North London’s rental scene offers a patchwork of possibilities, from Victorian conversions in leafy Highgate to modern builds in bustling Finsbury Park. While some N postcodes sit on the pricier side, there are still affordable rentals available—especially if you’re renting a room. Whether you’re after the village feel of Crouch End or somewhere slightly more secluded, we show you how to find the best rooms for rent in North London.

Why should I rent a room in North London?

You may have heard people talking about east London being the buzzy place to live in the capital, but the original spot is still north London in our opinion. From the indie shops of Stoke Newington to the foodie paradise of Islington’s Upper Street in Islington, the north has an unmistakable charm that’s hard to beat. North London offers leafy streets lined with Victorian townhouses, excellent transport links to central London and beyond, and some of the city’s best green spaces, including the magnificent Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. North London really does cater to every taste and all ages.

Is North London too expensive?

The problem with renting in North London is that in-demand postcodes like Hampstead, Camden and Islington are outrageously expensive. A one-bed flat here can set you back £2,500 per month, and a room isn’t a whole lot cheaper.

For many, the most desirable parts of North London are out of budget. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you should be put off—there are plenty of charming neighbourhoods north of the river that offer similar appeal at a lower price

Top areas for affordable room rentals in North London

From vibrant Tottenham to charming Highbury, North London offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods with rooms to rent at prices for every budget.

Hampstead

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £1,300 per month

Travel: Hampstead station provides Northern Line services (Zone 2), while Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak stations offer London Overground connections. Several bus routes including the 46, 268, and C11 link the village to central London.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 15 minutes
Oxford Circus: 20 minutes
Liverpool Street: 25 minutes

When it comes to village vives, it’s hard to beat Hampstead. The NW3 postcode is one of the most sought-after in London and features 790-acres of greenery, woodlands and hills with sweeping views in the form of Hampstead Heath. There’s also a wealth of cultural heritage from Keats House to Kenwood House and the iconic Hampstead Theatre.

Despite being one of North London’s priciest areas, room shares in converted properties offer a way to experience this coveted neighbourhood. The high street features a mix of boutique shops, independent cafes and well-known eateries, such as The Coffee Cup, a charming café offering a cosy spot to enjoy a coffee after a stroll on the Heath. It’s been part of Hampstead for decades.

Highgate

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £950 per month

Travel: Highgate station on the Northern Line (Zone 3) serves as the main transport hub, complemented by frequent bus services including the 143, 214, and 271 connecting to central London and surrounding areas.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 20 minutes
Oxford Circus: 25 minutes
Liverpool Street: 30 minutes

One of north London’s most expensive areas is surprisingly affordable when it comes to room rentals. Although, it’s worth cautioning this with the fact that there’s limited rooms available in an area known to be a favourite with families.

If you do end up living in Highgate, you’ll love the historic architecture, literary connections and position between Waterlow Park and Hampstead Heath’s eastern reaches. The Northern line provides reliable transport, while the village centre maintains its Georgian charm. Highgate Cemetery and the famous Flask pub add to the area’s distinctive character.

Primrose Hill

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £1,300 per month

Travel: The area is served by Chalk Farm and Camden Town stations on the Northern Line (Zone 2), plus Camden Road on the London Overground, with regular bus routes including the 274, C2, 31 and 168 connecting to central London.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 12 minutes
Oxford Circus: 15 minutes
Liverpool Street: 25 minutes

Sharing an NW3 postcode with Hampstead, Primrose Hill commands similar rents. You may also spot a celebrity of two strolling around if you end up calling the neighbourhood your own. And even if you don’t, there’s plenty of boutique shopping along Regent’s Park Road, not to mention the iconic hill offering panoramic London views.

While room rates reflect the area’s prestigious status, house shares in this sought-after location provide access to one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The proximity to both Regent’s Park and Camden Town combines tranquillity with buzz.

Tottenham

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £770 per month

Travel: Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale stations offer Victoria Line services, while South Tottenham and White Hart Lane provide London Overground connections, with the area also well-served by local buses including the 243, 341, and 476.

Journey times:

Liverpool Street: 15 minutes
King’s Cross: 12 minutes
Oxford Circus: 20 minutes

Tottenham thrives thanks to its diverse community, excellent transport links and ongoing regeneration bringing new cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues to the area, such as Chuku’s, the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant.

