really like to live in Northolt?
FindaProperty.com presents a selection of local residents reviews and reports, detailing their own experiences of living in Northolt.

Do you live in an area of Northolt? Let us know your thoughts about the area using the form below.

I agree. I have been here for 2 years and I was very worried initially about the area and crime and schools. But I am very pleased with my decision to move in here ...

... It is indeed beautifully connected to all the main roads A40, M4, A315, etc ... such an easy get away!

The roads are not as congested as the ones in Ealing - that’s where I came from! The traffic was unbearable to get to any place, there it was a good hour- even to the Hoover building Tesco! Here in Northolt it is a hop step and jump to Sainsbury or Waitrose and the traffic is not heavy at all.

As I am a teacher I get back pretty late and I still have the time to get to the shops and cook dinner! The children play outside during weekends and we even have the ice cream  van go by which is such a pleasant sight nowadays.

The bus links and  the tube are great with Northolt park train station close by this place is heaven compared to many other suburbs. It is not surprising that the prices of houses have gone up but they are still affordable to many. It will not be long when people realise what is lovely area this is with lovely primary schools to boast about. House Prices here are escalating - good sign for home owners! 
Ellie

I've been living in Northolt for over 20 years. It used a place to avoid, but this is changing ...

... Here's an interesting observation for those contemplating, or being forced to think about Northolt - you can take some comfort from this: on my journey to and from work in Liverpool Street I see more and more young professionals getting on and off at Northolt. Before, they would all have gotten off at Hanger Lane.

It does feel as if the place is about to take off. Prices are still rising and I recently read (in the Metro) that Northolt is one of six London suburbs which is under valued and under priced. So it's finally on the radar.

But this doesn't surprise me. The transport links are excellent and the local authority are investing in infrastructure with new schools, a new park and generally a well maintained and picturesque Village. But don't take my word for it, come and take a look for yourself! You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Shuaib

I have lived in Northolt since 1989 on the same road in the same flat...

We have squirrels and foxes in the garden and enjoy living in a yob-free area.

Oldfields Circus is our nearest small shopping area and it is nice to see small businesses flourishing there. Nearest supermarkets are a drive away and cinemas and other entertainments do involve a trip to Harrow, Ealing or Watford, but I am willing to accept that because the lack of any kind of Town Centre has its distinct advantages, having lived near the centre of a noisy city before moving down here.

Northolt has an abundance of one and two bedroomed flats and maisonettes, purpose built and with quite sizeable gardens and there are excellent primary schools in the area.

High schools are Northolt High near the Swimarama and the new City Academy.

Northolt may not have the glamour and character of other areas, but for cheaper family housing and quick access in to London, I don't think you can beat it.

I have lived in the Northolt area for the last 20 years...

...and have seen it change from a sleepy town to a town with very good links to Central London and surrounding areas.

Central London is 15 minutes' train ride from Northolt Park Station and 15 minutes' drive into Central London. Better off taking the trains then to pay charges in Central London.

In spite of high interest rates the prices in the Northolt Park area are going up due to easy access from the station.

The best area with its very good transport connections is Petts Hill and Danemead Grove.

Northolt is a very quiet area...

We have been living in the Wood End area (UB5) for 3 years and we have never had a problem. The train station is 8 minutes' walk from our house and takes you to central London (Marylebone) in 13 minutes. We also have the Piccadilly Line (Zone 4 - Sudbury town) a 10 minute walk from the house and also the Central Line (Zone 5) 15 minutes' walk from the house.

Also the buses to Harrow on the Hill, Harrow shopping centre, Hayes and we even have a bus that leaves you at Heathrow airport.

We also have lots of schools near by, so it is great if you have kids.

We've lived in Northolt for 27 years...

The 'Word on the Street' (above) description is a fair summary, except that to say 'there are not many facilities on offer' can give the wrong impression. As mentioned, it is not a shopping centre and therefore doesn't have the hassles sometimes associated with these; however, not being a shopping centre has the advantages mentioned. It's also ideally placed for a short trip to both Harrow and Ealing town shopping centres and, a bit further away, Watford.

However, Northolt does have a good variety of small local shops, including an Indian restaurant, several Chinese and Indian takeaways, fast food outlets, two fish and chip shops and an 'Alldays' 7-11 general store. Also, a DIY shop, pet shop, wedding outfitters, dry cleaners, tool and machinery hire shop, betting shop, bank, main Post Office, library and local schools. These are all in the centre of Northolt - the 'Tempo' store mentioned is now a 'PC World' and is situated on the outskirts of Northolt. There is also a B & Q on the A40 and the Tesco store just along the same road in the Art Deco Hoover Building at Perivale. Other nearby supermarkets are Sainsbury's in South Ruislip and Waitrose at South Harrow. Also at Perivale is the largest open space in Ealing, Horsenden Hill, with its Countryside Day once a year.

As well as the fine swimming pool, Northolt also several parks, a gym, golf practice range and several community centres. There are various churches, including the marvellous Saxon church of St. Mary's, set on a green slope in Northolt Village, a Conservation Area. This is a hidden gem with a village green, and a brook running through it, a large thatched Fullers pub with a Thai restaurant and the original, extended village pub, now a 'Beefeater'. Northolt was a Saxon settlement and also had a moated medieval manor house - artifacts from both are in Gunnesbury Park Museum.

Houses are mainly thirties through to more recent developments, including flats and maisonettes, and are still very good value compared to those a bit further into London. You pay more on your tube fare into Central London but considerably less on the price of a house e.g. compared to a flat further in. It's therefore excellent for families, couples and singles.

Transport links are excellent, with Northolt Central line providing direct access to Oxford Circus, various bus routes, and the A40 into central London and out to Buckinghamshire, Oxford and the West. It is also a quick journey to Heathrow Airport, and Northolt is not on the flight path.

Northolt is a relatively sleepy town...

...with not many facilities on offer. (There is a swimming pool and a Tempo electronics store!) However it is ideally placed for numerous shopping towns like Ealing, Harrow, Greenford, Hayes Southall and Hounslow as well as the airport.

Best of all is its proximity to the major arteries into London, the A40 and M4, both minutes' drive and the Central Line which will have you at Oxford Street in about 35 minutes. Crime is relatively low with the absence of a town centre for yobs to loiter in.