The Best Places To Live In Hertfordshire
Situated in the heart of the home counties, Hertfordshire is one of the most sought-after areas to live in the country. Explore some of the popular towns and villages that are ideal for idyllic family life and benefit from a quick commute to London.
St Albans
This historical town was once called Verulamium, the third-largest city in Roman Britain. St Albans is still full of historical character today, with the stunning 11th-century Cathedral, Roman Walls and a beautiful conservation area that contains many thriving independent shops and a wealth of popular cafes and restaurants. Only 20 minutes away from London by train, St Albans is close enough for an easy commute but it also feels like a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life in the Capital. Of course, with London being so close, you can also easily pop in at the weekend for a spot of shopping or to see a show. St Albans is also renowned for being a wonderful area for families with excellent schools, a great community and plenty of open spaces and parklands for you to enjoy.
Hitchen
Hitchen is a market town on the River Hiz with a historic market square bordered by independent shops on quaint, winding cobbled streets. It is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and Hitchin Lavender is a very popular tourist attraction with acres of lavender fields that look stunning in full bloom in the summer months. The town is also perfect for families with many good and outstanding schools, notably the popular Hitchen Boys and Hitchen Girls schools. If you need to get into London for work, the commute is also very manageable, with St Pancras only 30 minutes away.
Harpenden
This small town, situated between St Albans and Luton, is surrounded by picturesque countryside and is very popular with people relocating from London. Harpenden has a village feel with lots of events on offer, such as farmers’ markets, food festivals and a summer carnival. In the town centre, the tree-lined streets contain lots of independent and high-street shops and a wealth of popular restaurants that attract diners from all over the local area. Again, Harpenden has excellent school options for all ages and it is only 23 minutes on the train to St Pancras.
Watford
Watford is a sought-after commuter town reportedly judged as the ‘Happiest place to live in the East of England.’ Situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, it has excellent schools, a bustling high street with many independent shops and an Intu shopping centre with all the big brand names. Watford also benefits from having three railway stations with journeys to London Euston taking only 20 minutes. Firms such as Sam Conveyancing can offer a building survey Watford and surrounding areas if you are thinking of purchasing property in Hertfordshire. Always choose a firm which is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Aldbury
If you really want to get away from it all, Aldbury is a quaint village in a traditional ‘chocolate box’ style that has many timber-framed buildings, all surrounding the picturesque village duck pond. This countryside idyll is still very well connected with Tring Station only a couple of minutes’ drive away. Tring to London Euston takes 45 minutes.
