The Best Family-Friendly Areas in Ealing (And Why Northfields is the Gold Rush You Don’t Want to Miss)
by Paul Leslie of Leslie & Co
When it comes to putting down roots in West London, families flock to Ealing - and with good reason. Excellent schools, leafy parks, independent shops and cafés, and brilliant transport links combine to offer a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
But one pocket of Ealing is outshining the rest - and at Leslie & Co, we’re calling it (quite literally) The Northfields Gold Rush 💰🌳
Why Northfields?
What was once an underrated gem is now a shining beacon for families who want it all: community spirit, character homes, top-tier schools, and the all-important Elizabeth Line access. And speaking of lines - it’s worth noting that school catchment areas are tightening, adding even more pressure to already high demand.
Some of the most sought-after schools in Ealing are within walking distance of Northfields, including:
⭐️ Fielding Primary – consistently rated Outstanding and famously oversubscribed
⭐️ Little Ealing Primary – loved for its nurturing environment and strong results
⭐️ Mount Carmel Catholic Primary – a hidden gem with a warm, inclusive ethos
For secondary schools, the area is equally well served:
📘 Ealing Fields High School – now firmly established and academically impressive
📘 Elthorne Park High – highly regarded and improving year on year
The Café Effect ☕️
We’re often asked what drives local house prices beyond the obvious—and one thing that consistently makes a difference is the café culture.
Buyers love being able to stroll to their favourite coffee spot, brunch haunt, or dinner date destination—and in this regard, Northfields delivers in spades.
The area boasts an impressive line-up of independent gems, including:
🍕 Da Moreno – pizza as good as anything in Napoli
🍷 Tapelia – Mediterranean vibes and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
☕ Element Coffee – great coffee, homemade cakes, and a real community feel
🥐 Frank's Deli – full of charm, fresh produce, and locally sourced treats
🍞 Pitshanger Bakery – artisan bread and pastries baked with love
🍺 The Plough – a characterful local with a buzzing garden and a cracking Sunday roast
🍻 The Forester – a classic Edwardian pub, recently refreshed, serving up seasonal menus and good times
These spots don’t just enhance lifestyle—they signal a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood that keeps property demand strong.
Parks = Pounds 🌿
Don’t underestimate the pull of green space. Living near a park like Walpole, Lammas, or Blondin Park doesn’t just make Sunday strolls or after-school playtime more convenient - it impacts house values, too.
We regularly see a premium for homes within a few minutes’ walk of these parks. They offer greenery, community events, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog-walking routes, and that all-important sense of space - something families will always prioritise.
Whether it’s bowls in Lammas, a summer picnic in Walpole, or a quiet loop around Blondin, these parks are more than local perks - they’re property price drivers in their own right.
In Summary?
Northfields isn’t just having a moment - it’s setting the pace. A perfect storm of school demand, independent food culture, fast transport, and lifestyle perks has created something genuinely special.
And if you're thinking about moving to or within Ealing, we'd be happy to guide you - whether you're buying, selling, or just figuring things out over a cappuccino ☕️
Leslie & Co – Estate agents who know Ealing inside out.
To read more about Northfields, head to the Autumn issue of the magazine.