Let’s be honest. For years, if you mentioned Colindale to most Londoners, you’d get one of two reactions: a blank stare or a nod followed by, “Oh, the RAF Museum, right? And the Northern Line.” It was often seen as just another stop on the way to Edgware, a place you passed through rather than a destination. But having spent a considerable amount of time there over the past few years, visiting friends and exploring its streets, I’ve watched it shed that skin. Colindale is in the midst of a quiet but significant transformation, and it’s time we looked beyond the tube sign.
This isn’t a glossy brochure from an estate agent. It’s a real, warts-and-all look at what it’s like to live, work, and spend time in this unique corner of North London. We’ll talk about the excellent transport, the towering new buildings, the incredible history, and yes, the traffic on the A5. So, whether you’re a potential homebuyer, a curious Londoner, or a history buff, let’s explore Colindale together.
Where in the World is Colindale?
Pinpointing Colindale on a map is the first step to understanding it. It sits in the London Borough of Barnet, with the postcode NW9. Its neighbours tell a story: to the east, you have Hendon, with its university and more established suburban feel; to the west, Burnt Oak, a no-nonsense, vibrant area; and to the north, the greener, leafier expanse of Mill Hill. Colindale sits at the junction of these personalities.
The absolute king of Colindale’s features is its transport link. Colindale Tube Station on the Northern Line (Edgware branch) is the area’s lifeline. I remember waiting for a friend outside that station, watching the steady stream of people pouring out. The commute is its biggest selling point. You’re about 30 minutes from London Bridge, 25 from Euston, and on a good day, you can be in the West End in under 40. It’s a classic London trade-off: you travel further out to get more space, but you need that reliable tube line to make it feasible. For drivers, the proximity to the A5 Edgware Road and the M1 motorway is a double-edged sword—fantastic for getting out of London, less fantastic for local air quality and congestion.
The Feel of the Place: A Area of Two Halves
Walking around Colindale, you experience a distinct contrast, a tale of two halves. On one side, you have the old Colindale. Think low-rise brick terraced houses, some postwar estates, and a slightly frayed-around-the-edges high street feel in parts. It’s unpretentious and functional.
On the other side, and this is what’s changing the skyline, is the new Colindale. Massive residential developments like Beaufort Park have sprung up, offering thousands of new flats in modern, often glass-clad towers. Driving down the A5 at night, these blocks are lit up like a mini city. This influx has brought a new demographic: young professionals, couples, and renters who value the commute and modern amenities. The result is a curious but increasingly common London mix—long-term residents who remember the old days alongside a transient, younger population. The community feel is therefore not as strong as in a classic village-like suburb, but it’s growing as the new developments settle.
Property: Towers, Terraces, and Everything in Between
The property market in Colindale perfectly mirrors its dual identity. If you want a modern, low-maintenance life, the new developments are for you. Apartments in Beaufort Park and other new builds offer concierge services, gyms, and private balconies. They are popular with renters and buy-to-let investors, and prices here are generally for one and two-bedroom flats. It’s a very different lifestyle from the other major option: the traditional terraced houses. Head away from the main roads into the quieter streets, and you’ll find rows of solid, often ex-council or interwar houses. These are where families and those wanting more space tend to gravitate, offering gardens and a more settled feel. As a tip from talking to local agents, always check the specific street and its proximity to the main roads—noise can be a real factor here.
Daily Life: Shopping, Coffee, and a Breath of Fresh Air
Your daily needs are well catered for. The main shopping hub has evolved dramatically. The old Oriental City complex was a legendary destination for pan-Asian food and shopping. Its closure left a void, but the redeveloped site at Beaufort Park now hosts a large Sainsbury’s supermarket, a range of chain stores like Boots and WH Smith, and a smattering of cafes. It’s convenient, if a little generic. For a more traditional high street experience, you wander towards the older part, where you’ll find independent halal butchers, Polish delicatessens, discount stores, and some fantastic, no-frills international restaurants. I had one of the best Lebanese meals in London in a small, family-run place just off the main drag—places like that are Colindale’s hidden gems.
When you need a break from the urban landscape, Colindale has some lovely green surprises. Montrose Park is a personal favourite. It’s not huge, but it has playing fields, a children’s playground, and quiet corners to sit with a book. The Silk Stream, a small river, runs through it, adding a pleasant, natural soundtrack. For a bigger expanse, the fields around the RAF Museum or a short walk to Hendon Park provide that essential lungful of green space that every London neighbourhood needs.
