Living in Kentish Town—Guide to the North London Neighbourhood

Kentish Town sits in North London, (close to the North West London border), between the bustle of Camden Town and the greenery of Hampstead. Originally a rural settlement, the area has evolved into a lively residential district known for its historic charm and community spirit. In this guide, we’ll explore Kentish Town's residential streets, local amenities, housing trends, schools, and transport connections.

Guide to London

27/03/2025

6 min read time

Living in Kentish Town—Guide to the North London Neighbourhood

Kentish Town sits in North London, (close to the North West London border), between the bustle of Camden Town and the greenery of Hampstead. Originally a rural settlement, the area has evolved into a lively residential district known for its historic charm and community spirit. In this guide, we’ll explore Kentish Town's residential streets, local amenities, housing trends, schools, and transport connections.

Poppies around the canal

Explore Kentish Town's vibrant culture, great eateries, and hidden gems. Read more to plan your visit.

Kentish Town is located in the London Borough of Camden, bordered by Camden Town to the south, Highgate and Dartmouth Park to the north, Tufnell Park to the east, and Belsize Park to the west. Its central location provides easy access to central London while retaining its own unique identity.

The area offers a wonderfully diverse community spirit, combining residential tranquillity with a vibrant high street scene. Kentish Town Road and Kentish Town High Street feature a variety of independent shops, coffee shops, pubs serving craft beers, and restaurants offering tasty food and small plates.

Kentish Town’s heritage dates back to the 13th century, although its major growth occurred in the 19th century. Notable past residents include famous literary figures George Orwell and Karl Marx, adding to the cultural richness of the neighbourhood.

Table of contents

  1. Housing and Renting
  2. Things to Do and See
  3. Parks and Green Spaces
  4. Cultural and Entertainment Venues
  5. Historical and Unique Attractions
  6. Local Businesses
  7. Kentish Town's Community Events
  8. Education in Kentish Town
  9. Transportation in Kentish Town
  10. Safety and Crime
  11. Local self storage

Housing and renting

Kentish Town offers a diverse property landscape, catering to various preferences and budgets. From charming Victorian terraces to modern apartments, the area provides a range of housing options for potential buyers and renters.

Types of properties

The architectural landscape of Kentish Town is rich and varied:

Victorian terraces – Classic two- to four-bedroom homes, often featuring period details like bay windows and decorative brickwork. Streets such as Leverton Street and Lady Somerset Road are renowned for these properties.​

  • Converted industrial buildings – Unique living spaces have been created from former industrial sites, such as the Chappell Piano Factory, offering loft-style apartments with contemporary designs.​
  • Modern apartments – New developments provide sleek, modern flats equipped with the latest amenities, appealing to professionals and small families.​

Average house prices

Market update as of March 27

*Data was taken from GetAgent and accurate at the date of publishing on 27/03/2025

As of March 2025, the property market in Kentish Town reflects the area's desirability:

  • Overall average price – Approximately £1,491,935. ​
  • By property type:
    • 1-Bedroom – £506,703​
    • 2-Bedroom – £863,523
    • 3-Bedroom – £1,547,873
    • 4-Bedroom – £2,413,280

These figures represent a slight decrease of 8.49% from six months prior, indicating a cooling in the market.

Rental costs

Renting in Kentish Town varies based on property size and location:

  • 1-Bedroom Flats – Typically range from £1,750 to £2,000 per month. ​
  • 2-Bedroom Flats – Generally between £2,250 and £2,800 per month. ​
  • 3-Bedroom Flats – Can command rents around £3,399 per month. ​

These rates reflect the area's popularity and proximity to central London.​

Things to do and see

Kentish Town is bustling with life and culture, offering a variety of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you’re seeking outdoor spaces, cultural venues, historical charm, or delightful eateries, this North London neighbourhood has something to offer everyone.

Parks and green spaces

Parliament Hills Field

Residents can enjoy numerous green spaces within a short walk. Hampstead Heath provides acres of woodland, hills, and ponds, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or outdoor activities. Parliament Hill Fields, known for its panoramic views across the London skyline, is ideal for weekend outings, kite flying, or simply relaxing. Montpelier Gardens offers a quieter spot, popular among locals for its peaceful atmosphere.

Cultural and entertainment venues

Inside the O2 Forum Kentish Town

The O2 Forum Kentish Town is a prominent entertainment spot, hosting live music concerts and events featuring internationally acclaimed artists, bands, and comedians. Meanwhile, nearby Camden Town’s famed Camden Market provides a vibrant shopping and cultural experience, easily accessible from Kentish Town.

Find in maps:

Historical and unique attractions

Colored houses at Kelly street

Kentish Town has plenty of historical charm, particularly on picturesque Kelly Street with its pastel-coloured houses—perfect for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Kentish Town City Farm is another local gem, offering community-driven experiences and activities for families and young children, allowing a close-up interaction with farm animals and promoting environmental awareness.

