Living in Highbury

Community and local life in Highbury centres around shared green spaces, long-standing businesses, and a programme of local events. Highbury Fields acts as the social heart of the neighbourhood, with family picnics, community yoga, weekend Parkruns, and summer festivals regularly held there. The Highbury Community Association and library host activities, talks, and workshops for all ages.

The area has a close-knit, welcoming feel, with neighbours taking pride in their environment and often participating in local clean-ups or street parties. Farmers’ markets and seasonal fairs promote a sense of togetherness and offer fresh produce and artisanal crafts. Family-run cafés and shops contribute to an authentically local experience, uniting long-term residents with newcomers in a shared appreciation for Highbury’s distinct character.

Safety in Highbury is regarded as above average for inner London, with crime rates typically lower than nearby areas such as Holloway or Finsbury Park. Neighbourhood watch schemes and a visible police presence contribute to a feeling of safety, especially around Highbury Fields and residential streets.

While crime does occur, as in any busy urban district, serious incidents are less frequent in this part of North London. The area is known for its strong sense of community and active resident groups, all of which foster a secure atmosphere. Recent initiatives, including improved street lighting and CCTV, have further reassured locals. Ongoing regeneration work around certain southern edges of the neighbourhood also contributes to a growing sense of security.

Parking in Highbury can be challenging, as with much of inner London, especially during Arsenal match days or busy weekends. Most streets are regulated by residents’ permit schemes, and all-day on-street parking is restricted in many areas. Short-term parking bays and pay-and-display options are available, though spaces fill up quickly during peak periods.

Highbury enjoys good road access, with the A1 Holloway Road providing a direct north-south route and the A501 leading towards the City and West End. Congestion is typical during rush hour and match days, so planning ahead is advised. Highbury is also bounded by controlled parking zones and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, helping to limit through-traffic in residential areas.

Key routes and nearby towns/cities:

• Camden – approx. 15 minutes via A503 (3 miles)
• Central London (West End) – approx. 20 minutes via A501 (4 miles)
• Hampstead – approx. 20 minutes via A1 (4.5 miles)
• Stratford – approx. 25 minutes via A12 (6 miles)

Highbury boasts an impressive selection of eateries, independent cafés, and historic pubs. Blackstock Road and Highbury Barn are at the heart of the food scene, with beloved local bakers, Italian delis, and artisanal food stores alongside gastropubs and global cuisine. Pubs such as The Highbury Barn, The Alwyne Castle, and The Compton Arms are well-known local staples, each offering their own unique setting and atmosphere.

For nightlife, the area is known more for relaxed evenings than for late-night clubbing. Intimate wine bars, live music venues, and small theatres cater to those seeking cultural nights out. While Highbury itself is relatively calm after dark, neighbouring areas like Islington's Upper Street provide a vibrant bar and restaurant scene within walking distance, ensuring there is always something to do without leaving North London.

School Quality: Highbury is popular with families due to its selection of Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” and “Good” schools at both primary and secondary level, ensuring access to quality education close to home.

Parks and Green Space: The extensive Highbury Fields, with its playground, sports facilities, and open lawns, is ideal for children of all ages. Smaller parks and gardens dot the area, providing plenty of safe play areas and picnic spots.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs serve the local community, offering diverse and flexible childcare options. Facilities include playcentres and specialist providers for early years learning.

Safety: Highbury’s strong community, active Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and low crime rates for inner London help reassure parents about family safety.

Family Activities: Weekend markets, outdoor sports, children’s libraries, and local arts clubs provide regular activities. The proximity to attractions such as Emirates Stadium and community sports centres make weekends engaging for all ages.

Highbury is an excellent choice for pet owners thanks to its expansive green spaces and proximity to pet-friendly venues. Highbury Fields is a favoured spot for dog walkers, offering wide open spaces and well-maintained paths. The nearby Gillespie Park Nature Reserve provides a wilder spot for walks and outdoor exploration.

Local vet practices and several pet shops ensure all needs are covered, while many cafés and pubs welcome well-behaved dogs. The neighbourhood’s overall attitude towards pets is positive, with numerous pet-friendly rental properties and regular community dog walks bringing owners together. Access to the city’s larger parks, such as Finsbury Park, is also within easy walking distance.

Highbury is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of London by a variety of public transport options. Highbury & Islington station is a major transport hub, serving the Victoria Line, London Overground, and National Rail services, making journeys across the capital straightforward and efficient. Numerous bus routes traverse Highbury, linking residents to central London, Camden, Hackney, and other nearby districts.

Arsenal station (Piccadilly Line) is also close by, providing direct underground routes to King’s Cross, the West End, and Heathrow Airport. The area is well served by cycle routes and is increasingly popular with cyclists thanks to local bike lanes and proximity to green spaces. With its central location, daily commutes to London’s employment centres are both rapid and convenient.

• Oxford Circus – approx. 10 minutes via Victoria Line
• King’s Cross St Pancras – approx. 5 minutes via Victoria Line or Overground
• The City (Moorgate) – approx. 10 minutes via National Rail from Highbury & Islington
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 60 minutes via Piccadilly Line (from Arsenal) and Heathrow Express

Highbury offers a solid selection of schools and educational facilities, making it popular with families. The area is home to primary and secondary schools rated highly by Ofsted, alongside esteemed independent schools and easy access to renowned colleges and universities across North London.

Primary Schools:

Canonbury Primary School – Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted (2013), this local school is highly regarded both academically and for its broad extracurricular offering.
Gillespie Primary School – “Outstanding” (2016), known for nurturing environments and community involvement.
St Joan of Arc RC Primary School – Rated “Good” (2018), offering a faith-based education in a central Highbury location.
Highbury Quadrant Primary School – Rated "Good" (2022), popular for its inclusive ethos.

Secondary Schools:

Highbury Fields School (Girls) – “Outstanding” (2016), an oversubscribed girls’ comprehensive with a reputation for academic achievement.
Arts and Media School Islington – “Good” (2022), specialising in creative subjects alongside a standard curriculum.
City of London Academy Highbury Grove – “Good” (2022), a mixed school with modern facilities.
St Mary Magdalene Academy – All Through, “Good” (2018), offers secondary and sixth form education in a faith-based setting.

Independent & Colleges:

North Bridge House Senior Canonbury – A co-educational independent school for 11–18-year-olds.
City and Islington College – One of London’s largest further education colleges is easily accessible in neighbouring Islington.

Universities:

While Highbury does not itself host a university campus, it is within easy reach of University College London (UCL), London Metropolitan University (Holloway campus), and other world-renowned institutions in central London, making it an excellent location for students and academics alike.