Moving to Palmers Green? 10 Things you will love about living in N13
Fri 21 Aug 2026
Palmers Green has long been a popular place to call home, combining the convenience of London living with a strong sense of community. Centred around Green Lanes and surrounded by parks, independent businesses, schools and attractive residential streets, N13 has plenty to offer.
Whether you are considering a move to the area or have recently arrived, here are ten things that make Palmers Green a great place to live.
1. Green Lanes is at the heart of the area
Green Lanes runs through the centre of Palmers Green and gives the neighbourhood much of its character. Rather than being dominated entirely by large chains, the high street is home to a mixture of independent cafés, restaurants, bakeries, shops and established local businesses.
It is somewhere you can pick up your morning coffee, meet friends for lunch, do your everyday shopping or enjoy dinner without having to travel far from home. Regular local events and initiatives also help keep the high street connected to the wider community.
2. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to green space
One of the biggest advantages of living in Palmers Green is the amount of green space nearby. Broomfield Park is a particular local favourite, with its open lawns, ponds, playgrounds, sports facilities and historic features. It is used throughout the year for everything from morning walks and running to family days out, community events and summer picnics.
Grovelands Park is also within easy reach, offering more than 90 acres of parkland, woodland and open space centred around its attractive lake. For an area with excellent connections into central London, having so much greenery close to home is a real benefit.
3. Getting into central London is straightforward
Palmers Green is well placed for commuters while still feeling removed from the busiest parts of the capital. Palmers Green railway station provides direct services towards central London, while nearby Southgate and Bounds Green Underground stations offer access to the Piccadilly line. Numerous local bus routes also connect N13 with surrounding areas including Wood Green, Enfield, Southgate and Winchmore Hill. For those travelling by car, the North Circular is easily accessible, providing connections across North London and beyond.
4. There is a thriving café culture
Palmers Green has developed a great café scene, particularly along and around Green Lanes. Independent coffee shops, bakeries and brunch spots make it easy to find somewhere for a quick coffee, weekend breakfast or catch up with friends. It is this mix of smaller independent businesses that gives the area its personality. New businesses continue to open alongside establishments that have served the community for many years, so there is usually somewhere new to discover.
5. The area's food reflects its community
One of the best ways to get to know Palmers Green is through its food. The area's diverse community is reflected in the wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and food shops found throughout N13. Greek and Cypriot influences have played a particularly important role in Palmers Green's identity, but today you'll find cuisines and ingredients from across the world. Alongside restaurants and takeaways, independent grocers, bakeries and specialist food shops make Green Lanes a particularly useful place to have on your doorstep.
6. There's a genuine sense of community
Palmers Green is much more than a collection of houses and a high street. There's an active network of residents, community groups, schools, charities and independent businesses helping to organise events and support the local area. Markets, fairs, school events, park activities, local campaigns and seasonal celebrations take place throughout the year. Broomfield Park in particular acts as an important community hub, hosting events that bring residents together. For newcomers, these activities can be a great way to get to know the area beyond simply finding your nearest supermarket or station.
7. Families have a good choice of schools
For families considering a move to N13, education is naturally an important part of the decision. Palmers Green and the surrounding area offer a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as independent options. Hazelwood Primary School and St Monica's Catholic Primary School are among the names local families may come across when researching the area, with further choices available in nearby Southgate, Winchmore Hill and Enfield. School admissions and catchment areas can change, so prospective buyers and tenants should always check the latest information directly with individual schools and the local authority.
8. There is an interesting mix of homes
One of Palmers Green's strengths is the variety of property available. The area is particularly known for its attractive Edwardian and 1930s houses, with tree lined residential roads found throughout N13. You'll also find period conversions, purpose-built flats, maisonettes and more modern developments. Areas such as the Lakes Estate are especially recognisable for their character and architecture, while other parts of N13 offer larger family houses with gardens and quieter residential surroundings. This variety means Palmers Green attracts a broad mix of residents, from first time buyers and young professionals to growing families and people who have lived locally for decades.
9. Independent businesses still matter here
At a time when many high streets across the country are becoming increasingly similar, Palmers Green retains a strong independent streak. Local cafés, restaurants, salons, shops and professional services form an important part of everyday life in the area. Community markets and events also give smaller businesses and local makers opportunities to meet residents directly. Supporting local is more than a slogan here; many businesses have built long standing relationships with generations of Palmers Green residents.
10. You are well placed to explore the rest of North London
Living in Palmers Green also puts several other popular North London neighbourhoods within easy reach. Winchmore Hill, Southgate, Bounds Green and Alexandra Palace are all nearby, giving residents even more choices for restaurants, pubs, parks, shopping and days out. You can enjoy the neighbourhood feel of Palmers Green while having a much wider part of North London on your doorstep.
Is Palmers Green a good place to live?
For many people, the appeal of Palmers Green comes down to balance. It offers good transport connections without feeling overwhelmingly urban, plenty of green space without being disconnected, and a busy high street while retaining quieter residential roads just minutes away. But perhaps its biggest strength is its community. The combination of independent businesses, local events, parks, schools and residents who actively engage with the area gives N13 an identity of its own.
If you're moving to Palmers Green, it's worth spending some time exploring beyond the main roads. Walk through Broomfield Park, stop for coffee on Green Lanes, visit a local market, explore the residential streets and try one of the area's independent restaurants. That's often when you begin to understand why so many people enjoy calling Palmers Green home.