It’s also home to Tottenham Hotspur’s world-class stadium and has become an evolving area offering some of North London’s most competitive room rates. The Victoria line and London Overground provide quick connections to central London, meaning you’re never far away from the hustle and bustle of the West End or the City.

Local highlights include the Seven Sisters Market, known locally as Pueblito Paisa, where you’ll find authentic Latin American cuisine and culture. The High Road offers an eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries, while Bruce Castle Park provides welcome green space.

Wood Green

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £860 per month

Travel: The Piccadilly line runs through Wood Green station in Zone 3, with nearby Turnpike Lane offering an alternative route into central London. Plus, there are several bus routes including the W3 to Finsbury Park and 29 to Trafalgar Square.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 15 minutes
Oxford Circus: 17 minutes
Liverpool Street: 22 minutes

Wood Green features excellent shopping facilities, multicultural atmosphere and affordable living costs compared to many nearby areas, such as Muswell Hill and Crouch End.

Wood Green’s Shopping City remains one of North London’s largest retail hubs, while the area’s cultural diversity is reflected in its restaurants and shops. Green Lanes, for example, offers everything from Turkish bakeries to Middle Eastern grills, making it a food lover’s paradise. Gokyuzu, in particular, is a popular spot.

Alexandra Palace and its surrounding park are just a short walk away, offering sweeping London views of the London skyline and regular events throughout the year. The area’s regeneration continues to attract young professionals and creatives, leading to a vibrant community atmosphere.

Finsbury Park

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £1,175 per month

Travel: A transport powerhouse where the Victoria and Piccadilly lines intersect with National Rail services to Cambridge and Stevenage, making it one of North London’s best-connected hubs.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 5 minutes
Oxford Circus: 10 minutes
Liverpool Street: 12 minutes

With outstanding transport connections and a location that’s just a few miles outside of central London, Finsbury Park holds plenty of appeal. Not only that, but there’s a buzzing arts scene and mix of green spaces showcasing the best of the N4 postcode. .

While room rates are higher than in Tottenham or Wood Green, Finsbury Park’s exceptional transport links (Victoria line, Piccadilly line, and National Rail) make it a popular choice. The area serves as a gateway to both central London and the City, while maintaining its own distinct character.

The park itself offers 110 acres of green space, while the nearby Park Theatre and array of music venues contribute to a thriving cultural scene. Stroud Green Road features an impressive selection of independent restaurants and cafes, including Max’s Sandwich Shop, known for its creative, hearty sandwiches and relaxed, quirky atmosphere—perfect for grabbing a bite after exploring the area.

Holloway

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £1,205 per month

Travel: A trio of Underground stations—Holloway Road and Arsenal on the Piccadilly line, plus Caledonian Road on the Northern line—serve the area, with multiple bus routes providing round-the-clock connections across North London.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 8 minutes
Oxford Circus: 12 minutes
Liverpool Street: 15 minutes

You’ll like Holloway because of its community feel, excellent amenities and position between trendier (and pricier) Islington and Camden—although a monthly room rental of £1,200-plus is on the higher end. .

Step foot onto Holloway Road, and you’ll experience a lively area that combines chains with independent businesses to create a self-contained neighbourhood with everything you need. The Piccadilly line provides reliable transport, while numerous bus routes connect to surrounding areas.

Emirates Stadium is the home of Arsenal and brings Premier League football to the area, while venues like the Nambucca keep the area’s music scene alive. An Odeon Luxe cinema also provides entertainment with seven screens and reclining seats. The mix of students from London Metropolitan University and young professionals creates a dynamic atmosphere.

Muswell Hill

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £800 per month

Travel: While lacking a tube station, Muswell Hill is connected by regular buses to Highgate and Finsbury Park Underground stations, plus Alexandra Palace’s National Rail station offers direct trains to Moorgate.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 25 minutes (via bus/tube)
Oxford Circus: 30 minutes
Liverpool Street: 35 minutes

Muswell Hill is known as a family-friendly neighbourhood and isn’t often highlighted for single renters or those seeking a room. The housing stock is primarily made up of larger homes, with smaller properties and rooms being rare. But when rooms do become available, they are often reasonably priced, offering good value for the area.

The N10 postcode’s hillside location means there’s also a good chance you’ll land a room with a view. Then there’s The Broadway, which features an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and the historic art deco Everyman Cinema. Alexandra Palace and its expansive grounds are just a short walk away.

