For those who already live in Harrow, we know all too well about its rich history, picturesque parks, and diverse communities. Like any other place, living in Harrow comes with its pros and cons. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in Harrow – aimed particularly at people that don’t live here, prospective residents and anyone interested in living in our borough.
Pros:
Cultural Diversity: Harrow is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, with people from all over the world living and working here. This diversity brings with it a unique and vibrant community, with different cultures, languages, and traditions celebrated throughout the borough.
Good Transport Links: Harrow benefits from excellent transport links, with multiple tube stations, bus routes, and overground trains connecting the borough to the rest of London and beyond. This makes commuting and getting around Harrow easy and convenient.
Parks and Open Spaces: Harrow has an abundance of green spaces, including the vast and picturesque Harrow Weald Common, Bentley Priory, Headstone Manor Park, and the award-winning Harrow Recreation Ground. These open spaces provide a much-needed respite from the busy city and offer a range of recreational activities.
Great Schools: Harrow is home to some of the best schools in London, with several top-performing primary and secondary schools, including Harrow School, one of the most prestigious schools in the UK as well as John Lyon School. We are also blessed with a plethora of high-standard primary and secondary schools.
Good Shopping and Entertainment Options: Harrow boasts a range of shopping and entertainment options, from the bustling Harrow Town Centre, with its high street stores, restaurants, and cinemas, to the quieter, more upmarket St. Anne’s and Harrow-on-the-Hill areas.
Cons:
High Cost of Living: Harrow is not the cheapest place to live, with property prices and rents among the highest in London. This can be a barrier for those on a tight budget or looking for affordable housing.
Congestion and Traffic: Harrow’s popularity means that it can get congested, especially during rush hour. This can lead to traffic problems, delays, and frustration for commuters and drivers.
Noise Pollution: Harrow’s proximity to London means that it can be noisy, with traffic, trains, and planes passing through the borough. This can be an issue for those who prefer peace and quiet.
Crime Rates: While Harrow is generally a safe borough, and one of the safest in London in fact, but there are still issues with crime, particularly with burglaries and thefts. This can be a concern for the community, especially those living in certain areas.
Lack of Employment Opportunities: While Harrow benefits from good transport links and proximity to central London, job opportunities can be limited, with many residents commuting outside of the borough for work.
Living in Harrow has both pros and cons. While the borough offers cultural diversity, good transport links, parks and open spaces, great schools, and good shopping and entertainment options, it also has a high cost of living, traffic congestion, noise pollution, crime rates, and limited job opportunities.
Ultimately, whether Harrow is the right place to live depends on personal preferences and circumstances.
What do you think? we’d be thrilled to hear some of your personal pros and cons about life in Harrow on our socials, be sure to comment and leave your feedback.
