The 'Word on the Street' (above) description is a fair summary, except that to say 'there are not many facilities on offer' can give the wrong impression. As mentioned, it is not a shopping centre and therefore doesn't have the hassles sometimes associated with these; however, not being a shopping centre has the advantages mentioned. It's also ideally placed for a short trip to both Harrow and Ealing town shopping centres and, a bit further away, Watford.
However, Northolt does have a good variety of small local shops, including an Indian restaurant, several Chinese and Indian takeaways, fast food outlets, two fish and chip shops and an 'Alldays' 7-11 general store. Also, a DIY shop, pet shop, wedding outfitters, dry cleaners, tool and machinery hire shop, betting shop, bank, main Post Office, library and local schools. These are all in the centre of Northolt - the 'Tempo' store mentioned is now a 'PC World' and is situated on the outskirts of Northolt. There is also a B & Q on the A40 and the Tesco store just along the same road in the Art Deco Hoover Building at Perivale. Other nearby supermarkets are Sainsbury's in South Ruislip and Waitrose at South Harrow. Also at Perivale is the largest open space in Ealing, Horsenden Hill, with its Countryside Day once a year.
As well as the fine swimming pool, Northolt also several parks, a gym, golf practice range and several community centres. There are various churches, including the marvellous Saxon church of St. Mary's, set on a green slope in Northolt Village, a Conservation Area. This is a hidden gem with a village green, and a brook running through it, a large thatched Fullers pub with a Thai restaurant and the original, extended village pub, now a 'Beefeater'. Northolt was a Saxon settlement and also had a moated medieval manor house - artifacts from both are in Gunnesbury Park Museum.
Houses are mainly thirties through to more recent developments, including flats and maisonettes, and are still very good value compared to those a bit further into London. You pay more on your tube fare into Central London but considerably less on the price of a house e.g. compared to a flat further in. It's therefore excellent for families, couples and singles.
Transport links are excellent, with Northolt Central line providing direct access to Oxford Circus, various bus routes, and the A40 into central London and out to Buckinghamshire, Oxford and the West. It is also a quick journey to Heathrow Airport, and Northolt is not on the flight path.