Living in Harrow

Character & Vibe

Harrow is a large suburban town in North West London comprising several distinct neighbourhoods — historic Harrow on the Hill, Wealdstone, South Harrow, and Rayners Lane. It is one of the best-connected areas in the region, served by multiple London Underground lines and National Rail. The borough has a thriving multicultural community and is well known for its exceptional concentration of secondary schools.

Getting Around

Harrow is served by the Metropolitan, Piccadilly, and Bakerloo lines, plus Chiltern Railways trains to Marylebone in around 15 minutes. Key commute times: Rayners Lane to Baker Street takes approximately 28 minutes (Piccadilly line); Harrow-on-the-Hill to Marylebone around 15 minutes (Chiltern Railways); Harrow & Wealdstone to Euston around 19 minutes (Bakerloo). Nearby Stanmore and Edgware add Jubilee and Northern line access respectively, making the broader Harrow area one of the best-connected in Outer London for commuters with multiple destinations.

Schools

Harrow has an exceptional concentration of Outstanding state schools. Nower Hill High, Whitmore High, Belmont School, and Marlborough School are all rated Outstanding by Ofsted — four Outstanding state secondaries in a single borough is rare even by London standards. The world-famous independent Harrow School and John Lyon School add further prestige to the local education landscape. The borough consistently records the highest density of Outstanding state secondary schools in Outer London, making it a primary destination for families relocating from inner London.

• Nower Hill High School Secondary Outstanding
• Whitmore High School Secondary Outstanding
• Belmont School Secondary Outstanding
• Marlborough School Secondary Outstanding
• Canons High School Secondary Good
• John Lyon School Secondary (independent) N/A
• Harrow School Secondary (independent) N/A

Parks & Outdoors

Harrow on the Hill is a designated Area of Special Character with panoramic views across London. Harrow Recreation Ground provides a large central green space, while the nearby Green Belt countryside borders the western edges of the borough offering walking and cycling routes.

Dining & Shopping

Harrow's high streets — particularly Station Road in the town centre and Greenford Road in South Harrow — offer a vibrant and diverse dining scene with strong South Asian, Middle Eastern, and East African cuisine. Independent restaurants, sweet shops, and street food vendors give the area a lively, multicultural food culture that draws visitors from across the borough.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Harrow a good place to live?
  Harrow is a popular choice for families and professionals who want excellent transport, outstanding schools, and more space than inner London. It is served by multiple tube lines plus National Rail, has some of the best state secondary schools in Outer London, and property prices are typically below comparable inner-London zones.
• What transport links does Harrow have?
  Harrow is served by the Metropolitan, Piccadilly, and Bakerloo lines, plus Chiltern Railways trains to Marylebone in around 15 minutes. Harrow & Wealdstone is a major transport hub. Nearby Stanmore provides Jubilee line access and Edgware the Northern line, making the broader Harrow area one of the best-connected in Outer London.
• What are average house prices in Harrow?
  Land Registry data shows an average sold price of approximately £678,968 across the London Borough of Harrow — strong value for the level of transport connectivity and school choice on offer. In Harrow town centre and Wealdstone, one-bedroom flats start around £280,000. Family homes in South Harrow range from £450,000 to £700,000. Harrow on the Hill and the HA1 postcode command premiums, with larger detached homes reaching £1 million and above.
• What schools are in Harrow?
  Harrow has an exceptional school offer. Nower Hill High School and Whitmore High School are both rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The independent Harrow School and John Lyon School are internationally renowned. The borough overall has the highest concentration of Outstanding state secondary schools in Outer London.
• Is Harrow good for families?
  Harrow is consistently ranked as one of the best Outer London boroughs for families. It combines Outstanding-rated schools, multiple parks and open spaces — one fifth of the borough is green space — good transport links, and lower property prices than comparable inner-London areas.