Hertfordshire is a popular and desirable place to live. As one of the Home Counties, it offers all the benefits of being close to London while also boasting picturesque countryside, safe towns and cities for families, and plenty to see and do.
Hertfordshire is perfect for commuters, young families or those approaching retirement who want a slower pace of life. Knowing where the best place to live in Hertfordshire may not be easy, especially if you’re not familiar with the county.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. This guide explores the best places to live in Hertfordshire, as well as some of the best things to see and do.
As of 2025, the county’s population stands at approximately 1.2 million, with continued growth due to its strong economy and commuter-friendly location. It is home to highly sought-after residential areas, thriving businesses, and renowned universities, making it a top choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
- Population (2025): ~1.2 million.
- Key Towns: St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Harpenden, and Hertford.
- Economy: Strong in technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, media, and education.
- Quality of Life: A mix of countryside beauty, vibrant towns, and excellent transport links to London.
Key Takeaways
- Hertfordshire is a great place for families, professionals and retirees to call home due to a range of excellent schools, access to stunning countryside and easy access to London.
- As property prices tend to be high, now could be a fantastic time to sell your Hertfordshire home.
- Towns and cities like Watford, St Albans, Harpenden and Hitchin are considered some of the best places to live in Hertfordshire.
Where is Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire is directly north of London, bordering Essex to the east, Cambridgeshire to the northeast, Bedfordshire to the northwest, Buckinghamshire to the west and of course, Greater London to the south.
This central location gives Hertfordshire excellent links to the rest of the country. London is very close, and Birmingham is easily accessible via the M1 or high-speed rail. Other cities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Milton Keynes are also very easy to reach.
What’s more, because much of Hertfordshire is green belt land, including the beautiful Chiltern Hills AONB, there is plenty of space to get outdoors and explore.
Attractions & Amenities
Hertfordshire is steeped in history, culture, and nature, offering plenty of things to do for residents and visitors alike. From grand stately homes to cutting-edge film studios, the county is a blend of the past and the future. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or entertainment, Hertfordshire has it all.
Historic & Cultural Landmarks:
- St Albans Cathedral – One of Britain’s oldest cathedrals, dating back over 1,700 years, offering breathtaking architecture and historical significance.
- Hatfield House – A stunning Jacobean mansion set in sprawling gardens, famous for its connections to Queen Elizabeth I.
- Knebworth House – A Gothic-style stately home known for hosting legendary rock concerts, family days out, and historical exhibitions.
Outdoor & Nature Attractions:
- Ashridge Estate – 8,000 acres of woodland, hills, and meadows, perfect for long walks, wildlife spotting, and bluebell-filled springtime views.
- Hitchin Lavender Fields – A picturesque working farm where visitors can pick their own lavender and enjoy panoramic countryside views.
- Lee Valley Park – A sprawling nature reserve offering boating, cycling, and birdwatching.
Entertainment & Family Attractions:
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter Experience) – A must-visit for film lovers, showcasing original sets, props, and behind-the-scenes magic from the Harry Potter movies.
- Paradise Wildlife Park – A family-friendly zoo and conservation centre home to tigers, penguins, and interactive experiences.
- Verulamium Museum – A fascinating Roman history museum in St Albans, displaying ancient artifacts from Hertfordshire’s past.
Transportation
Hertfordshire is one of the best-connected counties in the UK, making it a top choice for commuters and frequent travelers. With fast rail links to London, an extensive road network, and close proximity to major airports, getting around is easy and efficient.
-
Rail:
- Fast train services to London (20–30 minutes) from St Albans, Watford, Hertford, and Stevenage.
- Direct connections to Cambridge, Birmingham, and the Midlands.
-
Road:
- The M25, M1, A1(M), and A41 make road travel convenient across Hertfordshire and beyond.
- Excellent road access to London Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted Airports.
-
Public Transport:
- Extensive bus networks connecting towns and villages.
- Cycling-friendly roads with new greenway projects promoting eco-friendly transport.
Housing Market
Hertfordshire is one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, offering a mix of charming villages, bustling market towns, and modern developments. Housing prices are above the national average due to the high demand for homes within commuting distance of London.
Average Property Prices (2025):
- Detached Houses: £700,000
- Semi-Detached Houses: £450,000
- Terraced Houses: £350,000
- Flats/Apartments: £275,000
Rental Market (Per Month):
- One-Bedroom Apartment: £1,000–£1,500
- Two-Bedroom Apartment: £1,500–£2,000
- Three-Bedroom House: £2,000–£2,800
Best Places to Live in Hertfordshire:
- St Albans – A historic city with top schools, cultural attractions, and excellent transport links.
