Home buyers are looking beyond the usual London postcodes for value, character and long-term potential. In North West London are two neighbourhoods offering just that — each with its own unique appeal. One’s already in demand, the other’s on the rise, and both might just surprise you.
These neighbourhoods provide a winning combination of affordability, growth potential, and a vibrant community atmosphere, all while boasting modern amenities, cool hangouts and excellent transport links. North West London is home to two such areas, each offering something a bit different: one is in vogue, and the other is on track to be the next big thing. Welcome to Queen’s Park and Colindale.
Queen’s Park: the trendy favourite
Queen’s Park captures all the sparkle of Notting Hill, without the hustle and bustle. Equally chic and trendy, yet offering much better value, this highly desirable neighbourhood in North West London has become a favourite among families and urban professionals. With its mix of green spaces, quirky cafes and boutique stores, Queen’s Park is a very fashionable area with a strong sense of community. Queen’s Park offers plenty of charm with its community feel and wonderful park. Famous for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian properties, Queen’s Park offers a mix of family homes and modern apartments, making it an ideal location for people at various stages of life. The 30-acre park in the centre of the area is a major draw, with facilities for sports, a playground, and even a small wildlife area.
Stewart Boyd, Director of Winkworth Kensal Rise & Queen’s Park shares why Queen’s Park is getting plenty of attention from buyers and renters: “This brilliant little corner of northwest London really is something special. Queen’s Park has got it all, a real sense of community, leafy streets, and excellent transport links - making it a firm favourite for young families, professionals, and creatives. I should know – I live here myself!
Equally, there is a fantastic variety of properties for sale in Queen’s Park, from beautiful period houses to slick new builds. And as you’d expect for an area like this, there is a strong demand for family homes, particularly those in move-in-ready condition and near the best schools in the area. As long-standing estate agents in Queen’s Park for 20 years, we’re delighted to see the neighbourhood going from strength to strength.”
The surrounding area, particularly Salusbury Road, is a lively hub filled with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. This bustling street provides a sense of community, while still offering a peaceful and green environment for those who want the best of both worlds.
Lonsdale Road in Queen’s Park is one of those hidden gems that locals cherish, and newcomers quickly fall in love with. Tucked just off Salusbury Road, it’s a perfect blend of the area’s creative spirit and laid-back charm. What really sets Lonsdale Road apart is its unique mix of independent businesses - think artisan coffee roasters, indie bakeries, yoga studios, and stylish design studios - all tucked behind a row of unassuming facades.
Located just four miles northwest of Central London, Queen’s Park offers excellent transport links, including the Bakerloo Line and Overground, providing quick access to key destinations like Euston and the city centre. The area has a village-like atmosphere with much-loved local businesses such as Milk Beach café, Queen’s Park Books, and Provenance Village Butcher, alongside a diverse dining scene featuring options like Lula and Pizza Pilgrims. The heart of the neighbourhood is the expansive 30-acre Queen’s Park, a cherished green space for residents and home to community events like Queen’s Park Day, giving the area a wonderful community feel.
Colindale: the rising star
Colindale, in North West London, is undergoing a major transformation. Once known for its industrial past, the area is quickly becoming a residential hotspot. Colindale is drawing attention for its affordable housing options, ongoing new developments, and the presence of green spaces such as the peaceful Colindale Gardens. This area becoming increasingly residential, with local features like the Royal Air Force Museum adding extra appeal. The great local amenities, including shops and restaurants, make it a well-rounded and growing community. Enhanced by excellent transport links—particularly the Northern Line—Colindale is fast becoming a favourite among both families and professionals looking for value and easy access to Central London.
Ajay Bathija, Director of Winkworth Hendon & Colindale, shares why buyers are renters are increasingly interested in Colindale: “Colindale is fast becoming one of the most popular areas in North West London, thanks to its affordable housing, ongoing developments, and excellent transport links via the Northern Line. As Colindale continues to grow, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both families and professionals because the area has great homes and lots to offer in terms of amenities.”
Colindale offers excellent connectivity. In addition to the Edgware branch of the Northern Line providing direct access to Central London in just 20 minutes, along with several bus routes linking it to nearby neighbourhoods. The area is well-equipped with supermarkets, convenience stores, and a variety of lifestyle shops, while Brent Cross Shopping Centre is nearby for more shopping options. Perfect for foodies, there are plenty of dining options, with global cuisines ranging from Asian food at Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern offerings along Edgeware Road. Colindale also boasts several green spaces, such as Montrose Park, and is undergoing regeneration, with new community amenities like a health hub, public library, and a medical centre in the pipeline.
Final thoughts
If you’re considering North West London, both of these neighbourhoods are great options. Queen’s Park, with its mix of greenery, trendy vibe, and strong community spirit, is an increasingly desirable area for families and professionals. Meanwhile, Colindale is emerging as a rising star, offering affordable housing, a variety of green spaces, and excellent transport links, making it a smart choice for those seeking value and growth potential. Whether you’re looking for an urban neighbourhood with a village feel or an up-and-coming area primed for development, these two neighbourhoods in North West London are definitely ones to watch.
