We are making the move from North London to Herts next year (finally got my DH on board, I’d have moved years ago if my choice). I’ve done a lot of research and reading so have a pretty good idea of the areas and pros and cons.
Our checklist is very similar to most other people making this move:
- DH needs to regularly commute to St Paul’s area and wants to keep commute as short as possible. - We’d like to be walking distance to the station but are prepared for that to be a long walk eg up to 30 minutes though ideally less.
- small town, community feel, shops, pubs, restaurants, playgrounds, child friendly, green space.
- good state schools for the kids (2 v young boys, hopefully a 3rd child at some point) primary and secondary catchments are important as this is our forever or at least long term move
So this has led me to a shortlist of Harpenden, Hitchin, Hertford, Berkhamsted, and St Albans.
The Thameslink line looks to be by far the best for DH but I’ve seen so much about it’s unreliability and cancelled trains.
Can anyone advise on which are the best lines and practicality of these commutes? What does one do when the line goes down?
And of course I’d welcome any other comments on the above towns, my search list etc etc
TIA!