Where is Whetstone, and what’s life like there in a nutshell
Originally a staging post for coaches heading out of London to the north, Whetstone sits between Totteridge and East Barnet along the A1000 (High Road). A drive to Trafalgar Square will take around 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic, while the Underground should get you there in about 38 minutes on the Northern Line.
Whetstone has a broad appeal and something to offer for first-time buyers, young professionals, families, and property investors alike. The schools have a good reputation, it has well-developed public transport infrastructure, and while you might spend a bit more time travelling to central London, the same budget stretches measurably further once you pass the A406.
From modern developments and contemporary flats to fully detached homes and luxury properties, Whetstone attracts a broad range of buyers, families, and renters, and blends variety and convenience in a way that keeps it at the top of many London buyers’ shortlists.
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Whetstone Insider’s Guide: A look at the micro areas
Near Totteridge & Whetstone Station
Ideal for those who rely on rail travel, the streets just between Totteridge and Whetstone station and High Road largely feature a mix of semi-detached and fully detached homes. Expect to pay a premium for this convenience and easy walking access to green spaces like Whetstone Stray and Dollis Brook.
Oakleigh Park
The Oakleigh Park area is a loosely defined area east of High Road and north of the A109. The area is known for high-end luxury homes, including many well-kept Victorian and Edwardian properties, as well as beautiful, leafy streets. Oakleigh Park also offers easy access to Oakleigh Park station.
Whetstone High Road and Side Streets
Featuring a mix of older and modern apartments, maisonettes, and terraced homes, the streets just off Whetstone are popular with buyers who want easy walking access to shops, restaurants, gyms, and bars. If you’re not too far off High Road, you should be able to reach Totteridge and Whetstone station within a 15-minute walk.
South Whetstone / Friern Barnet Border
As you move south, away from Oakleigh Park, you’ll find comparatively better value homes. The area is popular with first-time buyers and families who don’t mind being a bit further from the metro or rail stations, as well as investors. Bordering Bethune Park, Barfield Avenue Playground, and having other green spaces no more than a few minutes’ walk away further ups the value for first-time buyers and young families.
Local tips for buying property in Whetstone
- Start with a micro location: List and prioritise what’s important to you and your family. Easy access to the tube? Proximity to schools? Easy, walkable access to the High Road? Understanding your day-to-day needs can help an experienced agent narrow down the search to the best micro-locations for you.
- Check potential to expand: Whether adding a new wing to an Oakleigh Park home in the future, or, more realistically, a loft conversion or rear extension anywhere else in Whetstone, make sure your chosen home has room (and rights) to expand if that might become a priority for you.
- Walk before you buy: A 10-minute walk on a map doesn’t always feel like a 10-minute walk in real life when you’re carrying heavy groceries or herding a gaggle of small children. Walk the routes you’re going to walk if you buy the home to get a real feel for the commute.
- Speak to local property experts: The best homes are sometimes sold before you even know they’re for sale. Speak to local property professionals and ask them to speak to you first when a hidden gem hits the market.
Ready to buy property in Whetstone?
From the hidden gems to the freshest, most sought-after properties in Whetstone, reach out to N20’s trusted name in property — reach out to Assure Move.
A Closer Look at Transport, Schools, and Green Spaces in Whetstone
Transport
The Northern Line (via Totteridge & Whetstone Underground) is the main artery to and from central London. The furthest point in Whetstone from this tube station is a 30-minute, 1.3-mile walk. To the north west of Whetstone, commuters also have access to the Great Northern rail options through Oakleigh Park station. Buses along the High Road connect to Barnet, Finchley, and beyond, and motorists have easy links to the A406, M1, and A1.
Schools
Whetstone features both ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted-rated schools, with dozens more options in the surrounding areas. Locrating is an excellent resource for relocating parents, highlighting schooling options by Ofsted ratings and featuring a handy map that shows the latest catchment area.
Green spaces
Whetstone is very walkable. Many of the streets are tree-lined, the pavements are kept and pleasant, and lengthwise, it only stretches about 1.3 miles. Some of the favourite local walking routes include Totteridge to the west, the Brookside paths, and the larger fields and playgrounds towards the south.
Assure Move: Whetstone’s Local Property Experts
Whether looking to buy or rent in Whetstone, our experienced estate agents in Whetstone, London, are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to our team for expert, non-pushy advice on finding the best home for you and your family in Whetstone.
Hero photo “Haven, Whetstone, N20” by Ewan Munro is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.
Transport photo “Totteridge and Whetstone Underground Station (Northern Line)” by Hugh Llewelyn is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.