The Crown Jewel: The RAF Museum London
You cannot talk about Colindale without dedicating a whole section to the RAF Museum. It’s not just an attraction; it’s a landmark. And it’s completely free, which, in an expensive city, feels like a gift. Stepping into the vast hangars is awe-inspiring. You’re walking under the wings of Spitfires, Lancasters, and Harrier Jump Jets. It’s not just about looking at planes; it’s a deeply moving journey through a century of aviation history, personal stories, and technological marvels. I’ve been three times, and I still find new things to look at. It’s phenomenal for families, for history enthusiasts, or just for a different kind of day out. It gives Colindale a unique point of pride and a connection to a national story that few other suburbs have.
The Practical Stuff: Schools, Safety, and the Bottom Line
For families, the school catchment area is always a priority. Colindale has a selection of primary schools, like Christ Church CofE and Colindale Primary, which are generally rated as “Good” by Ofsted. For secondary education, parents often look towards schools in the wider Barnet area, which has a strong reputation. Healthcare is covered by local GP surgeries and the nearby Barnet Hospital.
Now, the question everyone asks: Is Colindale safe? Like any urban area in London, it has its variations. The new developments around the station are well-lit and feel secure. Some of the older estates further afield have a reputation that lingers, perhaps unfairly. My experience, and that of friends who live there, is that the general day-to-day feeling is safe. The usual London rules apply: be aware of your surroundings at night, especially around quieter side streets. The area is undergoing significant change, and with that often comes improved infrastructure and a greater police presence.
Colindale vs. Its Neighbours: A Quick Comparison
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Vs. Hendon: Hendon feels more established, more suburban, and has a bigger town centre with a wider range of shops and the university campus. It’s generally more expensive.
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Vs. Burnt Oak: Burnt Oak has a grittier, more traditional high street vibe and is generally less expensive. It’s served by the Northern Line but is one stop further out.
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Vs. Mill Hill: Mill Hill is significantly greener, leafier, and more affluent. It has excellent schools but a less convenient tube service (it’s on the Midland line from Thameslink).
Conclusion: Who is Colindale For?
So, after all that, who would be happy calling Colindale home? I think it’s perfect for three main groups.
First, the young professional or couple. If you work in Central London, want a modern flat with a short walk to the tube, and don’t want to pay Central London prices, Colindale’s new developments are practically tailor-made for you. The commute is reliable, and you have all the basics on your doorstep.
Second, the starter family. If you can snag one of the terraced houses with a garden, you get more space for your money than zones closer in. You have good primary schools, parks, and that incredible free museum on your doorstep for weekends.
And third, the value-seeker who prioritises transport. For anyone who needs a Northern Line connection and wants a foot on the London property ladder, Colindale remains more affordable than many equivalent zones.
Colindale isn’t a picture-postcard London village. It’s a practical, evolving, and historically rich suburb that offers a very specific London lifestyle. It has its challenges—the traffic, the ongoing construction, the lack of a charming high street—but it also has massive strengths. It’s a place getting better, with its eyes firmly on the future while guarding a remarkable slice of the past in its world-class museum. Give it a chance, explore it beyond the station exit, and you might just find a surprisingly solid corner of the city to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Colindale in London a good place to live?
A: It can be, depending on your needs. It’s excellent for commuters due to the Northern Line, offers more affordable housing than many zones, and has great amenities like the RAF Museum and new shopping areas. However, it is busy, has traffic issues, and lacks the quaint charm of some other suburbs.
Q: What zone is Colindale tube station?
A: Colindale tube station is in Travelcard Zone 4.
Q: Is Colindale safe at night?
A: The areas immediately around the tube station and new developments are generally safe and well-patrolled. As with any area, it’s wise to be cautious on quieter side streets late at night. Overall, it is considered a moderately safe London suburb.
Q: What is there to do in Colindale?
A: The top attraction is the free RAF Museum London. You can also enjoy Montrose Park, go shopping at the Beaufort Park retail centre, explore a variety of international restaurants, and use the excellent transport links to quickly reach Central London.
Q: Are there good schools in Colindale?
A: Colindale has several “Good”-rated primary schools, including Colindale Primary School and Christ Church CofE Primary. For outstanding secondary schools, families often look at options in the wider Borough of Barnet, which has a strong educational reputation.
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