Travel is lacking somewhat, however. But despite no tube station, Muswell Hill’s charm and community feel make it highly desirable.

Crouch End

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £945 per month

Travel: With no tube station of its own, Crouch End is served by the W7 bus to Finsbury Park, W3 to Northumberland Park and 91 to Trafalgar Square, plus night buses N91 and W5, with most residents using nearby Hornsey or Crouch Hill stations for rail connections.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 20 minutes (via bus/tube)
Oxford Circus: 25 minutes
Liverpool Street: 30 minutes

Crouch End is well known for its artistic community, as well as a strong café culture and leafy residential streets dotted with Victorian architecture.

Like Muswell Hill, Crouch End relies on buses and nearby stations rather than having its own tube stop. However, the area’s independent spirit, exemplified by Park Road’s shops and the ArtHouse cinema, attracts creative professionals and families alike.

Harringay

Area spotlight: Average room rental: £1,175 per month

Travel: Harringay Green Lanes station on the London Overground and Manor House on the Piccadilly line serve the area, along with buses 29 to Trafalgar Square, 141 to London Bridge,and the 341 to Waterloo, making it well-connected despite its residential feel.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 15 minutes
Oxford Circus: 20 minutes
Liverpool Street: 25 minutes

Famous for Turkish restaurants and grocers on Green Lanes, Harringay connects to Wood Green and is a major attraction in the area. There’s also good transport links via the Overground and Piccaddilly line.

Think of Harringay as the perfect balance of residential calm and eclectic vibes. Harringay Ladder’s Victorian terraces house many shared properties, while the newly renovated Railway Fields Nature Reserve provides a green escape.

Stoke Newington

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £985 per month

Travel: Stoke Newington’s transport is centered around the Overground station at Stoke Newington, supported by Rectory Road station and frequent buses including the 73 to Oxford Circus, 393 to Chalk Farm, and the 243 running through the heart of Stokey to Waterloo.

Journey times:

Liverpool Street: 15 minutes
Oxford Circus: 25 minutes
King’s Cross: 20 minutes

Stoke Newington is bustling with independent spirit, especially along Church Street, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of quirky boutiques, cosy cafes and popular restaurants. One standout is Search & Rescue, a unique shop offering stylish homeware, gifts and accessories that perfectly capture the area’s creative vibe. Then there’s beautiful Clissold Park with its lush green spaces, historic mansion, and charming café, offering a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors to unwind.

Though technically on the border of North and East London, ‘Stokey’ as it’s affectionately known by the locals offers excellent connections via the Overground and numerous bus routes. The area combines vintage shops, artisanal cafes and traditional pubs with a strong sense of community.

Highbury

Area spotlight:

Average room rental: £850-£1,200 per month

Travel: A transport hub centered on Highbury & Islington station with its Victoria Line and Overground services, plus Arsenal tube on the Piccadilly line, complemented by key bus routes including the 4 to Waterloo, 19 to Battersea, and 43 to London Bridge.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 10 minutes
Oxford Circus: 15 minutes
Liverpool Street: 12 minutes

Highbury appeals with its mix of green spaces, including Highbury Fields. There are also excellent transport links and close proximity to both Islington’s Upper Street and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

There are plenty of local neighbourhood pubs, including the award-winning Highbury Barn Tavern, loved for its cosy atmosphere, traditional pub fare and excellent selection of drinks. It’s a favourite spot for locals to unwind.

Highbury & Islington station offers access to the Victoria line and Overground, making it a convenient base for commuters. The area maintains a residential feel despite its central location, with plenty of period properties converted into shared accommodation.

Southgate

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £870 per month

Travel: Served by Southgate station on the Piccadilly line (Zone 4), offering direct connections to central London and Heathrow Airport.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 30 minutes
Oxford Circus: 35 minutes
Liverpool Street: 40 minutes

In Southgate, you’ll find plenty of suburban charm, along with an Art Deco tube station and balance of local amenities with peaceful residential streets.

This Zone 4 location offers more affordable room rentals while maintaining good connections via the Piccadilly line. The circular town centre features a mix of chain stores and independent shops, while Broomfield Park provides extensive green space and regular community events.