- Hitchin – A charming market town known for its community spirit and independent shops.
- Harpenden – One of Hertfordshire’s most affluent areas, ideal for families.
- Watford – A thriving urban center with a mix of modern apartments and suburban homes.
- Berkhamsted – A beautiful riverside town with a strong arts and foodie scene.
Cost of Living in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is cheaper than London but more expensive than many other UK counties. Its proximity to the capital, excellent schools, and high quality of life make it a premium location.
Estimated Monthly Costs (2025):
- Housing: £1,500–£3,000 (rent or mortgage).
- Utilities & Bills: £200–£300.
- Groceries & Essentials: £250–£350 per person.
- Dining & Entertainment:
- Casual meal: £15–£25 per person.
- Three-course dinner for two: £60–£100.
- Transport:
- Monthly rail pass to London: £250–£400.
- Bus pass: £60–£80.
Crime Rates & Safety
Hertfordshire is one of the safest counties in England, with low crime rates compared to London and other urban areas. The most common crimes are minor theft and vehicle-related incidents, while violent crime is rare.
Crime Statistics (2025):
- Overall Crime Rate: 55 crimes per 1,000 people (lower than the UK average of 89/1,000).
- Safest Areas: Harpenden, Hitchin, Berkhamsted, and St Albans.
- Higher Crime Areas: Watford town center and Hemel Hempstead have slightly higher crime rates due to urban activity.
Hertfordshire remains a safe place to live, with community policing, low violent crime rates, and strong neighborhood security programs.
Where is the best place to live in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire boasts a range of great places to live, depending on what you’re looking for. The main population areas include Watford, St Albans, Harpenden, Stevenage, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and Hemel Hempstead, among others.
If you’re looking for plenty to see and do, with great access to London then places like Watford, St Alban’s, Borehamwood, and Potters Bar are excellent choices. Being so close to the capital, they feel like urban living but with a quieter side. On the other hand, if you prefer living in a small, safe suburban or rural setting, places like Hitchin, Tring, Royston or Buntingford may be better choices.
Let’s explore some of Hertfordshire’s popular places to live.
St Albans
St Albans is a historic cathedral that’s easily accessible from London, which makes it great for young families and commuters. Because it’s so close to the capital, it boasts excellent places to eat and drink, independent shops, theatres, museums and a real community feel that other commuter towns can lack.
While house prices are generally quite high, it’s considered a safe place with excellent schools and facilities to raise a family.
Harpenden
Nestled in Hertfordshire’s green belt, Harpenden is like a smaller, even more peaceful version of St Albans. Like its bigger neighbour, it also has direct trains into Central London which makes it popular with commuters and families. With plenty of Georgian architecture mixed with green spaces, and high-end shops, restaurants and bars, it’s a fantastic place to live for families and young professionals. However, like St Albans, it boasts high property prices.
Watford
For those looking for somewhere more lively and well-connected, Watford is a great choice. Located just 15 miles from Central London, there are regular rail, Overground and Metropolitan Line services into the heart of the capital.
Although fairly urban, Watford still has plenty of green space and opportunities to get outdoors, as well as major attractions like the Warner Bros Studio, The Grove Hotel & Spa, Leavesden Country Park and more. Golfers, in particular, are well-catered for, with plenty of challenging and rewarding courses in the area. Finally, Watford F.C, currently in The Championship play their home games at Vicarage Road in the centre of town.
Family-Friendly Living in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is known for being an excellent place to raise kids, and alongside the towns we’ve already mentioned, some of the best places to live in Hertfordshire for families include:
Hitchin
This picturesque market town in the north of the county features medieval buildings, narrow cobbled streets, independent shops and a great range of places to eat and drink. The weekly farmer’s market has been running for over 500 years, and a range of well-rated primary and secondary schools make it perfect for families. While it still boasts great transport links to London, the average house prices are slightly lower than in places like St Albans and Harpenden.
Berkhamsted
Another charming market town, Berkhamsted is in the west of the county and on the edge of the beautiful Chiltern Hills AONB. Like Hitchin, Berkhamsted features a weekly farmer’s market and a great range of independent cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. For things to do, Warner Bros Studio is nearby, as is the Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead, which features real snow, and the Roald Dahl Museum.
