Dartmouth Park, a tucked-away corner of North London, has been named among the finest places to live in London for 2025 by lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, and locals say it's not hard to understand why. Nestled between Kentish Town and Highgate, and mere minutes from Hampstead Heath, this hidden treasure offers a rare combination of urban convenience and village charm.
A Village Vibe in the Heart of the City
Lee Smyth, who has run Truffles Deli, an Italian delicatessen, for over 15 years, says the neighbourhood's low profile is part of what makes it special. "The cool thing about Dartmouth Park is nobody knows where it is. You tell people you live here, and they go, 'Where's that?' And you're like, 'Oh, near Tufnell Park or Kentish Town.' We like to keep its exact location a secret – it keeps the village vibe intact," he said.
Lee, who has lived in Dartmouth Park his entire life, emphasizes the close-knit community and wealth of independent traders. "There's nothing quite like Dartmouth Park. It's lovely being so close to the centre, but still feeling like you're in the countryside," he added. "In London, you can go years without knowing your neighbours. But here, everyone says 'good morning' – it's like being in a small town."
Nature on the Doorstep
The neighbourhood's breathtaking setting and close proximity to the heath command eye-watering property prices – houses average around £886K, according to Rightmove. For most locals, however, the access to nature justifies the expense. Erin, who relocated from Canada, says the scenery and community drew her in. "I love being close to Hampstead Heath – lots of hills, nice views of London. It reminds me of home, with the heath and ponds making it feel close to nature, even in the city," she said.
Rory Ferguson agrees: "We've got Hampstead Heath and Camden right next door, so you don't need to do everything here. Having one of the best parks in the world on our doorstep? Yeah, I'll take that."
Independent Shops and a Touch of TV Glamour
The area boasts a thriving community of independent businesses, including BOLD, a coffee shop featured in the BBC hit series Fleabag as the café of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's character. Owner Ibrahim 'Ibo' Aksu, who moved from Istanbul, says he was instantly smitten. "We looked all over London, but this place just felt right. The people here are so friendly – we know our customers, their kids, and they know us. It's a real local community, which is rare in a big city," he explained.
Newcomers experience the same hospitality. Ozgen Sumbul launched Lime Bistro just 15 months ago and says the area embraced her immediately. "Even before we opened, when we were still doing construction, people kept popping in to say hello. Now, people wave at me as they walk by or stop in for a chat. It's like we've become friends and family," she recalled.
Perfect Balance
With its picture-perfect setting, independent shops, and welcoming atmosphere, it's little wonder Dartmouth Park is claiming top spot. For residents fortunate enough to call it home, it offers the perfect balance – rural tranquillity combined with urban convenience right on the doorstep.
