Is St Albans a Nice Place to Live?
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Thinking about moving to St Albans? You are not alone. This historic Hertfordshire city continues to attract families, professionals and retirees looking for an exceptional quality of life within easy reach of London.
Frequently ranked among the best places to live in the UK, St Albans combines excellent schools, beautiful green spaces, fast London connections and a thriving city centre. Whether you are relocating for work, family or lifestyle reasons, living in St Albans offers the perfect balance between city convenience and suburban charm.
In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know before moving to St Albans, including property prices, schools, transport links, cost of living, the best areas to live and what daily life is really like.
If you are planning a move, Alban Moves has helped families and businesses relocate across Hertfordshire since 2006. Our experienced local team provides professional removals in St Albans, packing and storage services designed to make moving stress-free.
Why Are So Many People Moving to St Albans?
St Albans has become one of the most desirable commuter cities outside London. Located around 20 miles north of Central London, it offers fast rail connections, outstanding schools and a vibrant community atmosphere.
People moving to St Albans are often drawn by:
- Excellent commuter links to London
- Outstanding schools
- Historic character and architecture
- Safe and family-friendly neighbourhoods
- Green open spaces and parks
- Strong property market
- Great restaurants, pubs and shopping
- High quality of life
The city consistently appears in national “best places to live” rankings, and once you spend time here, it is easy to understand why.
Where Is St Albans?
St Albans is located in Hertfordshire in the East of England. It sits close to major towns including Harpenden, Watford, Hatfield and Hemel Hempstead.
The city benefits from excellent road and rail infrastructure, making it ideal for commuters and families wanting access to London without living in the capital itself.
Nearby areas include:
If you are considering nearby locations too, you may also find these guides useful:
- Guide to Moving to Harpenden
- Guide to Moving to Redbourn
- Guide to Moving to Wheathampstead
- Best Towns & Villages Around St Albans
What Is Living in St Albans Like?
Living in St Albans offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The city centre features beautiful period buildings, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, while surrounding residential areas provide peaceful suburban living.
The atmosphere is friendly, affluent and community-oriented. Families are particularly attracted to the area because of its excellent schools and low crime rates.
Unlike some commuter towns, St Albans has its own identity and culture. Residents are not solely dependent on London for entertainment or employment. The city itself has a thriving economy, lively nightlife and a packed calendar of events throughout the year.
Is St Albans a Nice Place to Live?
Yes, St Albans is widely regarded as one of the nicest places to live in Hertfordshire and the UK overall.
The city scores highly for:
- Education
- Safety
- Green spaces
- Transport
- Employment opportunities
- Healthcare access
- Community feel
- Leisure and culture
Many people relocating from London choose St Albans because it offers a more relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
The city is especially popular with:
- London commuters
- Young professionals
- Families
- Downsizers
- Retirees
Best Areas to Live in St Albans
One of the biggest advantages of moving to St Albans is the variety of neighbourhoods available.
St Albans City Centre
Perfect for professionals and commuters who want everything within walking distance. You will find restaurants, bars, shopping and quick access to the station.
Property prices here are premium, but demand remains extremely high.
Fleetville
A popular family area with Victorian terraces, local cafés and excellent schools. Fleetville has a strong community feel and is close to the station.
Marshalswick
Known for spacious homes, good schools and quiet residential streets. Marshalswick is highly sought-after by families.
Bernards Heath
A charming and characterful area with period homes and easy access to both the city centre and parks.
Jersey Farm
A quieter suburban location ideal for families wanting larger properties and green surroundings.
Chiswell Green
Located on the outskirts of the city, Chiswell Green offers village-style living with excellent transport access.
Property Prices in St Albans
House prices in St Albans are among the highest in Hertfordshire, reflecting the area’s desirability.
Average prices vary depending on location and property type, but generally:
- Flats: £300,000–£450,000
- Terraced homes: £500,000–£750,000
- Semi-detached homes: £700,000–£1 million
- Detached homes: £1 million+
While property is expensive compared to some nearby towns, demand remains consistently strong.
Many buyers see St Albans as a long-term investment due to its excellent schools, transport links and strong housing market.
If you are planning a family move, our UK removals service helps homeowners relocate smoothly across Hertfordshire and beyond.
Renting in St Albans
Rental demand is also extremely high. Professionals commuting into London often rent before buying.
Typical monthly rental prices include:
- One-bedroom flat: £1,200–£1,700
- Two-bedroom flat: £1,600–£2,200
- Family homes: £2,000+
Because demand exceeds supply in many areas, rental properties move quickly.
Schools in St Albans
One of the biggest reasons families move to St Albans is the outstanding education available.
The city has a strong reputation for both state and independent schools.
Popular schools include:
- Beaumont School
- St Albans Girls’ School
- Sandringham School
- Loreto College
- St Albans School
- Oakwood Primary School
- Skyswood Primary School
Many schools in the area are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, which contributes significantly to property demand.