Local businesses

Front of the Pineapple Pub

The area's high streets are filled with independent shops and unique boutiques, alongside popular cafés like Saint Espresso and Fields Beneath, ideal for coffee enthusiasts. Dining options are abundant, with Patron Cave à Manger offering exquisite French small plates, Earth Natural Foods providing wholesome organic goods, and traditional pubs like The Pineapple serving craft beers and tasty pub classics.

Kentish Town's community events

The local community regularly organises events like street markets, food festivals, and arts fairs, particularly along Queens Crescent and Kentish Town Road. These community-driven initiatives further enhance the neighbourhood's vibrant atmosphere and provide opportunities to connect with neighbours and local businesses alike.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon stroll through beautiful parks, a lively evening filled with live music, or simply to explore Kentish Town’s historic streets and welcoming community, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Check out our comprehensive list of things to do in Kentish Town.

Education in Kentish Town

Kids in an elementary school

Kentish Town offers a variety of educational options, making it an attractive choice for families who value strong academic standards, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and welcoming school communities.

Primary schools

Families living in Kentish Town have several excellent primary schools to choose from, each known for high-quality teaching and nurturing environments. Among the most highly recommended are:

  • Kentish Town Church of England Primary School – A well-established school praised for its inclusive ethos, strong academic results, and diverse extracurricular activities. (Ofsted: Outstanding)
  • Carlton Primary School – Known for its community-focused approach, offering supportive learning environments and numerous enrichment opportunities. (Ofsted: Good)
  • Eleanor Palmer Primary School – This school is highly regarded for its innovative curriculum and dedicated teaching staff. (Ofsted: Outstanding)
  • Rhyl Primary School Popular among local families, offering strong support systems, a creative curriculum, and a commitment to pupil well-being. (Ofsted: Outstanding)

Secondary schools

Kentish Town residents have access to respected secondary schools within easy reach:

  • William Ellis School – A well-regarded boys' secondary school (mixed sixth form) known for its academic achievement, strong music and arts programmes, and expansive sports facilities. The school is conveniently situated near Parliament Hill. (Ofsted: Good)
  • Acland Burghley School – A popular mixed comprehensive school noted for its vibrant creative arts curriculum and inclusive, supportive atmosphere. It benefits from strong community ties. (Ofsted: Good)

Transportation in Kentish Town

Kentish Town station

Kentish Town boasts excellent transport connections, making it ideal for commuting across London and beyond. Kentish Town Station is served by the Northern Line (High Barnet branch). It provides quick journeys to central London destinations like Euston, King's Cross, and Tottenham Court Road in under 15 minutes.

Additionally, Kentish Town West Overground station connects residents to neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Hackney, and Richmond. Numerous bus routes (including the 134, 214, and 393) link Kentish Town to Camden Market, Regent’s Park, King's Cross, and Hampstead, ensuring reliable services throughout the day and night.

The area is also pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, with popular locations like Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, and Camden Town reachable within a short walk or cycle ride. Kentish Town’s central location perfectly balances residential charm with exceptional transport links to nearby popular destinations and the wider city.

Safety and Crime

Kentish Town experiences crime levels typical for a busy urban area in London. In January 2025, a total of 1,313 incidents were reported within a one-mile radius of the NW5 postcode. The most frequently reported incidents included violence and sexual offences (263 incidents), anti-social behaviour (202 incidents), and vehicle crime (120 incidents). Other significant categories were theft (including personal theft and shoplifting), burglary, and public order offences.

Crime hotspots were identified around hospitals, Wedmore Mews, Sandridge Street, and local supermarkets. Kentish Town benefits from active community policing by the Metropolitan Police Service, with initiatives designed to engage residents in crime prevention efforts and improve overall neighbourhood safety.

Final thoughts

Kentish Town is more than just a convenient base for accessing Central London—it’s a vibrant, welcoming neighbourhood filled with history, green spaces, exciting places to explore, and a strong sense of community. For anyone considering moving here, Kentish Town offers an attractive balance between lively city life and residential charm.

*The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and, to the best of our knowledge, was accurate at the time of publishing on 24/03/2025.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the current rental prices in Kentish Town?

Rental prices typically range from around £2,000 per month for a 1-bedroom flat to approximately £2,800 for a 2-bedroom flat.

How safe is Kentish Town compared to other London areas?

Kentish Town is considered relatively safe, with lower crime rates compared to nearby Camden Town and similar North London neighbourhoods.

What are the top-rated schools in Kentish Town?

Top-rated schools include Eleanor Palmer Primary School and William Ellis Secondary School, both highly praised in recent Ofsted reports.

How does Kentish Town's housing market compare to Camden and Hampstead?

Kentish Town is generally more affordable than Hampstead but slightly pricier than Camden, making it attractive for families and young professionals seeking a balance between value and location.

Are there any upcoming events or festivals in Kentish Town?

Kentish Town frequently hosts local markets, community fairs, and seasonal events around Queens Crescent, especially in spring and summer months.

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