Living in Colindale

Colindale has a friendly, community-driven atmosphere. The local demographic is notably international, and this is reflected in the area’s cultural events, places of worship, and independent businesses. Residents tend to describe Colindale as neighbourly, with many new families and young professionals moving in and quickly integrating.

The Grahame Park Community Centre and Colindale Community Trust offer workshops, clubs, and advice services for all ages. Regular activities like street markets and festivals bring locals together and contribute to a lively community spirit.

Colindale offers generous green space for London: Montrose Playing Fields and Colindale Park are popular for walks, exercise, and picnics. Neighbouring Sunny Hill Park in Hendon and Fryent Country Park in Kingsbury provide further opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, making the area pleasantly sociable and active.

Safety and crime rates in Colindale reflect its status as a growing suburban area within one of London’s largest boroughs. Generally, Colindale delivers a sense of security, particularly in its newer residential developments and apartment complexes, which often feature secure access and on-site staff.

Like many parts of London, it has seen instances of antisocial behaviour and petty crime, but community policing is proactive, and residents often describe the area as improving due to ongoing regeneration and increased neighbourhood watch schemes. Parts of Colindale near Brent Cross may experience slightly more activity, especially around transport interchanges, but overall the area is considered safe by London standards.

The local Safer Neighbourhoods Team works closely with community groups, and public spaces are well-lit and monitored. As regeneration continues, investment in public safety and urban design is expected to further enhance Colindale’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place to live.

Parking in Colindale has improved with many new developments providing dedicated off-street and underground parking spaces for residents. However, on-street parking can be competitive, especially near Colindale Underground and local amenities. The area operates resident permit schemes in certain streets to manage demand, with metered parking available for visitors.

Colindale enjoys excellent road access via the A5, which runs through the district, as well as proximity to both the A41 and M1 for quick routes out of London. Traffic can become congested at peak hours, particularly around station approaches and commercial areas. However, local roads tend to be manageable for everyday journeys.

Nearby Towns and Cities:

• Harrow – approx. 15 minutes via A409 (6 miles)
• Brent Cross – under 10 minutes via A5 (2 miles)
• Edgware – approx. 10 minutes via A5 (3 miles)
• Watford – approx. 25 minutes via M1 (12 miles)

The area’s road network makes it convenient for drivers while still retaining enough public transport options for non-drivers.

The food scene in Colindale mirrors its multicultural identity. Residents will find an array of restaurants and cafés serving cuisines from around the world, including notable Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean establishments. Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall is a major destination for Asian cuisine, offering street food from dozens of vendors in a bustling, contemporary setting.

Local pubs include The Chandos Arms and The Beaufort, which are known for their friendly service and regular events. The social scene here leans towards the relaxed and informal, with a scattering of independent coffee shops, bakeries, and family-run eateries dotted throughout.

While Colindale itself doesn’t have a party-centric nightlife, its easy access to areas like Camden, Hampstead, and central London means bars and clubs are only a short tube ride away. For those preferring a night at the theatre or cinema, nearby Brent Cross and Edgware offer entertainment options, while local events and pop-up markets regularly contribute to the area’s evening and weekend buzz.

School quality: Colindale benefits from good and outstanding-rated primary and secondary schools, with access to further and higher education available in the wider Barnet area and at Middlesex University, Hendon.

Parks and green space: There are several pocket parks, playgrounds, and larger expanses such as Montrose Playing Fields, which cater perfectly for children and family outings.

Childcare: Childcare in Colindale is widely available, with nurseries and after-school clubs supporting working families and those with young children.

Safety: The area is regarded as safe by London standards, and regeneration has brought further improvements in secure housing and monitored public spaces.

Family activities: Colindale offers easy access to the Royal Air Force Museum, community events, and sports facilities, ensuring families have plenty of opportunities for leisure and learning.

Pet-friendly living is supported by Colindale’s parks and green spaces, such as Montrose Playing Fields and Sunny Hill Park, which are ideal for dog walking and outdoor activities. Fryent Country Park is also a short drive away, providing acres of natural landscape for pets and owners to explore.

Several veterinary practices are situated in the vicinity, and local pet shops supply everything needed for companion animals. Increasing numbers of new apartment developments are designed with pet ownership in mind, though it’s always best to check specific building policies.

The general attitude among local residents and landlords is positive towards pets, with dogs and cats commonly seen throughout the area. Many local cafés and a few pubs are also dog-friendly, making it easy for pet owners to socialise without worry.

Colindale offers strong transport and accessibility for residents and commuters. Its central hub, Colindale Underground Station, lies on the Northern Line, putting the West End and financial districts within easy reach. The area is also served by numerous London bus routes, cycling paths, and convenient road links for car users.

Key commute times from Colindale:

• London Bridge – approx. 35 minutes via Northern Line
• Euston – approx. 20 minutes via Northern Line
• Brent Cross – under 10 minutes by bus or car
• Westminster – about 30 minutes via tube
• Heathrow Airport – 45-60 minutes using public transport via tube and train connections

Major roads such as the A5 (Edgware Road), A41, and the M1 motorway are all easily accessible, providing connectivity to central London and out towards Hertfordshire and beyond. For those preferring buses, frequent services serve nearby Hampstead, Brent Cross, and Barnet. Colindale’s transport infrastructure is especially convenient for students and professionals commuting to central London.

Education is one of Colindale’s strong suits, with a range of primary and secondary school options catering to local families. The area is home to outstanding and good-rated schools as highlighted by Ofsted, making it a consideration for families prioritising access to reputable education.

Primary Schools
- Colindale Primary School: Ofsted rated 'Good' (2022), popular for its supportive environment and community feel.
- The Orion Primary School: A larger-than-average academy, recognised for its inclusive ethos and creative curriculum, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted (2019).
- Goldbeaters Primary School: Another well-rated local school, Ofsted 'Outstanding' (2019), known for its innovative teaching.
- Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary School: Maintains a strong academic record and 'Good' Ofsted rating (2022).

Secondary Schools
- The Hyde School: Nearby and rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022).
- Kingsbury High School: A popular choice on the border of Colindale, with a 'Good' Ofsted report (2022).
- Hendon School: Close to Colindale, known for its broad curriculum and 'Good' Ofsted rating (2022).

Independent Schools and Colleges
- North London Grammar School: An independent secondary that is highly regarded, offering small class sizes.
- Barnet and Southgate College (Colindale Campus): An important centre for further education, including vocational courses and adult learning opportunities.

Universities
- Middlesex University (Hendon campus): Just a short distance from Colindale, Middlesex University draws students from around the world to its renowned faculties in business, health, arts, and technology.