May be moving to North Watford

[Wigeon]

We are busy selling our house in St Albans and moving to Watford (can't afford a bigger house and better area in St Albans!). We are considering a house in Sandringham Road, off St Albans Road and near Watford North station.

I'd really appreciate any views - I'm a bit apprehensive about the lack of green space or even playgrounds (I can only find a playground on Southwold Road), and that you've got to catch a bus into town. I love walking everywhere where we are at the moment.

Anyone live round there? Tell me like it is!

We have one DD, 16 months, and plans for more, and would be intending to stay there for several years (10? or maybe more if we like it).

Thanks very much!

If anything, the snobbery is old news. Lots of people are moving into the area, and I think it's quite dynamic at the moment. Cassiobury and Nascot Wood are both very good areas.

The primary schools are both very good, although probably over subscribed and full. You'd have to check with the LA.

There are prep schools - if you are after academic schools, there are lots in this area of Herts. It can be a bit of a bunfight, but the schools are great.

The secondaries are not true grammar schools, they are part selective. So, a certain number of places for academic, music, siblings get a place, then the rest is on distance. 'Tis very complicated to start with.

The non selective schools are few, far between, and not very popular choices.

The only thing about Cassiobury/Nascot Wood is that you will have to get a secondary place on academic, as you are not on the doorstep.

Otherwise, have a look at Chorleywood, Rickmansworth or houses close to Parmiters.

We've had good luck with primaries (ignoring ds' disastrous infant experience, but that was more due to underfunded ARP/SEN depts than anything else) - there are grammar schools round here for secondary but a lot of the comps are academies now. There is a fee-paying prep that is apparently v good but tbh, you're going to find that state funded schools are struggling wherever you go.

Am guessing your dc is/are v young? Unless you're loaded I would suggest that you don't fret too much about schools - imo they're much of a muchness wherever you go, & if your dc are motivated & academic they'll be fine. If not...well they might struggle wherever they are.

Thanks - really helped! Looks like it is a good fit. Will see how we go, appreciate all the advice

Hi There,
I am thinking to move to Watford or St Albans. I have been there few times and I quite like both of the town however I am not sure about the job in educational sector as well as transport to surrounded town and London. Are there lots of primary schools or nurseries around...
I have lots of concerns any ideas..?

Both are very different towns. Both have good transport links, depending on what area if London you need. Both have good schools. Employment is good in both.

But they are for very different budgets.

Hi all, we are thinking of buying a house in Garston on Coates Way and just wanted to know what people think of the area. Is the neighbourhood generally safe and are there good schools near by?
Thanks!

@JesV12 no where in Garston is particularly nice tbh. Handy for the M25, but that's about it.