6 Best Places to Live in Hertfordshire

Are you thinking of living in Hertfordshire?

Hertfordshire consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the UK.

There are various reasons that the county is so widely praised.

If you have decided to start living in Hertfordshire you most likely know all of these reasons.

In this article we delve into the best places to live in Hertfordshire.

We aim to provide a thorough guide to some of the best areas in the county.

This is the perfect article for you if you are thinking of living in Hertfordshire and are not sure what town or city to live in!

So, here are the 6 best places to live in Hertfordshire.

St Albans

Named by the Sunday Times as the best place to live and raise a family in the southeast.

The Roman city of St Albans is a popular choice for those looking to relocate to the area.

Ideal travel connections keep its reputation as a key commuter town alive.

The short 20-minute trip into London’s Kings Cross is an enviable transfer time.

Just far enough away from London so as not to feel part of it but close enough if you want to be.

You don’t have to spend long in St Albans to realise there’s a great community spirit here.

Clubs, pubs, associations, and the multiple green schemes bring people together in a way a city location is not able to.

As schools are a major consideration for parents, living in St Albans provides plenty of high achieving schools both private and public.

The history of the place is everywhere and some of the streets closer to the centre are home to some very characterful properties.

When you have time on your hands there is plenty to discover in and around the city.

Outside spaces include the 25-acre Clarence Park, Heartwood Forest and Bricket Wood.

Local shops are an interesting blend of old and new supplying locals with everyday essentials.

Whilst there are two shopping centres located along the high street area.

Property prices in affluent St Albans are expensive, the average cost of a home stood at £576,358 in January 2021.

Harpenden

A wealthy town with a population just over 30,000.

Harpenden like so many in Hertfordshire, is a commuter town.

Harpenden has a direct rail connection through to Central London, an easy 26-minute train journey and it is only seven miles from Luton Airport.

Sited close to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other rural areas, the town is well suited to a balance of city/country living.

These benefits come at a cost, and property prices are well over double the national average at a staggering £865,643.

Buyers new to Harpenden will find a wonderful collection of homes to choose from.

Much of the town enjoys the protection of being in a conservation area, one of the largest in Hertfordshire.

The leafy town centre is an attractive place to spend time where many of the local cafes and coffee shops spill onto the pavement, weather allowing.

Schools are of a high standard with the state secondary St Georges having been named by the Sunday Times as the 2019 Comprehensive of the Year.

As many residents are high earners, Harpenden also provides three private education establishments.

St Hilda’s all-girls primary school, the King’s School, a co-ed school taking children all the way from pre-school to Year 11.

Aldwickbury School is an independent all-boys preparatory school.

As well as three supermarkets there are lots of quirky, independently owned eateries, offering a variety of fare from Thai to tapas.

Getting out  andabout poses a number of exciting activities.

Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve runs alongside the towns River Lea.

Set up to protect and maintain the habitats and wildlife that can be found in the meadow and water cress-beds.

Bishop’s Stortford

The historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford lies on the River Stort in a very attractive rural area of Hertfordshire.

Sitting on the county boundary of Hertfordshire and Essex, it is very nicely placed midway between London and Cambridge.

It is an affluent area, partly due to its status as a commuter town for mainly financial workers in London.

London’s Liverpool Street station is accessible within 50 minutes and access by road via the M11 which takes roughly an hour.

Air travel is extremely convenient as Stansted Airport is just 6 miles from away.

With a population of 40,000 it is a lively place with plenty of things to do and see.

There is a modern shopping complex called Jackson Square which is nestled alongside some fine examples of 16th and 17th century buildings.

Market days are Thursday and Saturday, which consist of a selection of stalls with a variety of goods.

Several National Cycle routes pass through the town providing a direct link to the beautiful Lea Valley.

The River Stort towpath runs parallel to the river and makes for a peaceful relaxing place to walk.

Interestingly, Cecil Rhodes, the British mining magnate, and South African politician was born in the town and lived here until he was 17 years old.

You can find out more about his life by visiting the Bishop’s Stortford Museum.

Quality schooling is available, always an important consideration.

Both primary and secondary education provision is of a very high standard.

Bishop Stortford is an ideal place to call home, whether you are a young professional looking for a quick commute, you have an expanding family or looking to retire to somewhere which is low key but close to the buzz of the city when it suits.

Watford

This well-established urban centre is located in West Hertfordshire.

It is surprisingly close to some very pretty rural areas such as the Chiltern Hills AONB and the Colne Valley Regional Park.

The strategic M25 which circles London and the M1 make its transport connections ideal for commuters.

It has its own railway station and tube, located in Zone 7, a smooth 20-minute trip into the Capital.

Property is available in all shapes and sizes and with the average value currently standing at £419,085, it is a much cheaper option than trying to get on the property ladder in London.

The local area has some very nice neighbourhoods, some leafy enclaves, and some very sought after contemporary developments such as South Oxhey Central, a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.

There is plenty to keep you occupied when you have spare time on your hands.

Voted as one of the top 10 parks in the UK, Cassiobury Park is a firm favourite.

The Green Flag award-winning beauty spot is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. with a splash pool, water features and a ringing bandstand it has something for all the family.

Founded in 1881, no list on what makes Watford great would be complete without a mention of the Hornets.

The much-loved local football team reached the 2019 FA Cup Final, sadly they lost to Manchester City.

Full of character and creativity, it is easy to see why Watford has become one of the most popular towns in Hertfordshire.

Berkhamsted

If you are thinking of living in Hertfordshire, look no further than Berkhamsted.

The Sunday Times has named this charming town as one of the best places to live in the South East of England!

It is clear to see why Berkhamsted has earned such high praise!

With the stunning Grand Union Canal running through the heart of the town, as well as a host of highly regarded schools.

Berkhamsted Academy is one of the most popular local schools, with the town also being in the catchment area for the highly regarded Chesham Grammar!

The charming market town is only 30 minutes from Euston station on the train.

This ensures that the area is perfect for those needing to commute into London for work.

The average cost for a home in Berkhamsted is £679,986.

This is certainly a premium price for a premium location!

Buyers on the market for a smaller starter house in the town could save some money.

Terraced properties currently average at £508,207.

Berkhamsted is a top choice if you are thinking of living in Hertfordshire.

Hitchin

Hitchin is another excellent choice if you are thinking of living in Hertfordshire.

This market town sits in the north of Hertfordshire.

Hitchin draws in families looking for the practicality of a commuter town that also had easy access to great schooling options.

This includes the renowned Cambridge University, which is a quick train journey away.

Houses in Hitchin are in high demand!

Despite this high demand, average prices for a property are reasonable.

The current average value sits at £421,326.

This is particularly good considering the location and when compared to London.

If you are a lover of the great outdoors then Hitchin is the place to be.

The nearby Chiltern Hills presents remarkable trails that span across the Hertfordshire countryside.

Hitchin is certainly a location worth considering if you are thinking of living in Hertfordshire.

Ready to Start Living in Hertfordshire?

Are you thinking of living in Hertfordshire?

Hopefully, we have been able to highlight some of the best locations to consider living in Hertfordshire.

Each location in Hertfordshire has a variety of fantastic draw factors as well as an array of different properties, meaning there is undoubtedly a home for you!

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