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.
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.
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
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.
