Hertfordshire, located in the south-east of England, is a beautiful part of the country known for its excellent transit links, rolling green countryside, quaint villages, and vibrant market towns. Hertfordshire is known as one of the home counties, bordering Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Greater London, and Buckinghamshire. The county is rich with Roman and Tudor history and boasts a number of well-preserved conservation areas. It makes up part of the London commuter belt and is well-connected by road and by train, with four principal national railway lines passing through the county. For those needing regular access to air travel, Luton and Stansted Airports are a stone's throw away from most towns in the county.
For those considering a move to start a family, the county has many excellent schools, both state and private. The county is also rich in cultural history, having been the setting for works by Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, E.M Forster, and George Orwell, so at the weekends there are plenty of educational activities with which you can enrich your children’s lives. This is not to mention also the many historical sites and museums dotted around the county.
For those primarily interested in a quiet private life while working in London, the county offers plenty of peaceful countryside with the convenience of work and big city pleasures located only a short train journey away. The list below collates some of the best towns in Hertfordshire and offers a guide to those considering a move to this lovely county.
1. St. Albans
St. Albans is a popular location for those wanting small city charm within commuting distance of London. It has a rich history, with landmarks remaining from Roman times, such as the ancient Roman wall and the beautiful St. Albans cathedral. There are frequent and regular trains from the city to London and other parts of England, and many people commute to and from the capital daily. The city also has many high-performing schools, both state and independent, making it an excellent choice for families looking to move out of or closer to London. In addition, St. Albans is blessed with a beautiful historic city centre, a vibrant market, and many green spaces.
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2. Hitchin
This historic market town dates back to Saxon times and provides a unique blend of modern convenience with well-preserved mediaeval architecture and cobbled streets. Like many towns in Hertfordshire, it is well-connected by rail to many major cities in the United Kingdom, meaning it is the perfect place for commuters. Hitchin is home to a number of music festivals and farmers markets and has wonderful community spirit. There are a number of good schools in the area, known for academic excellence and great extracurriculars.
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3. Harpenden
Harpenden is home to a number of art galleries, theatres, and music festivals, making it a vibrant and exciting place to live. The town has a rich history, dating back to Roman times – a Roman villa was discovered near the town, as was a Roman mausoleum in the 1930s. The town also has many excellent schools, making it an ideal home for families. The town’s fantastic amenities, alongside its picturesque beauty and village charm, make it an alluring choice for those looking to make a move to Hertfordshire.
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4. Berkhamsted
Like many towns in Hertfordshire, Berkhamsted’s ancient history is on display in its mix of mediaeval architecture and Roman and Saxon artefacts and landmarks. The town is proud of its heritage and boasts many museums and art galleries offering insight into its rich past. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants at which you can refuel after a leisurely walk of a weekend down the Grand Union Canal or a visit to the Ashridge Estate with its stunning landscapes. The town is well-appointed for schools and for transit to major cities in the United Kingdom.
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5. Bishop’s Stortford
Bishop’s Stortford is known for its picturesque town centre and for its beautiful architecture, especially St. Michael’s Church and the Rhodes Arts Complex. For those interested in the arts this is the place to be, with a mix of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and green spaces there is never a full moment. The town is also near to Stansted Airport and has excellent transit links to London.
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6. Watford
Closer to a city than a town, Watford boasts many amenities, including the Intu Watford Mall, the Watford Market, and the Watford Colosseum, which hosts a variety of events and performances. The town is not short of green space, either, with the lovely Cassiobury Park with woodlands and sports facilities, as well as a splash park. The town has many good schools, fantastic transit links to London, and is a diverse and vibrant community.
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7. Tring
Nestled at the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Tring is a charming and delightful market town with rich architectural history on display in Tring Park Mansion and the Natural History Museum. Equipped with many boutique shops and cafes and traditional English pubs, Tring is really a lovely place to be. The countryside surrounding the town is perfect for hiking and swimming, making this the ideal location for active families and adventure seekers. Tring is well-connected, as well as peaceful and idyllic.
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8. Welwyn Garden City
You simply can’t get better than this purpose built town, designed by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the early twentieth century. The town is full of green spaces and modern amenities and is designed with convenience in mind. With beautiful tree-lined streets, large parks, and a diverse town centre, Welwyn Garden City is the perfect place to unwind after work. It is well-connected to London, has outstanding community spirit, and has everything you could ever need right on its doorstep.
For those who value green space, active local communities, great schools, and excellent infrastructure, Hertfordshire is an ideal destination. If you’re looking to make a move be sure to check out the towns featured in our guide.
