Living in Angel & Islington – Area Guide

Angel & Islington sits on the northern fringes of Central London within the London Borough of Islington.

This part of London buzzes with energy, a vibrant location for both shopping and entertainment.

There are a wide number of cocktail bars, classic pubs, and a diverse range of international restaurants that grace Islington Green and Upper Street.

The charming stalls of the traditional Chapel Market display fresh produce, household wares, and vintage clothing.

Nearby, Camden Passage hosts an array of antique shops and independent boutiques, adding to the area’s unique character.

For those seeking a more modern retail experience, Angel Central shopping centre presents an assortment of well-known fashion brands.

The esteemed Sadler’s Wells Theatre solidifies its reputation as a world-renowned destination for dance performances, attracting audiences from far and wide.

A diverse range of people from all walks of life choose to live in this location.

Students who attend one of the popular universities nearby, businesspeople eager to live close to the hub of the office and many families have all made this part of the city their home.

If living in Angel & Islington is appealing to you, here is some information that may convince you to make the move to this wonderful part of London.

Housing Options in Angel & Islington

The first thing you notice in this area is the differing styles of homes available.

From cutting-edge contemporary properties to grand Georgian residences, historic listed buildings, and everything in between, the spectrum is vast.

This is a desirable place to live, and homes sell quickly. The only limit of course is going to be your budget.

The good news is that prices within the borough are not seen as the most expensive real estate in London.

Studio flats can be bought from around £230,000 and one-bedroom apartments start at £252,000.

Larger homes are available however, they are priced at the upper end of the market.

There are ways to buy here without forking out a small fortune. A home above a commercial is not everyone’s preferred option, but you can get a lot for your money.

A three-bedroom maisonette above a shop will sell for around £335,000 compared to a conventional home the same size which increases to £450,000.

Upper-end homes are as you would expect, astronomical and out of the reach of mere mortals.

The most expensive properties are well past the £3,000,000 mark, what’s more, there are a good many of them on the market.

Renting is always a possibility if your budget is limited. Across the borough, there are literally hundreds of homes waiting to be let.

Renting is becoming increasingly popular plus, if you want to “test drive” the area leasing is the ideal opportunity to do so.

You can expect to pay a minimum of £1100 per month for a studio apartment or upwards of £1,900 for a typical 2-bedroom home.

One thing is certain, there is a myriad of options for both potential purchasers and renters alike.

Getting Around the Area

As Angel & Islington is among the 35 major centres in the capital, transport links are as you would expect, excellent.

By road, rail, bus, or bike from here, you can easily access major attractions, business districts, and other parts of the city, making it a convenient base for work and leisure.

The Angel tube station provides access to the Northern Line and onwards to other parts of the city.

Numerous buses are at your disposal at all times of the day and night. For a comprehensive bus timetable visit the Geopunk website.

Getting about by car is always going to be congested, despite this negative, many do drive.

Upper Street carries the A1 from Angel northbound towards Highbury, Archway and the M1.

The London Inner Ring Road passes east–west through Angel on Pentonville Road and City Road. The route is numbered the A501 and links the area directly to King’s Cross and Euston eastbound, and Old Street, Shoreditch, and Aldgate to the southeast.

There is always the choice to cycle. There are a number of cycle routes to make it safer to use this mode of transport.

Plus, you can always use Santander Cycles, a London-wide bike-sharing system that operates in Angel.

The great thing about living anywhere in London is that pretty much everywhere is well-connected, Angel & Islington is no exception.

Education Options in Angel & Islington

For those moving home with children to consider, their education will be of utmost importance.

Finding a suitable school within the borough, whether it be state or private, won’t be a problem as there are a wide variety of education options available here.

The borough currently maintains 47 primary schools, 10 secondary schools and three special schools.

Parents will be pleased to discover that the local state schools perform at Ofsted’s “good” level or above. There are no underperformers here.

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is an all-girl state school for 11-16 years and has been deemed “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Well-rated primaries in the area include Thornhill Primary, Vittoria Primary and St Andrew’s (Barnsbury) C of E Primary.

All “good” reports Ofsted.

David Game College is a co-ed Independent sixth-form college offering students courses in A Levels, GCSEs & Foundation Programme courses. It comes with an exemplary reputation.

When it comes to higher education the sky really is the limit, you have the whole of London to choose from including some world-renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Your children will have access to some of the finest schools, colleges, and universities in the country when you live in Angel & Islington.

Shopping in the Local Area

The diverse range of shops, markets, and unique shopping experiences make this area a delightful destination for anyone looking to indulge in retail therapy.

Here are some reasons why Islington is considered a good place for shopping:

Fashion: There is a mix of fashion options, from trendy and contemporary styles to vintage and retro outfits. Upper Street, in particular, is lined with fashion stores offering a diverse range of clothing choices

Markets: The area is known for its markets, each with its unique character. Chapel Market offers a traditional market experience with stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household items. While Camden Passage is famous for antiques, vintage finds, and quirky boutiques.

