advice re Harpenden

[Takoma]

Hi- my husband, I, DD (10) and DS (6) are contemplating a move from the US to Harpenden next summer. I have found lots of great information on this site so thanks to all who contribute posts on the area!!

My husband will be in London shortly for a quick work trip and is planning on a Harpenden day trip. To get a feel for the place, what are some places you recommend he visit? Hidden gems? Any information is much appreciated.

Thanks.

St Alban's is less expensive and friendlier, with more for the DC to do IME.

Apologies if that's unhelpful.

Harpenden's lovely - a great place to live. In terms of places to visit he should have a look at St Albans as that's one of the places you're bound to go to shop (nearest M&S for example even though it's a bit poky)

The real advantage you get with Harpenden is it's so very very set up for parents. Have a look at www.mumsguideto.co.uk/harpenden/

Pub-wise, there's the Fox for food, also Bar Azita. There's an excellent local authority gym in Rothampstead Park - he should have a wander round there.

If you'd like a bit more living space, there's Redbourn, Wheathampstead or Flamstead but have a look at school catchments - the schools are horribly oversubscribed at the moment and you have to live very close to be sure of a place.

Thanks for the replies and link.

I appreciate the heads up re schools and other areas to live, too as we have not made any firm decisions. We are coming from a pretty competitive state school environment (suburb of Washington, DC) and would be fine with a solid, though not top tier, state school in the UK.

I am fascinated (and daunted) by the ever changing school catchment area in the UK that can be as small as a few blocks!! But, again, as long as there are decent school options we would be satisfied.

would you consider St Albans as an alternative?

I too would say it is friendlier than Harpenden and the schools are all very good

Thanks re the St Albans rec. I had assumed from many earlier posts that Harpenden was the smaller/ more friendly place? Also, though traffic is bad in Harpenden, isn't it worse in St. Albans? And more crowded trains? Fewer good secondary school options? Maybe I need to review options again...

We would ideally like a civilized London commute 40 min or less, slower paced environment with at least a few good shops, decent schools (again, not obsessed with competitive/Excellent rating), and lots of green space or very easy access to same (we enjoy hiking, cycling, etc.).

Too much to ask?

From your criteria, Hitchin would also be worth a look, although it is a bit bigger it has good schools and pleasant market town atmosphere.

I have no personal grudge against Harpenden but my observation is that it's not terribly friendly to people outside the MC yummy-mummy from North London set and very competitive. Sorry!