The Knowledge

Muswell Hill

This is where people move to when they discover that Islington is a bit too funky for bringing up the family. Here they find good schools, family-sized houses, gardens and green space, distant views - even a lively collection of pubs and bars to spice the Edwardian elegance of the centre.

The only thing missing is a tube. The other great asset of Muswell is that Hill, or rather a string of them, culminating in Alexandra Park where the looming great 'palace' commands views right across London. The problem is that many of these families want to drive across to Hampstead and Highgate - where all the private schools are - and term-time traffic gets worse and worse.