St.Albans and Surroundings?

[blahblah234432p2]

Hello!
I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and looking to move. I am originally from St.Albans and hoping to move back to be slower to home.

All I can say, this just seems impossible. My husband and I are high earners and have lots of savings. We have no support or family money. I am finding it nigh on impossible to find a house.

The challenge I have is, we are looking to find a 3-4 bed house, big garden, nice area near good schools and education. Those requirements just seem, HARD. Although I grew up in St.A, I haven't lived there since I was 17 and really struggling to understand schools and where is good/bad as I know some areas change drastically.

We are viewing places in Bricket Wood (no idea how schools and catchments are there), Hemel (All I know, is they have bad schools?), Harpenden (good schools, but cheap places just not nice areas otherwise just crazy).

There are affordable places in New Greens. I went to school there and honestly, I only have memories of it being dodgy at heck. Is this right?

Cottonmill, good location but I know radius to get in schools is bad especially seocndary.

Any help or guidance on areas/schools/reps would be appreciated.

You would be in the catchment area for St Albans still, but in all honesty, you've got 11 years before your baby will be going to secondary school. Some of the local nurseries and infant schools in HP3 are rated as outstanding and you'd be close to St Albans, you could move nearer secondary school time if you weren't happy with the local choices then?

That budget might work in Jersey Farm? Good primaries and secondaries from there if you're careful about which end. These days people seem to be able to get into Sandringham from there. Or Potters Bar could be a good option.

We are currently living in St Albans but soon are moving away as the house pricing is too much, even the rent.
we live close to highfield park and there are good primary and secondary schools.
primary there are Cunningham - St Albans and St Stephens (catholic) Camp school -
regarding secondary for what I read and heard the best ones are Beaumont and Sandrigham (those areas are quiet expensive tho).

all the best. As someone said Welwyn garden is also a good option and cheaper