Best Places to Live in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire has quietly become one of the most desirable counties in the South East. It offers the balance many people are searching for: green space, excellent commuter links, strong schools, historic towns and a slower pace of life without feeling isolated from London.

For families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers alike, the county delivers a mix of countryside charm and practical convenience. You can live in a village surrounded by rolling fields and still be in Central London within an hour.

At Alban Moves, we have helped people relocate across Hertfordshire for many years. From busy family moves into St Albans to downsizing moves in villages around Harpenden and Berkhamsted, we’ve seen first-hand why so many people choose to settle here.

This guide explores some of the best places to live in Hertfordshire, what makes each area different, and which locations may suit your lifestyle best.

Why So Many People Are Moving to Hertfordshire

There are several reasons Hertfordshire continues to attract buyers and renters from London and other parts of the UK.

The county combines:

• Fast rail links into London
• Highly rated schools
• Safer suburban and village living
• Green open spaces
• Historic market towns
• Strong property demand
• Good shopping and leisure facilities
• Access to the Chiltern Hills and countryside

It also has variety. Some towns feel vibrant and urban. Others are peaceful and rural. That flexibility makes Hertfordshire appealing to a wide range of people.

For commuters, towns such as St Albans, Watford and Hitchin offer excellent train services. Families often focus on school catchment areas in Harpenden, Berkhamsted and Wheathampstead. Meanwhile, buyers looking for value sometimes explore areas like Hemel Hempstead or Stevenage.

St Albans

Best for: Commuters, families and professionals

St Albans is regularly listed among the most desirable places to live in the UK. It combines Roman history, attractive streets, independent shops and excellent transport connections.

The city centre has a lively but relaxed atmosphere. There are cafés, restaurants, markets and green spaces throughout the area. Verulamium Park is especially popular with families and dog walkers.

One of the biggest attractions is the train line into London St Pancras. Journeys can take under 20 minutes, making St Albans highly attractive for commuters.

Schools are another major reason people move here. Both primary and secondary schools in the area are well regarded, which keeps demand for homes consistently high.

Property prices are among the highest in Hertfordshire, but many residents feel the lifestyle justifies the cost.

Highlights

• Fast London commute
• Excellent schools
• Historic city centre
• Strong restaurant and café scene
• Large parks and green space

Harpenden

Best for: Families and community living

Harpenden offers a quieter and more residential feel than St Albans, while still providing excellent transport links and strong schools.

The town centre is compact but attractive, filled with independent businesses, cafés and restaurants. Harpenden Common gives the town a spacious and green atmosphere that appeals strongly to families.

Schools are a major draw here. Many buyers move specifically for education catchment areas, which keeps the local property market competitive.

Harpenden also has a reputation for being safe, tidy and community-focused. It is popular with professionals who want access to London but prefer a calmer environment outside the capital.

Highlights

• Outstanding schools
• Attractive green spaces
• Friendly atmosphere
• Excellent commuter links
• Family-oriented community

Berkhamsted

Best for: Character homes and countryside access

Berkhamsted sits on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and blends market town charm with a slightly more rural feel.

The town centre features period buildings, independent shops and a strong café culture. Berkhamsted School adds to the area’s reputation, while the canal and nearby countryside create a relaxed atmosphere.

It attracts families, professionals and buyers looking for more character than newer commuter towns can offer.

Despite its countryside feel, London Euston is still easily accessible by train.

Highlights

• Attractive historic high street
• Access to countryside walks
• Strong schools
• Canal-side living
• Good London transport links

Hitchin

Best for: Young professionals and independent living

Hitchin has grown in popularity over recent years thanks to its vibrant town centre and strong social scene.

The town offers independent shops, bars, cafés and regular markets. It has more of an energetic atmosphere than some quieter Hertfordshire towns, which appeals to younger buyers and professionals.

There are also excellent rail links into London King’s Cross.

Hitchin feels lively without becoming overwhelming. It balances nightlife, family life and commuter convenience well.

Highlights

• Strong independent business scene
• Good nightlife and restaurants
• Popular commuter location
• Historic character
• Community events and markets

Internal linking opportunities

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Hemel Hempstead

Best for: Value and practical living

Hemel Hempstead often provides better value for money compared with St Albans or Harpenden. That makes it attractive for first-time buyers and growing families.

The town has undergone significant redevelopment over the years and continues to improve its shopping, leisure and residential areas.

It may not have the same historic charm as some neighbouring towns, but it does offer strong transport links, practical amenities and access to green space.

Many people moving out of London find Hemel Hempstead gives them larger homes and gardens at more affordable prices.

Highlights

• Better property value
• Good road connections
• Family housing options
• Shopping and leisure facilities
• Growing popularity

Welwyn Garden City

Best for: Balanced suburban living

Welwyn Garden City was designed with green spaces and community living in mind, and that planning still shapes the town today.

Wide roads, parkland and residential areas make it feel spacious and organised. Families often choose the area because it offers a calmer suburban environment while still maintaining good rail connections.

