Renting a Flat in Kentish Town: What It's Actually Like
Rents, transport, and who Kentish Town suits — a practical guide to renting a flat just north of Camden.
Kentish Town sits just north of Camden and is often searched for by people priced out of Camden itself — with good reason, since it offers similar transport links at a noticeably lower price, along with a quieter, more residential feel.
| Kentish Town at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Typical 1-bed rent | £1,700–£2,100 a month |
| Typical 2-bed rent | £2,200–£2,900 a month |
| Travel zone | 2 |
| Main lines | Northern, Overground |
| Best for | Camden's links without Camden's prices |
What the area is like
Kentish Town has its own proper high street (Kentish Town Road) with independent cafes, pubs and a well-regarded local market feel, without Camden's tourist crowds. Residential streets are mostly Victorian terraces, many converted into flats, giving the area a more settled, less transient character than its more famous neighbour.
Rents and property types
Housing stock is dominated by Victorian terrace conversions. A one-bed typically runs £1,700–£2,100 a month; two-beds commonly £2,200–£2,900 — generally a few hundred pounds a month less than comparable Camden stock for a very similar commute.
Transport and commute
Kentish Town station serves both the Northern line and London Overground, giving fast access to the City, West End and King's Cross. Northern line services to central London typically take 15–20 minutes. As with nearby Camden, it's worth filtering by actual commute time to your specific office rather than assuming.
Who it suits
Kentish Town suits renters who want Camden's transport links and general North London feel without Camden's price premium or tourist footfall — particularly professionals and couples who prioritise a quieter, more local atmosphere. It's less suited to anyone specifically wanting Camden Market and its nightlife on their immediate doorstep.
Searching tips specific to Kentish Town
Kentish Town borders Camden, Tufnell Park and Gospel Oak closely enough that listings sometimes blur the boundaries. Searching by postcode (NW5) keeps results genuinely within Kentish Town rather than its pricier or quieter neighbours.
HomeScout covers new NW5 listings as they go live, useful if you specifically want Kentish Town rather than the wider, more expensive Camden area it's often compared to.
FAQ
Is Kentish Town cheaper than Camden?
Yes, typically by a few hundred pounds a month for comparable flats, while offering similar Northern line and Overground access to central London.
Is Kentish Town in Zone 2?
Yes, the station and surrounding area sit in Zone 2, matching Camden's zone despite the lower rents.
What's the difference between Kentish Town and Tufnell Park?
Tufnell Park sits just north and is slightly quieter and more residential still, with a Northern line station of its own but less of a local high street than Kentish Town.
Is Kentish Town a good place to live?
Yes, particularly if you want Camden's transport links and North London feel at a lower price and with a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
