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Best Towns to Live in Hertfordshire

Sep 10, 2024
St Albans Town Centre
Located next door to the Chiltern Hills and within reach of London, Cambridge and the South East Coast, Hertfordshire brims with charming villages to call home. Whether you want to relocate to the countryside or need direct transport links to the capital, homes in this region are ideal.  
 
Below, we've gathered some of the best places to live in Hertfordshire to help you make an informed decision.
 
St Albans
Hitchin
Harpenden
Watford
Aldbury
Radlett
 

Key Takeaways

St Albans:
Located within the London commuter belt.
Vast green spaces and amenities.
Outstanding schools for families.
 
Hitchin:
Combines rural and urban lifestyles.
Strong community spirit.
Excellent commuting links to London.
 
Harpenden:
Pretty market town near Chiltern Hills.
Conveniently along the M1 for an hour-long trip to London.
Balance between rural and urban life.
 
Watford:
Thriving hub with parks, countryside, and amenities.
Direct access to London (15 minutes by train).
Consider Orchard Green @ Kingsbrook development.
 
Aldbury:
Charming town in northeast Chiltern Hills.
Rich history and picturesque surroundings.

1. St Albans

Located within the London commuter belt, St Albans is among the best villages in Hertfordshire. It was famous as the first major town on the Old Roman Road of Watling Street for travellers heading north from the capital. It boasts vast green spaces and excellent amenities, including shops, leisure centres, playgrounds and restaurants. Five of its primary schools are rated as outstanding by Ofsted, making it the perfect location for families.
 
Some of St Albans’ highlights include:
 
St Albans Cathedral
Verulamium Park
The de Havilland Aircraft Museum
 

2. Hitchin

A stone’s throw from Barton Hills Nature Reserve, Hitchin strikes a balance between rural and urban living. This quaint market town promises green spaces at every turn while providing excellent commuting links to London, Luton and Milton Keynes. It boasts stunning medieval architecture, diverse eateries and centuries-old farmers’ markets. Properties here are popular thanks to their proximity to the capital, just a little over an hour away by car.
 
If you’re visiting Hitchin, some must-see attractions include:
 
St Mary’s Church
North Hertfordshire Museum
Hitchin Lavender
 

3. Harpenden

Harpenden is a picturesque market town on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. Its convenient location along the M1 makes it popular among commuters. It boasts an excellent education system, with many schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted, as well as parks, high-end shops and diverse eateries. Property prices here are slightly above the regional average but still more affordable than in London – ideal for short and long-term investments.
 
Some of Harpenden’s highlights include:
 
Batford Springs Nature Reserve
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
 

4. Watford

Lying along the banks of the River Colne, Watford was named the 'fastest-growing town in Hertfordshire' in 2022, and it's no wonder why. This thriving hub boasts beautiful parks, majestic architecture and excellent amenities. It’s home to cinemas, theatres, libraries, playgrounds and shopping outlets, with something for everyone. Properties here are always in high demand thanks to the direct train links between Watford Junction and London Euston. 
 
Watford’s best attractions include:
 
Cassiobury Park
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Cheslyn House & Gardens
 

5. Aldbury

Found in the northeastern part of the Chiltern Hills, Aldbury is among the best towns in Hertfordshire. Due to its traditional appearance, it’s often referred to as a ‘chocolate box’ village. It’s located near the A41, which runs south to join London's circular M25 motorway, making the commute a little over an hour by car and an hour by train. Aldbury has excellent family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds, leisure centres and some of Ofsted’s top-rated schools. 
 
Some must-visit attractions include:
 
National Trust – Ashridge Estate
Ivinghoe Beacon
College Lake
 

6. Radlett

Radlett is one of Hertfordshire’s most desirable towns and a brilliant place to call home. Sitting midway between the Colne Valley, Epping Forest and the Chiltern Hills AONB, it enjoys lush countryside and direct access to London. Its excellent schools make it popular among families, while its proximity to the M25 motorway promises a stress-free commute. 
 
Some of Radlett’s best attractions include:
 
Aldenham Country Park
Jump In Trampoline Park
Bentley Priory Museum
 
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