Where to live in Hertfodshire?

[Rezie]

Hi guys,

I'm not a mum but I need some help. Tried to google different advice on Hertfordshire and they all brought me to this site so I decided to write here.

I got accepted to study in the University of Hertfordshire and me and and my boyfriend are planning on moving somewhere near. I'm just not sure which town would be the best. We visited the campus and drove around Hatfield and I have to say I wasn't too impressed and would rather live somewhere else. That has been my only visit to Herts and I don't have an opportunity to visit before moving.

I'm looking for a place that has something going on. Not a party central but some nice restaurants and pubs, green areas to go running, good connection to Hatfield and friendly atmosphere. I've been looking into St Albans but I've never been there. Any suggestions?

False alarm! The advertisement failed to mention it was the price for one room instead for the whole flat. This means that it's actually insanely expensive. Even central London had cheaper rooms

The guy on the phone said that it has created a lot of interest...no kidding

Did you look at London Colney? The uni is only the other end of a quick stretch of the A414. Colney Heath is near too but that's a bit 'local things for local people'.

I live in Herts, Stevenage in fact. I also used to live right next door to Hatfield Uni, my first property purchase. Hatfield is a lot better now than it was and I think you should explore a bit more. St Albans is prohibitively expensive, Tring is way too far as are places like Royston, unless you don't mind sitting on the A1 for hours in the morning. In Hatfield you have the Galleria for shopping, also Asda in the town centre, although I haven't been into the town for many years now. Welwyn Garden City is nearby, great for all types of shopping and eating out, as is St Albans. If you find something affordable in Hatfield, I'd take it. The whole of Herts is extremely expensive.

Unfortunately I don't have the possibility to explore Herts before moving. As for the rental prices they are not too different in all the places. Rent pcm is maybe £50 cheaper in London Colney or Hatfield compared to St Albans. We temporary thought we hit the jackpot in Hatfield but turned out it was just weirdly advertised and the guy was withholding information even on the phone.

I don't have anything against Hatfield and I can't judge since I only visited quickly and based on that I didn't really get a feeling that it's a place that has a lot going on to attract me to live there. Especially when it's not even cheaper. I'm sure the house prices are very different when buying a house but rentals are not.

We are mainly looking at St Albans flats. The rental prices are not significantly more than other places and it seems to have a fair bit going on. I like to eat out and walk around high street and sit in pubs. I would have a safe cycling route to campus or one bus without changes that take a 20 minutes. My boyfriend would have 25 minute commute to work without changes. My boyfriend has booked some viewings so we shall see.

I appreciate all your comments. Thank you x

If you can settle in St Albans, you won't regret it. It's a beautiful place with lots to do. I did wonder about the commute because I've always thought the Uni is in such an odd location really, especially as it's nowhere near the station, but as you have said, it's easy enough for you to do. Good luck!

Thank you!

You are right that the train station is not the most conveniently located and not that well connected across Herts. Thankfully the Uno bus goes pretty well everywhere in Herts. One of the major reasons why St. Albans and WGC were on top of the list was that the smaller towns take a very long time to commute to school and then getting home late at night was not possible. My longest commute to work/school has been 20 minutes so the idea of sitting in several different busses don't appeal to me. I need to get used to the commute culture

But there are some nice villages and smaller towns we will definitely drive to have a visit!

There are loads of lovely places to see, you should come up my way and visit Knebworth House. Hatfield House and park is beautiful. Tring has a natural history museum, which is quirky and unusual. Hertford is lovely and historic, I've lived there too. We really do have a beautiful county with lots to see and some gorgeous tucked away villages. I hope you're happy here!