Living in Oakwood

Oakwood has a warm, neighbourly atmosphere, where residents often look out for each other and participate in local events. Community centres, such as the Southgate Progressive Synagogue and Oakwood Baptist Church, host gatherings and classes. Trent Park is a focal point for outdoor activities, dog walking, and running clubs, and its café offers a meeting place for locals.

Local fairs and seasonal events, including Oakwood’s Christmas lights and summer fetes, bring neighbours together. The Friends of Oakwood Park organise initiatives to maintain and enhance the green spaces. The area supports a quieter social calendar compared to central London but provides ample opportunity for community involvement, gardening societies, and volunteering.

Perceptions of safety in Oakwood are generally favourable. The area is widely considered a peaceful suburb with lower reported crime rates compared to many Inner London districts. Street crime, anti-social behaviour, and property crime figures are typically below the wider borough average, reinforcing Oakwood's appeal among families and retirees seeking a calm environment.

The presence of visible policing and Neighbourhood Watch schemes encourages community reassurance. While any urban location carries some risk, Oakwood benefits from proactive local initiatives such as youth engagement projects and the efforts of Enfield's Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Certain parts, especially those close to major highways or transport nodes, may see increased activity, but regeneration around Oakwood station has helped further improve safety and accessibility.

Parking in Oakwood is manageable compared to busier parts of North London. Residential streets often offer free or permit-based on-street parking, and private driveways are common with period and modern homes alike. Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) exist closer to the station and shopping parades to ease commuter congestion during peak hours.

Main roads such as Bramley Road (A110) and Chase Road provide direct links to the M25 (Junction 24) and the A406 North Circular, giving motorists convenient access to motorways and key routes across London and the South East.

Driving times to major nearby destinations typically include:

• Enfield Town – approx. 15 minutes by A110 (4 miles)
• Southgate – approx. 8 minutes by Chase Road (2 miles)
• Barnet – approx. 18 minutes via M25 and A111 (7 miles)
• Central London – approx. 45 minutes by A406 and A1 (13 miles)
• Potters Bar – approx. 18 minutes by car via M25 (8 miles)

Overall, Oakwood is regarded as easy to navigate by car, with most amenities within a short drive and relatively light congestion except during school runs or peak commute hours.

The food and social scene in Oakwood is understated but diverse. Restaurants and cafés line Bramley Road and Chase Side, with cuisine ranging from traditional British fare to Mediterranean, Italian, and Turkish options. The well-established La Caverna is a local favourite for Italian dining, while the nearby Skewd Kitchen in Cockfosters is often recommended for Anatolian tastes.

Local pubs include The Jolly Farmers and Ye Olde Cherry Tree, popular with residents for their community vibe and classic interiors. While Oakwood itself has a quieter nightlife, neighbouring Cockfosters and Southgate offer a wider choice of bars, cocktail lounges, and takeaways.

For an evening out, the cultural scene can be found in theatres and comedy clubs in Enfield or the West End, which is only a short tube journey away. Oakwood is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, close-to-home evening or a good meal out, whether with family or friends.

School Quality: The presence of highly rated primary and secondary schools, such as Merryhills Primary and Southgate School, provides reassurance for parents. Several of these schools are within walking distance, and with “Good” or “Outstanding” Ofsted reports, families can expect a solid educational start for children.

Parks and Green Space: Oakwood’s proximity to Trent Park and Oakwood Park ensures families have access to playgrounds, walking trails, and sports facilities, supporting active lifestyles.

Childcare: A range of nurseries and pre-schools operate locally, supported by several childminding and after-school clubs. This is supplemented by parent-and-toddler groups at churches and community halls.

Safety: The area’s low crime rates and visible community policing make it a reassuring environment to raise children. Streets are quieter, and neighbours are generally watchful and engaged.

Family Activities: Regular events in local parks, nearby play centres, and easy trips to London Zoo or Alexandra Palace add interest for children and parents alike. Oakwood is known for its family-orientated living, spacious homes, and welcoming atmosphere.

Oakwood’s appeal extends to pet owners, thanks largely to its access to miles of walks in Trent Park and Oakwood Park. Dogs are welcome in these public spaces, with open fields and woodland making it ideal for energetic pets. The community is accustomed to seeing dogs and other pets, and most local cafés and pubs are dog-friendly.

There are several veterinary practices and pet supply shops in and around Oakwood, supporting responsible pet ownership. With easy access to countryside and outdoor activities, housing stock that often features gardens, and tolerant attitudes toward animals, the area consistently attracts dog-walkers and pet enthusiasts seeking a supportive environment.

Oakwood’s reputation as a commuter-friendly suburb is bolstered by its transport connections. The area is served by Oakwood Underground Station on the Piccadilly line, providing direct services into Central London. Journey times into King's Cross St Pancras are typically just over 30 minutes, which appeals to professionals.

Several bus routes pass through Oakwood toward nearby areas such as Enfield Town, Southgate, Cockfosters and Barnet. For drivers, main roads including the M25 and A406 North Circular Road are conveniently accessible, enhancing connectivity to North and East London as well as to Hertfordshire.

The nearest mainline train connection is at Enfield Chase station for direct rail access to Moorgate in the City. Travelling from Oakwood, key commute times include:

• Central London (Leicester Square) – around 37 minutes via Piccadilly line
• Enfield Town – about 20 minutes by car or bus
• Heathrow Airport – approximately 70 minutes by Tube; 50 minutes by car via M25
• King's Cross St Pancras – 31 minutes on the Piccadilly line

Cycling and walking are practical for local journeys, with dedicated cycle lanes on main routes. The area’s transport infrastructure makes it well-suited for both city workers and those travelling further afield.

Oakwood is recognised for its access to excellent educational facilities, making it especially appealing to families and those placing a premium on academic achievement. The area sits within reach of both primary and secondary schools renowned for their standards.

Primary Schools
Among the top choices is Merryhills Primary School, located close to Oakwood, which was rated “Good” by Ofsted in its last report (March 2019). Another popular choice is Eversley Primary School, also rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted (November 2012), drawing pupils from Oakwood and a wider catchment area. Grange Park Primary and Wolfson Hillel Primary School, both nearby, add to the diverse schooling options, catering to different faiths and educational approaches.

Secondary Schools
For secondary education, Southgate School is a highly regarded mixed comprehensive just west of Oakwood, last rated “Good” by Ofsted (May 2018). Enfield County School for Girls (rated “Good”, October 2018) and Highlands School (“Outstanding”, January 2011) are also accessible to Oakwood families. These schools have longstanding reputations for academic rigour and extracurricular achievements.

Independent Schools & Colleges
Within a broader radius, Grange Park Prep School and Salcombe Preparatory School provide independent education. For further education, Oakwood residents typically access Barnet and Southgate College, which has a campus nearby, and offers a range of vocational and academic courses.

Universities
There are no universities in Oakwood itself, but the area’s transport links mean that Central London’s array of higher education institutions – such as University College London (UCL), City University, and King's College London – are easily commutable on the Piccadilly line.