Families researching education may also find this guide useful:
Commuting From St Albans to London
One of the biggest attractions of living in St Albans is the fast journey into London.
Train Services
St Albans City station offers direct services to:
- London St Pancras International
- Farringdon
- City Thameslink
- London Bridge
Journey times to London St Pancras can take as little as 20 minutes.
This makes St Albans one of the most attractive commuter cities in the South East.
Road Connections
St Albans has excellent access to:
- M1
- M25
- A1(M)
This makes travel across Hertfordshire, London and surrounding counties straightforward.
Cost of Living in St Albans
Living in St Albans is more expensive than the national average, largely due to housing costs.
However, residents often feel the quality of life justifies the higher expenses.
Areas where costs may be higher include:
- Housing
- Restaurants
- Childcare
- Commuting
Despite this, many people moving from London find St Albans comparatively good value.
Things to Do in St Albans
There is no shortage of things to do in St Albans for families, professionals and retirees alike.
Verulamium Park
One of the city’s biggest attractions, Verulamium Park offers lakes, playgrounds, walking trails and Roman ruins.
St Albans Cathedral
A stunning historic landmark that dominates the city skyline.
Shopping
The city centre combines major retailers with independent boutiques and markets.
The famous St Albans Market dates back centuries and remains hugely popular today.
Restaurants and Pubs
The dining scene is excellent, ranging from independent cafés to fine dining restaurants.
The Alban Arena
Hosts concerts, comedy, theatre and entertainment events throughout the year.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Living
One reason people love living in St Albans is the amount of green space available.
Popular outdoor areas include:
- Verulamium Park
- Clarence Park
- Heartwood Forest
- Highfield Park
- The Alban Way
Cyclists and walkers particularly enjoy the Alban Way route connecting St Albans and Hatfield.
Healthcare in St Albans
Residents have access to excellent healthcare facilities including:
- St Albans City Hospital
- Watford General Hospital
- Multiple GP surgeries
- Dental practices
- Private healthcare providers
Healthcare access is one of the reasons the area remains so attractive to families and retirees.
Crime and Safety
St Albans is generally considered one of the safest places to live in Hertfordshire.
Crime rates are relatively low compared to many comparable towns and cities across England.
Families moving to the area are often reassured by:
- Strong community atmosphere
- Well-maintained neighbourhoods
- Good policing
- Safe residential areas
Working in St Albans
Although many residents commute to London, the city itself has a strong local economy.
Major employment sectors include:
- Technology
- Professional services
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Education
- Finance
The city also has excellent business connectivity and access to nearby employment hubs.
Businesses relocating to the area can benefit from our commercial removals service.
Moving to St Albans With Alban Moves
Relocating can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right removal company can make all the difference.
Alban Moves has been helping people move across Hertfordshire since 2006. As a trusted local company, we understand St Albans and the surrounding areas better than most national firms.
We provide:
- Home removals
- Packing services
- Secure storage
- Commercial relocations
- International moves
- Furniture protection
- Professional moving teams
Why choose Alban Moves?
- Local expertise
- Competitive pricing
- Fully insured removals
- Experienced movers
- Friendly service
- BAR membership
- Flexible moving packages
Whether you are moving into a city-centre apartment or a large family home, our team can help make your move smooth and stress-free.
You can also explore our:
Book Your Move to St Albans
Moving to St Albans offers an outstanding lifestyle, excellent schools, beautiful surroundings and exceptional commuter links.
It is easy to see why so many families and professionals choose to relocate here every year.
Whether you are attracted by the historic charm, strong property market, green spaces or fast trains to London, St Albans continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in the South East.
If you are planning a move, Alban Moves can help every step of the way.
Contact our team today for a free quote and expert advice for your upcoming move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Albans a good place to live?
Yes, St Albans is regularly ranked among the best places to live in the UK thanks to its excellent schools, transport links, safety and quality of life.
Is St Albans expensive?
St Albans is one of the more expensive areas in Hertfordshire, particularly for property prices, but many residents believe the lifestyle and amenities justify the cost.
How far is St Albans from London?
St Albans is around 20 miles north of Central London. Fast trains to London St Pancras can take around 20 minutes.
What are the best areas to live in St Albans?
Popular areas include Fleetville, Marshalswick, Bernards Heath, Jersey Farm and the city centre.
Are schools in St Albans good?
Yes, the city has an excellent reputation for education, with many schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Is St Albans safe?
St Albans is generally considered one of the safest cities in Hertfordshire, with relatively low crime rates.
Do many people commute from St Albans to London?
Yes, commuting to London is extremely common due to the fast and frequent rail connections.
Can Alban Moves help with moving to St Albans?
Yes. Alban Moves provides professional removals, packing and storage services for customers moving to and from St Albans and surrounding areas.
