Living in Edgware

The community spirit in Edgware is shaped by its cultural diversity and long-standing local networks. Local places of worship, from synagogues and mosques to churches and temples, knit the population together, providing social support and a busy calendar of cultural celebrations. Local events such as the Edgware Festival bring together neighbours for food, music, and family activities.

Weekly markets at The Broadwalk Centre and smaller farm markets offer fresh produce and artisan goods, while numerous community centres in and around Edgware support youth clubs, sports teams, and adult learning groups. Outdoor life is well catered for with green spaces like Canons Park and Edgwarebury Park, offering walking routes, gardens, picnic areas, and large playgrounds.

The social atmosphere is predominantly community-focussed and neighbourly. Local volunteer efforts, including litter picks and charity runs, are common, reflecting a sense of civic pride. Many residents see Edgware as a place where it’s easy to put down roots and become involved in local life.

Crime rates in Edgware are similar to other suburban pockets of North London, with the area generally considered safe for families, professionals, and retirees. Like most metropolitan areas, incidents of petty theft, anti-social behaviour, and vehicle crime can occur, particularly near busy transport hubs and shopping centres.

There are ongoing initiatives to maintain and improve community safety, including neighbourhood policing teams, CCTV coverage around commercial and transport zones, and regular engagement with local residents. Areas closer to Canons Park and residential streets often report lower incidence of crime compared to busier parts of the High Street.

Edgware’s safety perception is bolstered by a visible police presence and public information campaigns, with many residents reporting a strong sense of community vigilance and support. It remains a practical and reassuring choice for those prioritising safety without trading off urban accessibility.

Parking in Edgware is a frequent topic among residents and visitors. While on-street parking is available on most residential roads, controlled parking zones (CPZ) are in place to manage congestion and prioritise permit holders during daylight hours.

Several public car parks are positioned close to Edgware Station and The Broadwalk Centre, though spaces can fill quickly during peak shopping and commuting times. Disabled parking and secure cycling facilities are also provided at central locations. Many newer housing developments come with dedicated parking.

Road access is a major strength, with Edgware sitting close to the M1 motorway for fast links to the North and the M25 for orbital travel around London. The A41 and A5 connect the area directly to Central London, and local roads give swift access to surrounding neighbourhoods.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Watford – approx. 25 minutes via M1 (10 miles)
• Harrow – approx. 15 minutes via A410 (5 miles)
• St Albans – approx. 30 minutes via M1 (13 miles)
• Brent Cross – approx. 12 minutes via A41 (4 miles)

Edgware boasts a cosmopolitan food scene reflective of its multicultural community. The High Street and Station Road host a wide array of international restaurants, from kosher delis and Middle Eastern grills to Indian banquets and classic fish and chip shops. Cafés and bakeries, many independently owned, offer fresh pastries and a relaxed atmosphere for daytime socialising.

Pubs include longstanding favourites like The Three Wishes and The Railway Hotel, serving both traditional ales and modern craft beers. Nightlife in Edgware is notably more relaxed than inner London districts, but there are several late-night cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and cocktail bars on the main strip. For more vibrant nightlife, nearby Wembley and Camden are easily accessible.

Popular takeaways, dessert parlours, and food delivery options make Edgware well-served for those preferring nights in. The diversity of the local population means there’s always something new to try, whether it’s a hearty Eastern European breakfast or a Friday night kebab after a day’s work.

School quality
Schools in Edgware are highly rated, offering families both strong academic results and faith-based or values-led options. The educational landscape includes state, independent, and faith schools, all within close proximity.

Parks and green space
Edgware provides ample access to parks like Canons Park and Edgwarebury Park, with safe play areas, sports facilities, and picnic spaces ideal for family outings.

Childcare
Numerous nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs service the local area, catering to a variety of needs from early years to older children.

Safety
Many families report feeling secure in Edgware, with active neighbourhood watch programmes and regular police presence contributing to the area’s sense of safety.

Family activities
Leisure centres, swimming pools, libraries, and community events provide a broad range of options for weekend and after-school family activities. The local theatre group and arts clubs offer children and parents creative outlets close to home.

Edgware is especially suited to those with pets, thanks to its generous green spaces and dog-walking routes. Canons Park, Edgwarebury Park, and nearby Scratchwood Country Park offer miles of safe walking and exercise areas for dogs and their owners. Many local cafés provide water bowls and accommodate four-legged visitors, reflecting the area’s welcoming attitude towards pets.

Several veterinary practices and pet shops are based in Edgware, ensuring easy access to animal healthcare and supplies. Pet-friendly housing is commonplace, particularly in the many semi-detached and garden-centric homes that dominate the area.

With a strong community of animal lovers, regular pet-related events and classes, and responsive local services, Edgware offers an excellent environment for anyone with cats, dogs, or smaller animals. Responsible pet ownership is widely encouraged and supported.

Edgware is a key terminus on the Northern line of the London Underground, providing frequent services into Central London. The journey to King's Cross St Pancras takes about 30 minutes, making it ideal for commuters.

Numerous bus routes serve the area, linking Edgware to Barnet, Brent Cross, Watford, and Stanmore. The A41 and A5 roads offer direct car access to both inner and outer London, as well as the M1 motorway, which begins just a few minutes away.

The proximity to the M1 means driving north towards Hertfordshire or accessing the M25 London Orbital is straightforward. For air travel, London Heathrow Airport is just 40 minutes by car, while Luton Airport can be reached in under 35 minutes.

Typical commute times by public transport:

• Central London – approx. 30 minutes by Northern line
• Brent Cross – approx. 15 minutes by bus/Underground
• Watford – approx. 35 minutes by bus or car
• Hendon – 20 minutes by bus or train

Primary Schools in Edgware:
Edgware is well-served by a selection of primary schools. Krishna Avanti Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) is one of the standout institutions, not only for its academic standards but also for its unique spiritual and value-based ethos. Beit Shvidler Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2017) caters mainly to the local Jewish community, while Canons Park Primary School and Watling Park School offer inclusive and high-quality education to a diverse student body.

Secondary Schools:
Within Edgware, London Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2019) is a popular choice, recognised for its academic achievement and wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Canons High School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) sits on the border with Queensbury and attracts a large local intake. North London Collegiate School, an independent school with a national reputation, is also based here, catering for girls aged 4 to 18.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:
Edgware proximity affords access to Stanmore College, which provides comprehensive A-level and vocational qualifications. For those seeking specialist sixth-form opportunities, London Academy features an established sixth form that prepares students for higher education and employment.

Universities:
While there is no university campus in Edgware itself, excellent public transport means that Middlesex University (in nearby Hendon), University College London, and other central London universities are within easy commuting distance. This accessibility supports both resident students and mature learners.