Living in Enfield

Community spirit is strong throughout Enfield, with many residents valuing local traditions, social clubs, and regular events that bring people together. The borough supports a wide array of cultural festivals, farmers’ markets, and sports clubs, ensuring there is always something on for locals to enjoy. Community centres can be found throughout the area, offering classes, clubs, and support services for all ages.

Enfield’s appeal is enhanced by its green spaces and leisure sites. Trent Park, one of North London’s largest parks, offers miles of woodland, walking trails, and open lawns, making it perfect for both solitary relaxation and community gatherings. The New River Path and Enfield Playing Fields add to the outdoor lifestyle options, attracting walkers, joggers, and families alike. Allotments, riverside walks, and accessible playgrounds further underpin the area's commitment to living well in an urban setting.

The safety profile of Enfield is broadly in line with other Greater London boroughs, though crime rates can vary between neighbourhoods. Generally, residential areas tend to feel safe, with lower levels of antisocial behaviour and violent crime than some central or inner London areas. There are, however, pockets—particularly nearer to major transport hubs—where certain types of crime, such as petty theft or vehicle crime, are more common.

Policing in Enfield is overseen by the Metropolitan Police, who actively engage with the community through street patrols, local meetings, and initiatives aimed at reducing youth violence and gang activity. Neighbourhood Watch groups are active across the borough, and regeneration projects in areas such as Edmonton Green are enhancing public spaces and improving surveillance, helping to create a safer environment for all residents.

Parking in Enfield varies depending on the neighbourhood. In residential streets, on-street parking is widely available, and many homes benefit from off-road parking. Permit schemes operate in busier or central areas, such as Enfield Town, to ensure residents have access to parking during peak times. Town centre car parks cater for local shoppers, while pay-and-display options offer flexibility for visitors.

Enfield’s road network is well developed, with the A10, A406 North Circular Road, and the M25 major routes providing efficient car access to nearby towns and cities. Congestion can occur during rush hours, particularly near town centres and major junctions. Enfield’s location offers excellent connectivity to:

• Cheshunt – approx. 15 minutes via A10 (6 miles)
• Potters Bar – approx. 20 minutes via M25 (8 miles)
• Central London – approx. 50 minutes via A10/A406 (12 miles)
• Watford – approx. 30 minutes via M25 (17 miles)

Enfield is home to a lively food scene, offering everything from classic British pubs to restaurants serving global cuisines. The borough boasts a rich mix of Turkish, Greek, Italian, and Asian eateries, especially around Green Lanes and Southgate. Popular dining spots include Little Green Dragon micro pub, Zaza Italian, and the renowned Myddelton House Gardens café for afternoon treats.

Pubs continue to play a big role in local social life, with The King and Tinker, The Wonder, and The Beehive among the area’s best-loved watering holes for food and real ales. Takeaways and street food options are plentiful, reflecting Enfield’s multicultural population.

Nightlife is generally more relaxed than in central London, but there are still options for evening entertainment. Southbury Leisure Park and Enfield’s retail parks host several bars, plus there are cinemas, bowling alleys, and occasional live music events. Those seeking a more energetic night out often travel to neighbouring boroughs or central London, but Enfield offers plenty for those preferring a quieter evening closer to home.

School Quality
Enfield’s reputation for strong educational provision is a major draw for families, with several primary and secondary schools rated highly by Ofsted and a variety of independent and faith-based options available.

Parks and Green Space
The borough is well equipped with playgrounds, extensive parks such as Trent Park and Forty Hall, and sports facilities suitable for children and teenagers.

Childcare
Families benefit from a range of nurseries, pre-schools, and childminder services across the area, supporting parents with flexible childcare arrangements.

Safety
While crime rates can vary, most family-oriented neighbourhoods are perceived as safe, with active neighbourhood watch schemes and regeneration work further improving public safety.

Family Activities
Museums, leisure centres, family-focused cafés, and a lively calendar of local events ensure that children and parents always have something to look forward to.

Pet owners will find Enfield extremely welcoming, thanks to its abundance of parks, commons, and riverside walks. Trent Park and Forty Hall Park are particularly popular with dog walkers and offer wide open spaces for energetic pets to roam. There are several local vets, such as Medivet Enfield, and pet shops spread across shopping centres and high streets.

Dog-friendly cafés and pubs are part of the local social scene, and attitudes towards pets in public spaces and rented properties are generally positive. Many housing developments and landlords embrace pet-friendly policies, supporting the growing number of families and individuals choosing to share their homes with animals.

Enfield enjoys strong transport connections, making it a desirable location for commuters and those keen to explore both London and beyond. The borough is served by several mainline rail stations, including Enfield Town, Enfield Chase, Southbury, and Turkey Street, offering direct routes into Central London such as London Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and King’s Cross. London Overground services also operate through parts of Enfield, improving links to East and North London.

Local bus services provide comprehensive coverage throughout Enfield and connect with neighbouring boroughs like Barnet, Haringey, and Waltham Forest. The proximity of the A10 and M25 means motorists benefit from swift access to London’s orbital routes and key motorway networks, facilitating travel across the wider region. Heathrow and Stansted Airports are both under an hour away by road, enhancing international connectivity.

Average commute times to key destinations:

• Central London: approx. 30–40 minutes by train
• Liverpool Street: approx. 30 minutes from Enfield Town
• Moorgate: approx. 35 minutes from Enfield Chase
• Heathrow Airport: approx. 55 minutes by car
• Stansted Airport: approx. 45 minutes by car

Enfield offers a broad and diverse range of educational opportunities, making it an attractive location for families prioritising schooling. The borough is home to over 80 primary and secondary schools, including both state and independent options. Many of its schools are well regarded, with several rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in their most recent inspections.

Primary Schools in Enfield:

Among the leading primary schools are St. George’s Catholic Primary School (Ofsted Outstanding, 2023), Eversley Primary School (Ofsted Outstanding, 2022), Grange Park Primary School (Ofsted Good, 2022), and George Spicer Primary School (Ofsted Good, 2021). These schools offer a balanced curriculum and are known for their inclusive, supportive environments.

Secondary Schools in Enfield:

Top secondary schools include The Latymer School, consistently ranked among the best grammar schools in London (Ofsted Outstanding, 2022), Enfield County School for Girls (Ofsted Good, 2022), Highlands School (Ofsted Outstanding, 2021), and St. Ignatius College (Ofsted Good, 2022). Many secondary schools offer sixth forms, giving students a continuous educational journey from early years through to A-levels.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

Enfield is served by several further education institutions, most notably Enfield College, which provides a wide array of academic and vocational courses. Other nearby options include Barnet and Southgate College, which also has a strong presence in the borough.

Universities:

While Enfield itself doesn’t host a major university campus, it benefits from its location close to several of London’s leading universities, including University College London, Middlesex University and City, University of London—all of which are reachable in under an hour by public transport.