To the north of the Heath is Hampstead Garden Suburb, designed by Ebenezer Howard in the Victorian era as part of his drive to create Garden Cities where leafy urban enclaves were integrated with the countryside. The area hosts the famous 'Millionaires Row', a broad thoroughfare featuring an eclectic mix of expensive detached homes valued at £1million+.

Highgate village, the area's most exclusive and well-preserved centre, has lots of quaint villagey shops and restaurants and some lovely Georgian homes. Hampstead Lane, which runs west along the borders of Hampstead Heath, has some fine detached period homes which have been lovingly kept as single family residences.

South of Highgate High Street and west of Highgate Cemetery (Karl Marx's resting place) is the highly sought Holly Lodge Estate, a cluster of tudor-style homes. The area is also home to many converted period residences and attractive modern developments.

Highgate has lots of pavement cafes, bars, restaurants and shops and easy access to the open spaces of Hampstead Heath where Kenwood's famed classical concerts are performed throughout the summer months in a picturesque lakeside setting.

Queen's Wood and Highgate Wood to the north of the area offer attractive woodland and walks and have sports facilities and good cafeteria in the centre.

Notable Independent schools include Highgate School in North Road plus Channing School for girls. A good State school is William Ellis. There are a number of quality primary schools in the area.