Barnsbury is an area in Islington that consists mostly of older terraces and liberal intelligentsia. Writers and journalists (even Tony Blair, before he became Prime Minister) favour this neighbourhood for its lovely Georgian homes on quiet squares, little green enclaves like Barnsbury Wood, and convenient location - Barnsbury is near the City, and approximately 15 minutes from Oxford Circus by tube.
Islington in general inspires loyalty from its residents. Some would argue that the fact that locals and people starting families move out and get replaced by City bankers and lawyers is to the detriment of the area's community feel. Still, no place with large groups of writers and other specific kinds of people is entirely without a sense of community.
Barnsbury is a socially mixed area that is sometimes thought of as being edgy, and the prevalence of council estates and underperforming schools has added to that impression. However, Barnsbury is by no means dangerous.
For a relatively central area of London, parking in Barnsbury is neither especially costly nor notoriously difficult.
Barnsbury is not itself a nightlife destination, but has a number of good locals. It's very well situated for evenings out elsewhere nearby, especially Camden.
The area is more popular with young professionals and couples than with families, who do sometimes move further out to Muswell Hill and Crouch End over issues like wanting more space or concerns about the schools in Islington. However, it does have a comparatively villagey feel for being so near to King's Cross, and is as close to the City as one can get without losing the option of living in a house.
With several green squares, canal access, and larger houses, it is possible to own a dog in Barnsbury.
Barnsbury is fairly centrally located and well-connected, with the Overground at Caledonian Road and Barnsbury, the Piccadilly Line at Caledonian Road, the Northern Line at Angel, and the Victoria Line and rail services at Highbury & Islington.