family-friendly streets in Harpenden / St Albans

[freddiemum]

Do you remember the days when children used to play out in the streets with the neighbours' children? I might be hopelessly idealistic here, but if any such areas still exist, I'd love to move into one. We're looking to buy a house in the local area and would LOVE to know about developments with communal gardens / friendly streets / cul-de-sacs etc. in which children actually play oudoors, together.

Hello - I'm a Harpenden resident. What's your budget? How old are your children?

Hi! Thanks for coming back to me. I guess we could go up to about 350K. My children (both boys) are six and one.

Hi! Thanks for coming back to me. I guess we could go up to about 350K. My children (both boys) are six and one.

Look for cul de sacs built in the 70s - plenty around Southdown and Aldwickbury in Harpenden. (You'd get a three bed modernish end terrace for your money - although with prices on the slide, you might get a semi in Southdown.)

In fact, you could have my house - just let me tidy up a bit first! Ds plays out with the other kids because it's a cul de sac where we all know each other and can keep an eye out.

My street is like this!

We're in the Chiswell Green area of St Albans.

My street is very friendly and I've seen kids playing out. It's a cul-de-sac off cottonmill lane. Probably a bit cheaper than your budget though!

ooh, Princessmel, I am very jealous of that fab adventure playground you have in Chiswell Green.

Wow, what a fantastic response! Thanks!

My six-year-old writes...

I would like a street/road where people play{wink}

Amen to that!

My very nearly 5yo would be delighted to play out with your 6yo and the other kids in the road - and there's a house for sale in my street! It's got quite a small garden, though. CAT me if you are interested.

Sounds interesting...by the way, what does CAT mean?

;)

Sophie

Oh rats, have been trying to CAT but the server isn't playing ball. Will be back in touch!

;)

Sophie

hello! Sorry, didn't realise you'd been trying unsuccessfully to CAT me. I don't really want to put my email addy on here for everyone to see.

Anyway, the house I'm talking about is a 1970s three bed mid terrace in a very nice street, walking distance to station, shops and excellent schools. It's got a drive but the garage has been converted into a playroom and as I mentioned, the garden is very small. As is the kitchen.

The next door neighbour lets the owners use her garage for extra storage (shows just how friendly people are round here - flip side is the families with young kids keep an eye out for the elderly people).

Oh, house was on with Connells estate agents, btw.

I live in a similar street in Harpenden, is a house on for not much more than that, but been for sale a bit and prices are dropping. Is on with Harrisson Murray. There are quite a few streets like that in Harpenden, just look for a cul de sac and you'll be fine. Prob good time to get a good bargain too from speaking to people. Seems most streets are pretty friendly and majority of people have children! We're having a street bbq in couple weeks where all kids will get together on the street and will put up bbqs in the road.

Sadleir Rd/Mentmore Rd/Boleyn Drive area in St Albans is lovely - loads of kids, very friendly, and even the occasional street party! Sadleir Rd is a cul-de-sac. The closest school - St Peter's - gets fantastic results and rave Ofsted reports. There are allotments and a nature reserve behind the houses and you can walk into town in 10 mins. Houses are 1930s, so have period charm etc.

What about Haddon Court, off Shakespeare Road- communal area to play in, v. near town, town houses build in the 70's? There's even a sign that makes me smile when L go past 'slow children'!