It is a suburban development situated 7.4 miles (11.9 km) north of Charing Cross.

Its natural centre is formed by the busy intersection of Colney Hatch Lane (which runs north-south), Woodhouse Road (which takes west-bound traffic into Finchley) and Friern Barnet Road (which leads east towards New Southgate).

The North Circular Road bisects the southern part, providing the area with a convenient commuter route.

The housing generally consists of late Victorian, early Edwardian terraced properties and some other larger houses from later periods. Much of the property is owner-occupied, but some has been subdivided into flats and bedsits.

There are also some areas of modern housing, notably Princess Park Manor, a redevelopment of the once famous Victorian institution the Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum. England footballer Ashley Cole met his wife, pop singer Cheryl Tweedy, when both owned apartments at this development.

Friern Barnet is regarded as a "leafy suburb" well stocked with private gardens and trees, plus the amenities of the excellent and popular Friary Park a stand-out feature. The area is often commuted to by people interested in sporting activities as the area has abundant facilities catering to their needs including the North Middlesex Golf Club.

Local schools and colleges include Woodhouse College, The Compton School, Friern Barnet Secondary School and Coppetts Wood Primary School. The area is an exceptional spot for education with the public schools in this area frequently performing above average academically.

The nearby Tesco supermarket has led to some difficulties for local shops, but a recent flurry of new, refurbished restaurants and cafes indicates that the area is one of the more desirable spots of north London.