The town centre is practical and modern, with plenty of shopping and everyday amenities.

Highlights

• Planned green spaces
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Good transport links
• Spacious residential areas
• Reliable amenities

Rickmansworth

Best for: London commuters wanting greenery

Rickmansworth sits close to Greater London but has a surprisingly relaxed and leafy feel.

The town is especially popular with commuters because it benefits from both Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Rail connections.

The Grand Union Canal and nearby lakes add to the appeal, giving residents easy access to outdoor spaces.

Property prices are strong, but the combination of transport and scenery keeps demand high.

Highlights

• Underground access to London
• Waterside scenery
• Popular with professionals
• Strong property demand
• Access to green space

Hertford

Best for: Historic charm and riverside living

As the county town of Hertfordshire, Hertford combines history, shopping and riverside scenery.

The town centre has attractive architecture, independent businesses and a slower pace than larger commuter hubs.

Many residents enjoy the balance between convenience and character. Families often appreciate the schools and community feel, while professionals value the rail connections into London.

Highlights

• Historic streets
• Riverside walks
• Strong community feel
• Independent shops and cafés
• Good commuter access

Watford

Best for: Fast London access and entertainment

Watford is one of Hertfordshire’s largest towns and offers a more urban environment than many other locations on this list.

It is especially popular with commuters thanks to fast rail services into London Euston. The town also has major shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment venues and football culture through Watford FC.

For buyers who want city convenience without living inside London itself, Watford can be an excellent option.

Highlights

• Very fast London connections
• Large shopping and entertainment options
• Diverse property market
• Strong employment access
• Busy town atmosphere

Villages in Hertfordshire Worth Considering

Not everyone wants town or city living. Hertfordshire is filled with attractive villages that offer quieter surroundings and a strong sense of community.

Redbourn

Redbourn is one of the county’s most popular villages. It has historic charm, good pubs, countryside surroundings and strong connections to nearby towns.

It appeals strongly to families looking for village life without becoming isolated.

Wheathampstead

Wheathampstead combines riverside scenery, village character and access to St Albans and Harpenden.

The village has a relaxed atmosphere and is particularly popular with families and retirees.

Abbots Langley

Abbots Langley offers good value compared with some nearby commuter hotspots while still providing strong transport access.

It has become increasingly popular with buyers who want a quieter suburban feel.

What Is the Best Place to Live in Hertfordshire for Families?

For many families, the most important factors are schools, safety, parks and housing space.

The areas most commonly chosen by families include:

• Harpenden
• St Albans
• Berkhamsted
• Wheathampstead
• Welwyn Garden City

These locations tend to offer strong school reputations, community-focused environments and good outdoor spaces.

Family buyers should also think carefully about commuting routes and long-term affordability before choosing a location.

Which Hertfordshire Towns Are Best for Commuters?

If commuting into London is a priority, rail connections become extremely important.

The strongest commuter locations include:

Buyers often balance journey times with house prices. Areas further north can sometimes offer larger properties and better value.

Are Property Prices Higher in Hertfordshire?

Compared with many parts of the UK, Hertfordshire property prices are relatively high. That is largely because of the county’s proximity to London and the quality of life it offers.

St Albans and Harpenden are among the most expensive locations. Areas such as Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and parts of Watford may offer more affordable options.

The important thing is deciding what matters most to you:

• Commute time
• School quality
• Property size
• Lifestyle
• Village or town atmosphere
• Budget

Different parts of Hertfordshire suit different priorities.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Hertfordshire

Before relocating, it helps to spend time visiting different towns and villages at different times of day.

A location can feel very different during school runs, weekends or commuter hours.

Consider:

• Transport links
• Parking availability
• School catchments
• Local amenities
• Green spaces
• Noise levels
• Future property growth
• Community atmosphere

Many buyers initially focus on one town before discovering a nearby village better suits their lifestyle and budget.

Why Hertfordshire Continues to Grow in Popularity

Hertfordshire continues to attract buyers because it offers balance.

People can enjoy countryside living without losing access to major towns and London. Families benefit from schools and green spaces. Professionals gain fast transport links. Retirees enjoy quieter villages and community living.

Very few counties manage to combine all of those things so effectively.

As remote and hybrid working continue to change how people live, many buyers are prioritising quality of life more than ever before. Hertfordshire is perfectly positioned to benefit from that shift.

Book Your Move to Hertfordshire With Alban Moves

The best places to live in Hertfordshire depend entirely on your lifestyle, priorities and budget.

Some people want the energy and convenience of St Albans or Watford. Others prefer the village atmosphere of Redbourn or Wheathampstead. Families may focus on Harpenden schools, while commuters might prioritise fast train lines.

What makes Hertfordshire special is the range of options available within a relatively small area.

At Alban Moves, we’ve helped individuals, couples and families relocate across Hertfordshire for years. Whether you are moving into a bustling commuter town or a peaceful village, experienced local knowledge can make the process far less stressful.

If you are planning a move within Hertfordshire or relocating from further afield, exploring the right area is the first step toward feeling truly at home.