I am not sure which Turnpike Lane you mean as this the tube station area , several roads in London and even some other roads named similarly. I have not lived in T.P.L. area and so cannot advise you of this.

However, regarding the Finsbury Park area, this can be quite popular, especially in the summer. There are some quiet streets close to the park. During the day, the area around Finsbury Park (station area) can be very busy. There are quite a few cafes, and ethnic eateries in the area which are good. The transport, I think, is very good in F.P. (trains, tubes and buses); with convenient transport links to Stanstead Airport too.

My opinion is that, at night, you don't hang around the area - but this is the same for a lot of areas in London. My advice, regarding safety is that you go to look at each flat and see how you feel about the flat, the flatmates and the area. Taking all things into consideration, go to the area where you feel best.

Regarding shopping there are corner shops in Finsbury Park area if you need a pint of milk. Or you can go into town on the Piccadilly Line to Oxford Street really easily. I am not sure about supermarkets as I don't live in the area. Additionally, there is Angel, just down the road which is quite bohemian now, having undergone a regeneraion in recent years. There is a supermarket there, tons of restaurants and bars of all desriptions and some interesting clothes shops, antique market for bric-a-brac and a cinema.

Best of luck.

 

Re: Turnpike Lane & Finsbury park

These are robust, ethnically diverse parts of London. I would not consider them particularly safe, but if you are reasonably streetwise you won't experience any problems. They are also not particularly salubrious, although they are popular with a lot of people because they are relatively inexpensive, have good transport connections and good amenities. For a Frenchman, you may like Finsbury Park because that is where Arsenal play!