Highbury in North London: a town of elegance

Highbury: a quiet gem with village charm

Nestled in North London and closely tied to the lively borough of Islington, Highbury offers a unique blend of village-like charm, practicality, and proximity to central London, especially appealing for families and young professionals.

What makes Highbury special?

• Residential feel with urban convenience: Highbury doesn’t have a defined town centre, yet its appeal lies in its quietly dynamic streets. South Upper Street offers a mix of stylish shops, cozy cafés, and restaurants, while Essex Road delivers a more everyday, local shopping experience.
• Community-focused charm: Highbury Grove and the surrounding streets exude an inviting, village-like atmosphere, making the neighbourhood feel lived-in and welcoming.
• Green spaces and architecture: Highbury Fields, with its park, tennis courts, and pool, is the heart of this micro-area. Surrounding it are beautifully preserved Edwardian and Victorian homes; Highbury New Park, in particular, showcases elegant period architecture.
• Diverse landscape: Pockets of council housing mix with elegant terraces, adding a layer of social variety and reinforcing the inclusive spirit common to London neighbourhoods.
• Stable community: The absence of estate agents listings signifies a deeply rooted residential population—Highbury isn’t a stepping-stone area, it’s somewhere people stay.

Rental market snapshot: Highbury 2025

Here’s a clear picture of current rental costs based on recent listings:

• Average rental range (all property types):
  • According to Foxtons: approximately £2,100-£4,000 per month
  • ONS data for Islington (which includes Highbury) shows average rent at £2,694 per month, up 6.1% year-on-year Office for National Statistics.
• 3-Bedroom Apartments/Flats:
  • Rightmove listings feature recent three-bedroom rentals around £3,900 per month (~£900/week), especially near Highbury Fields
  • OnTheMarket shows similar figures—including £3,900 for Victorian conversions and listings starting at £3,100 for other properties
  • Winkworth displays 3-bed apartments ranging from £3,000 to £3,750 per month

Why this matters for relocating families

Highbury offers a compelling package: leafy residential streets, sound architecture, a thriving local hub, and excellent access to central London—but all at a premium rental cost.

• Strong community appeal means properties are scarce, particularly desirable ones near Highbury Fields or Essex Road.
• Rental costs reflect this demand: for families seeking space, a three-bedroom apartment could set you back £3,500-£4,000+ per month.
• Value perspective: Despite high prices, Highbury’s lifestyle—from schools to local amenities—can be well worth the investment for families wanting something both peaceful and accessible.

Get help from Simply London

Simply London’s experts will work with you to define and understand your specific search criteria – from budget and schools to the commute and access to amenities – before selecting suitable areas for you to choose from. This will focus your search, giving you the best chance of laying your hat somewhere that’s right for you.

Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you to find your ideal neighbourhood.

Article published in 2019 and updated in August 2025.