Review on St Albans please

[moumoute]

My husband and I want to move out of London. I would like the countryside but we have to find a compromise. So thinking of St Albans. Please give me your pros and cons! :o) thank you!

[moumoute]

How close is the countryside/green scenery?

[lamii]

Interested! Bump. Anyone? Or simi-St Albans ideas?

[Surreyblah]

V Pricey commuter line, and inconvenient for some london work locations.

[Notonthestairs]

I dont think Hertfordshire has particuarly lovely countryside IMO (and I say that as a Herts resident!). I think Epping Forrest far lovelier but thats just my opinion. That said there are some walks (Heartwood Forest) and Dunstable Downs not far away.
Thameslink in to St Pancras and Farringdon very busy, expensive and not always reliable - but when it works its quick. Just dont expect to get a seat in peak times.
There are some very pretty villages in the area (eg Redbourn, Wheathampsted or Sandridge) but then you have the hassle of getting to and from the station (parking in short supply).
St Albans is very family friendly, lots of good and outstanding schools (primary and secondary). Verulamium Park and Westminster Lodge (Council leisure) are both very nice as is Clarence Park for smaller children. Lots of mother and baby stuff if that is needed. It has all the usual high street restaurants - Wagamama's, Bills, Carluccios, Nandos. A literary festival every two or three years. A new museum planned. A nice cinema The Odyssey. Hatfield Odeon not far away. Good transport links for the M25 and A1 etc.
Housing expensive - a three bed semi in a good size plot a mile away from station can be £600k upwards. Market moves very fast, lots sell and then rent in order to be in a good position to buy quickly.
Its worth visiting and have a proper look round - as is Hitchin (line goes in to Kings Cross).

[Blacksox]

St Albans is a great place to live for many reasons - quick train links to London, great schools, an abundance of lovely properties, good if 'high street' restaurants and more pubs and hairdressers than you could visit in a lifetime.

It has its downsides - horrible traffic, naff town centre when compared to other Cathedral cities like Bath, Winchester or York, and some not very nice areas like London Colney, New Greens and Cottonmill.

Its not exactly green but there is Verulamium (with its stagnant, polluted lakes) and Clarence Park and the new green ring around the city. There is nice countryside outside of the city if you want to drive.

[DoraDunn]

What about Berkhamsted? Similar commute but more country like with nicer scenery IMO.

[Surreyblah]

A lot depends where you work and travel to.

[Thingvellir]

You could look at Welwyn Garden City/Welwyn. Houses about 20% cheaper than StA but only 15 mins away, and also a fast rail link to KX (20-25min). Good schools, nice countryside and good shopping centre

[CantGetNoSleeeeeeep]

I've lived in St. Albans and I prefer berkhamstead. Much nicer and better countryside