Willesden Area Guide

UK Area Guides

Willesden, North West London

Exceptional4.1

Living in

Willesden is a family suburb of North West London that is benefitting from a lot of investment and regeneration. This area has the requisite green space and good schools to attract families, but also amenities like good transport links and nightlife. Willesden is a very diverse and characterful area of London. The area has some well-established communities, including a substantial Irish presence. 

Ratings

Exceptional4.1

Community

This is a historically working-cass suburb whose identity was shaped by Jewish, Irish, and Indian immigrants. It doesn't have the villagey feel of a place like Hampstead, but it does have a sense of its own local character. 

Safety

Willesden and the wider surrounding area have average crime, according to the Met police. The nearest above average crime hostpot is in Harlesden. The 2014/2015 crime and violence against the person rates were just slightly higher here than in London overall. 

Parking

Though this area has good road connections to the A5 and M1, it is an area with relativey low car ownership, with one car for every two households. Parking and traffic here can be something of a nuisance. Public transport links are very good. 

Nightlife

Nightlife in this area is varied, from pubs and bars to nightclubs. Bus connections are good, facilitating late-night travel.  

Family Friendly

Willesden is a very family-friendly suburb. About 1 in 5 residents of Willesden is a child aged 0-15. Many of the primary and secondary schools are judged good or outstanding by Ofsted, and there is a Roman Catholic primary school. There is a lot of green space nearby, incuding Gladstone Park and Willesden Green, as well as a sports ground. 

Pet Friendly

There is a great deal of green and open space around, from Willesden Green to Gladstone Park. A range of property types in this area increases your chances of finding one that is suitable for pets. This would be a good place to own a dog. 

Transport

Willesden has excellent transport links. Willesden Green (Zone 2/3) is on the Jubilee Line. Dollis Hill (Zone 3) is also on the Jubilee Line. Willesden Junction (Zone 3) is on the Bakerloo Line as well as the Overground, as is Stonebridge Park. The area is very well served by local buses. There are also good road links, including to the M1 and the A5. Crossrail will improve the connection to Canary Wharf, bringing travel time down to under an hour.