Living in Harrow

The community feel in Harrow is likely one of its biggest assets. Shared public spaces, thriving places of worship, and a rolling calendar of events help create a close-knit, supportive atmosphere. From the Harrow Town Centre Festival and Diwali parades to Sunday farmers' markets, local life centres on inclusivity and celebration of its cultural diversity.

Local community centres, such as Harrow Arts Centre, offer activities from performing arts classes and language lessons to sports and youth clubs. Residents of all ages make use of the parks and green spaces, including Harrow Recreation Ground, Headstone Manor Park, and Roxbourne Park, which play an important role in neighbourhood life—encouraging fitness, leisure, and socialising outdoors.

Parks, leafy avenues, and well-maintained public gardens help to offset the urban feel, making Harrow feel both lively and relaxing in equal measure. Walking and cycling clubs, as well as local societies, contribute to an active and engaged resident population.

Crime rates in Harrow are generally lower than the London average, and the area is perceived as a safe suburb by many residents. The borough is proactive in addressing antisocial behaviour and has experienced investment in community policing and public safety initiatives in recent years.

Areas such as Harrow on the Hill and Pinner are regarded as among the safer parts of the borough, benefitting from active neighbourhood watch groups and local police engagement. There have been regeneration efforts in some parts, aimed at reducing petty crime and improving public spaces.

The local council and Metropolitan Police work closely with schools, faith groups, and young people to deliver outreach programmes and promote awareness. CCTV coverage in key locations and well-maintained public spaces further support safety and reassurance for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in Harrow is a mix of permit schemes, pay-and-display zones, and some free on-street options, especially in residential neighbourhoods farther from the main town centre. Around popular high streets and close to transport hubs, parking restrictions apply during peak hours, and demand for spaces can be high.

The borough operates a range of resident permit schemes, which aid people living in zones with limited street parking. Council-owned car parks and multi-storeys are available near key shopping areas. The main road routes crossing Harrow include the A404, A409, and A312, while the M1 and M25 motorways are accessible within a 15-20 minute drive, facilitating longer journeys across and beyond London.

Typical travel times by car from Harrow include:
Watford – approx. 20 minutes via A4008 (7 miles)
Central London – approx. 40 minutes via A40 or A41 (12 miles)
Heathrow – around 35 minutes via A312 (12 miles)
Brent Cross – 20 minutes via A41 (7 miles)

Harrow offers a diverse dining scene reflective of its multicultural community, with numerous Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Italian, and British restaurants lining the high streets and local shopping districts. Family-run cafés and modern coffee shops, particularly around Harrow on the Hill, provide popular meeting spots for locals.

Pubs in Harrow range from historic inns, such as The Castle and The White Horse, to contemporary gastropubs. With a mixture of traditional English, South Asian, and European cuisines, eating out in Harrow accommodates every palate. The area also has a vibrant street food presence around markets and festivals.

Nightlife in Harrow is moderate, with a selection of bars, cocktail lounges, and occasional late-night venues. While it does not have the extensive club scene of Central London, weekend evenings see a lively atmosphere thanks to local pubs, casual bistros, and world cuisine spots. Live music events and theatre performances are occasionally hosted at the Harrow Arts Centre and local pubs.

School Quality: Harrow's schools are a significant attraction for families, with several rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a good mix of state and independent options. High-quality sixth forms and access to colleges mean that all ages are well catered for educationally.

Parks and Green Spaces: Parks such as Headstone Manor Park and Harrow Recreation Ground offer excellent facilities for family outings, including play areas, sports pitches, and spaces for picnics or walks.

Childcare: The area has an abundance of nurseries, registered child minders, and after-school clubs, supporting working parents and younger families.

Safety: Perceived as safer than many other parts of London, Harrow provides a reassuring environment for raising children, with community policing and resident involvement in local safety projects.

Family Activities: Local libraries, leisure centres, arts venues, swimming pools, and children's classes ensure families have plenty of options for weekend or after-school activities. The diversity of the population means that there is a broad range of cultural and social programmes accessible all year round.

Pet-friendly living in Harrow is well supported by an abundance of parks, green corridors, and nearby countryside. Residents enjoy dog walking in Roxbourne Park, Headstone Manor Recreation Ground, and West Harrow Park, all of which have well-kept paths and open lawns. The local council provides dog waste bins and designated off-lead areas in several green spaces.

Numerous veterinary practices, including integrated pet hospitals and grooming services, can be found throughout Harrow. Pet shops supply both everyday essentials and specialist foods, while several cafés and pubs, particularly around Harrow on the Hill, welcome dogs and offer water bowls or treats.

The general attitude toward pets in Harrow is positive, with many rental and housing options accepting pets, especially in low-rise buildings and family homes. Access to neighbouring countryside via the Metropolitan Green Belt also makes the area appealing for pet owners interested in longer walks or outdoor adventures.

Transport in Harrow is one of the area's defining features, allowing convenient travel into Central London and throughout Greater London. The area boasts an extensive network of trains, tubes, and buses, alongside proximity to major roadways.

Two London Underground stations—Harrow-on-the-Hill (Metropolitan Line and National Rail) and West Harrow (Metropolitan Line)—anchor the area’s connectivity. North Harrow, South Harrow, and other local stops on the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines ensure widespread coverage for residents. Harrow & Wealdstone station provides Bakerloo Line and London Overground services, plus mainline rail connections. Numerous bus routes, including 140, H9, and H10, link Harrow with neighbouring boroughs, town centres, and shopping areas.

Heathrow Airport is around 30–40 minutes by car via the A312, while Luton Airport and London City Airport are both easily reached by public transport and car. For commuters, travel times to key locations are:

• Central London – approx. 20–25 minutes to Baker Street via Metropolitan Line
• Watford – approx. 15 minutes by train or car
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 35 minutes by car
• Wembley – 15 minutes by train, 20 minutes by car

This makes Harrow attractive for those working in the city, attending university, or frequently travelling beyond London. The area is also well-served by cycle lanes and walking routes, supporting a range of commuting preferences.

Schools in Harrow are a significant draw for families relocating to the area, as it is home to a mix of outstanding state, faith, and independent institutions. The borough is particularly well-known for its exceptional secondary schools and long-standing educational heritage.

Primary Schools:
Highly regarded primary schools in Harrow include Vaughan Primary School, last rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2016; Marlborough Primary School, with a strong academic record; and Pinner Park Primary School, which consistently receives positive reviews from parents and inspectors alike. Belmont Primary School is also popular, especially for families living close to Harrow town centre.

Secondary Schools:
Among the best-known secondary schools are Harrow High School (Ofsted rated ‘Good’ in 2019), Nower Hill High School (Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2012), Whitmore High School (also ‘Outstanding’ in 2015), and Bentley Wood High School for Girls (Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2021). Many of these schools offer sixth form education and a broad range of extracurricular activities.

Independent Schools:
Harrow is famous for Harrow School, one of England’s leading independent boarding schools for boys, founded in 1572. The John Lyon School, an independent day school, is another notable institution, well-regarded for academic achievement and extensive extracurricular offerings.

Colleges and Further Education:
Harrow College is a key provider of post-16 education and vocational training, offering A-Levels, apprenticeships, and adult learning courses. Stanmore College is also located nearby and provides similar opportunities.

Universities:
The University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus is well established, mainly focusing on media, arts, and design courses, attracting students from across London and beyond. Easy access to other London-based universities is a key benefit for those living in Harrow.