Enfield

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £650 per month

Travel: Four stations serve the area—Enfield Town, Enfield Chase, Bush Hill Park and Southbury—offer connections via London Overground and Great Northern services, plus numerous bus routes linking to the Piccadilly Line at Oakwood.

Journey times:

Liverpool Street: 30 minutes
King’s Cross: 35 minutes (via bus/tube)
Oxford Circus: 40 minutes

With its historic market town feel, excellent shopping at Palace Gardens and access to both amenities and green spaces, Enfield ticks plenty of boxes for renters of all ages.

Enfield Town station provides direct links to Liverpool Street, while multiple bus routes connect to the Piccadilly line. The area’s lower rental costs attract students and young professionals willing to accept a longer commute in exchange for more affordable living.

Colindale

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £850 per month

Travel: Colindale station on the Northern line (Zone 4) provides direct access to central London, with night tube services on weekends.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 25 minutes
Oxford Circus: 30 minutes
Liverpool Street: 35 minutes

Regeneration is the name of the game at Colindale, where new residential and mixed-use developments regularly spring up. With that comes a host of amenities, from big supermarkets to chain and independent restaurants.

The Northern line provides reliable transport with direct services to Oxford Circus, Hampstead and Camden, while the RAF Museum offers a unique local attraction. The area’s affordability and improving amenities make it increasingly popular with students and young professionals.

Hendon

Area spotlight

Average room rental: £1,270 per month

Travel: Served by both Hendon Central on the Northern line and Hendon station for Thameslink services, offering multiple routes into central London.

Journey times:

King’s Cross: 20 minutes
Oxford Circus: 25 minutes
Liverpool Street: 30 minutes

Hendon has a strong student vibe thanks to Middlesex University. But there’s also a diverse food scene and mix of period properties and modern developments popular with families. The combination makes it an area with everyone from students to single professionals and larger families.

Hendon Central station on the Northern line makes commuting straightforward, while Thameslink services from Hendon provide additional options. The area offers a good balance of convenience and calm, with Sunny Hill Park and the Welsh Harp Reservoir providing green spaces.

Finding your perfect room

Use trusted platforms

Start your search on websites and apps that specialise in room rentals, like Roomforrent. We offer virtual tours and detailed listings, advanced search filters, verified listings, direct messaging with landlords and current tenants, and a secure platform for arranging viewings. Our detailed area guides and local insights help you make informed decisions about where to live in North London.

Consider house shares

House shares may provide better value than single rooms in purpose-built developments. Look for established house shares where current tenants can give you honest feedback about the property and living situation.

Check transport links

North London’s transport network is extensive but varies in reliability. Consider not just journey times but frequency of services, especially if you work irregular hours. Night tube services on the Victoria line can be particularly valuable.

Be prepared to act fast

Have these ready before viewing:

Proof of income and employment
References from previous landlords
Bank statements
Copy of passport or other forms of ID
UK guarantor details (if required)

The North London rental market moves quickly, particularly in popular areas near tube stations. Being prepared with documents and having a clear understanding of your must-haves versus nice-to-haves will help you secure the right room.

Meet potential housemates

Chemistry with housemates can make or break your living experience. Try to meet all current tenants if possible, and ask about their typical routines and expectations for shared spaces. Some important aspects to cover include who cleans the common areas and if there’s a cleaner. If so, then how frequently do they clean? You may also want to ask if the landlord lives in the property or not.

Consider bills

When comparing rooms, factor in:

Council tax (band and whether it’s included)
Utility costs (especially important in older properties)
Internet/TV packages
Service charges in newer developments

Sometimes, bills are included in the asking price. Always check with the landlord to see if bills are included or separate from the asking rent.

Look beyond the obvious

Consider areas that are a little further out. They might require more research but can offer significant savings while maintaining good connections to central London.

Remember that while monthly rent is important, factor in the total cost of living in each area. A slightly higher rent in a better-connected location might save money on transport, while a properly insulated room could mean lower utility bills.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to take the first room you see. North London’s rental market is competitive but new rooms become available daily. Taking time to find the right fit will pay off in the long run, creating a home you’re happy to return to after a long day in the city.

Finding a room to rent in North London

Looking for a room in North London means balancing location, budget and lifestyle. While popular areas command premium prices, destinations like Tottenham, Wood Green and Enfield may offer more value without compromising on amenities or transport links. With proper research and preparation, you can find your perfect North London home.