Radlett
For those with higher budgets, the village of Radlett features a range of stunning properties, excellent countryside, excellent schools and great transport links. Trains to Central London take just 25 minutes, and the M25 and M1 motorways are just a few miles away. It’s truly one of Hertfordshire’s most desirable places to live.
Top Days Out In Hertfordshire For Families
Being so close to London, Hertfordshire has tons of days out and attractions for families including:
- Warner Bros Studios
- Roald Dahl Museum
- Snow Centre
- Hatfield House
- Knebworth House
- Hertfordshire Zoo
- De Havilland Aircraft Museum
- St Albans Cathedral
Is Hertfordshire a good place to live?
Yes! Hertfordshire is one of the best places to live in the UK, offering a high quality of life, excellent schools, strong transport links, and a balance of urban and rural charm. Many professionals, families, and retirees choose Hertfordshire due to its safe environment, scenic countryside, and proximity to London. The county is home to affluent towns like St Albans, Harpenden, and Berkhamsted, as well as bustling urban centers like Watford and Stevenage. Whether you’re looking for a quiet village lifestyle or easy access to city amenities, Hertfordshire has something for everyone.
Why do people move to Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire attracts a wide range of people, including London commuters, families, students, and professionals, thanks to its strong economy, high-quality housing, and excellent public services.
Top Reasons People Move to Hertfordshire:
- Lower cost of living compared to London – While Hertfordshire is not cheap, it offers better value for money on housing and lifestyle compared to the capital.
- Excellent job opportunities – The county has a growing tech, finance, pharmaceutical, and creative sector, plus easy access to London’s job market.
- Top-rated schools – Hertfordshire is renowned for its outstanding schools and education system, making it a top choice for families.
- Commuter-friendly – Fast trains connect major Hertfordshire towns to London in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced lifestyle – You get the best of both worlds: modern city amenities and peaceful countryside retreats.
What is Hertfordshire famous for?
Hertfordshire is known for its history, beautiful countryside, thriving commuter towns, and cultural landmarks.
Famous Highlights of Hertfordshire:
- St Albans Cathedral – A historic masterpiece over 1,700 years old
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter Experience) – A global tourist attraction for film lovers
- Hatfield House – The childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I
- Knebworth House – Famous for hosting legendary rock concerts, including Queen and Oasis
- Ashridge Estate & Hertfordshire countryside – Stunning woodlands, hills, and nature reserves
- Proximity to London – Making it one of the UK’s most desirable commuter counties
What are the safest areas in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire is one of the safest counties in England, with crime rates well below the national average. The safest areas tend to be affluent towns and villages with strong community ties and local policing.
Safest Areas in Hertfordshire (2025):
- Harpenden – One of the safest towns in the UK, with low crime and a strong community feel
- St Albans – A family-friendly city with excellent schools and historic charm
- Berkhamsted – A riverside market town with beautiful homes and a vibrant arts scene
- Hitchin – A quiet, picturesque town known for its independent shops and friendly atmosphere
- Welwyn Garden City – A well-planned, safe, and peaceful town with tree-lined streets
Tip: Crime rates in Hertfordshire’s commuter towns are significantly lower than in London, making it a safer alternative to city living.
What are the crime rates in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire has one of the lowest crime rates in England, making it a popular place for families and professionals seeking a secure environment.
Crime Statistics (2025):
- Overall Crime Rate: 55 crimes per 1,000 people (compared to the UK average of 89 per 1,000)
- Most Common Crimes: Petty theft, vehicle-related incidents, and anti-social behaviour
- Violent Crime: Extremely low compared to urban areas like London, Birmingham, or Manchester
Areas with Higher Crime Rates:
While most of Hertfordshire is safe, busier urban centers have slightly higher crime levels:
- Watford town centre – Due to high foot traffic, bars, and nightlife activity
- Hemel Hempstead – Some pockets of social housing areas have higher crime rates
- Stevenage town centre – Experiences minor theft and anti-social behaviour
Overall, Hertfordshire remains a safe county with strong policing and community engagement.
Summary
Hertfordshire is a fantastic place to live whether you’re a young family, are settling down for retirement, or anything in between. With lots of green space, safe suburbs and excellent transport links, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. While house prices can be high due to strong demand, if you’re looking to sell your house in Hertfordshire, it may be a great time to do so.
We’ll make a cash offer on any home immediately and can have a sale complete within seven days, so contact us to find out more.
