It offers a rare blend of city convenience and village charm, with a thriving community spirit
There’s one tucked-away corner of North London that offers a rare combination of urban convenience and village charm.
Named amongst the finest places to live in London for 2025 by lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, locals say it’s not hard to understand why.
Nestled between Kentish Town and Highgate, and mere minutes from Hampstead Heath, Dartmouth Park is a hidden treasure many Londoners have never encountered.
Its community atmosphere and flourishing independent shops make it a remarkable location.
Lee Smyth has been operating Truffles Deli – an Italian delicatessen – for more than 15 years. He says the neighbourhood’s low profile is part of what makes it special.
‘Village vibe’
Lee said: “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.”
Lee, who has lived in Dartmouth Park his entire life, says the close-knit community and wealth of independent traders make it feel distinctive.
He added: “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.”
“Here, everyone says ‘good morning’.”
He says the neighbourhood character is unlike anywhere else.
Lee 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.”
The deli’s collection of mismatched mugs and plates lends it a wonderfully charming atmosphere.
Yet Dartmouth Park’s breathtaking setting and close proximity to the heath inevitably command eye-watering property prices – houses are around £886K on average, according to Rightmove.
For most locals, however, the access to nature justifies the expense. Erin, who relocated from Canada, says the scenery and sense of community drew her to the neighbourhood.
‘It feels close to nature’
She said: “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.”
Rory Ferguson concurs that being on the heath’s doorstep is an extraordinary advantage. He added: “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.”
‘We know our customers’
The area also boasts a touch of television glamour. BOLD – a neighbourhood coffee shop – featured in the BBC smash hit Fleabag as Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character’s café.
Owner Ibrahim ‘Ibo’ Aksu, who moved from Istanbul, admits he was instantly smitten with the locale. He explained: “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.”
Even newcomers experience the hospitality. Ozgen Sumbul launched Lime Bistro just 15 months ago but says the area embraced her immediately.
She recalled: “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.”
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.
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