Food and Drink: Beyond traditional shopping, Islington is home to various speciality food stores, markets, artisanal bakeries, and gourmet shops. You can find high-quality ingredients, international delicacies, and unique treats, it is an ideal location for foodie fanatics.

Arts and Crafts: The area also has galleries, arts and crafts stores, and artisanal markets where you can discover unique handmade items.

Angel Central: This is an all-around entertainment and shopping destination for the local area, conveniently all in one place. You can shop, eat, and be entertained in this popular part of the district.

Cost of Living in Angel & Islington

London has earned a reputation for its high cost of living, a characteristic shared by major cities worldwide.

Living here, you are always going to pay a premium for everything whether it be your rent, the cost of buying a home, weekly food shop, entertainment, or anything else for that matter.

However, it’s worth noting that the borough’s affordability compares favourably to some of London’s more exclusive districts like Chelsea, Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

Are you finding yourself spending more than you can afford? With inflation running at record levels, it pays to be savvy with your money.

If you are wondering how to put your household financial plan in motion without compromising your current quality of life here are a few good ideas to start with.

Create a realistic budget

Start with a budget that you can work with without it being too far out of reach. If it’s too easy, tweak it and make it harder, and vice versa.

Automate your savings

Before you spend anything on entertainment, set up a direct debit to put even a small amount into a savings account. It is surprising how quickly you get used to doing this and how fast your saving build.

Distinguish Needs from Wants

Developing the habit of discerning between essential needs and random wants is a financially astute practice. This approach helps you channel resources toward necessities while curbing impulsive spending.

Shop at Budget Stores

Islington is packed with cut-price places such as charity shops and markets. There is a good-sized Iceland and just outside is the local Chapel Market selling fruit and veg among other things. Superdrug always has great deals for your toiletries and make-up.

By integrating these small measures, you can positively impact your financial outgoings without compromising your current standard of living.

There is absolutely no reason why you can’t see a positive outcome when you take the budgeting challenge whether you live in Angel & Islington or anywhere else in the UK.

For more clever budgeting ideas visit the highly reputable Money Saving Expert, headed up by Martin Lewis.

Local Contacts in the Borough

After allowing yourself a little time to settle into life in Angel & Islington, it will be necessary to attend to some admin tasks such as registering with the local authorities, finding healthcare providers, and more.

You will discover that Angel & Islington offers its residents well-structured services.

The area falls under the umbrella of Islington Council. (www.islington.gov.uk).

From their website, you can find a wealth of local information. Council tax payments and bands, recycling and refuse collections, school information, and parking permits are just a few.

You must register at a doctor’s surgery as soon as possible.

Depending on where you live, you can easily sign up with the closest surgery. It is a simple process, just a quick form to complete and your records will be transferred from your old surgery to the new one within a few days.

To find a doctor near you, visit the local life website here.

Access to a dental surgery is also a priority.

Fortunately, there are plenty of them across the borough. What Clinic is a good place to start your search.

Things to do in Angel & Islington

The opportunities for entertainment are endless in this area of London both within the district and beyond its border.

Whether you’re interested in the arts, dining, shopping, or cultural experiences, Angel & Islington provides a diverse range of options to explore and enjoy.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre: A renowned venue for dance performances, Sadler’s Wells hosts a wide array of contemporary and classical dance shows, making it a cultural hotspot for dance enthusiasts.

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art: This unique museum focuses on Italian modern and contemporary art, featuring works from the early 20th century to the present day.

The Screen on the Green: A historic cinema that provides a unique movie-watching experience. It features a mix of new releases, classic films, and special events.

Islington Green: Islington Green is a lovely public space perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or people-watching. It often hosts outdoor events and markets.

Camden Market: Explore the various markets that makeup Camden Market, including the Stables Market, Camden Lock Market, and more. You’ll find an array of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and antiques to artwork and handmade crafts.

Regent’s Canal: Take a peaceful stroll along Regent’s Canal, which runs through Camden. You can enjoy the picturesque scenery, watch canal boats go by, and even take a boat tour.

Camden Lock Village: Explore the creative hub known as Camden Lock Village, featuring independent boutiques, galleries, and studios.

Moving to Angel & Islington

Now that you have discovered exactly what the area can provide to those who call it home, you may be seriously considering living in Angel & Islington yourself.

Although it may be a huge step no matter what stage of life you are in, you will need all the help you can get to ensure that your relocation runs smoothly.

GoodMove are here to help you with the transition from your old abode to the new one. With years of experience under our belt, we offer a service that is difficult to match.

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Alternatively, you can opt to complete a brief online quote form or engage with our live chatbot positioned at the bottom right corner of our homepage.

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Call today and secure your free, no-obligation survey and quotation as soon as possible.