Hertford vs Ware

[MoleMummy]

We like the look of 2 houses- 1 in Ware and 1 in Hertford. Although I have briefly visited both towns, I don’t know enough about them to decide which would be the better area to live - so I am after opinions please!
What are the best roads/which areas to avoid? Does Hertford or Ware have better shops/recreation? Which town is better for families with young children? Secondary schooling choices in each place?
Basically any information about Hertford vs Ware would be very much appreciated.

They are both great towns. Hertford is bigger with more shops but is currently undergoing a regeneration of part of the town centre and river front which should bring some lovely riverside cafes in. Hartham common is fantastic, wide choice of restaurants and bars, thriving night time economy, great little local theatre, the castle etc. Ware has pretty much the same but has the Priory instead of the Castle and no theatre.
Schools in both towns are good but you will have to watch the catchment areas for Hertford if you want the outstanding secondary school (though the other two are good too)
Hertford has great two train stations going into different parts of London. Ware has one station on a more leisurely route but still easy to commute.

Some of your choice will depend on school requirements and any commuting. If you want to DM me, I can tell you about specific areas.
Both places are great, especially on a day like today when the sun shines and the river is calling

I would go for Hertford over Ware. Not sure if anyone is commuting but there is also 2 train stations. Hertford East is end of the line to Liverpool Street and Hertford North goes into Moorgate via Finsbury Park so access to the Victoria and Picadilly lines.
Hertford has Simon Balle and the boys school Richard Hale both with very good reputations. Not sure about other schools in Ware but know a few girls who have gone to Presdales and wouldnt have sent my DD there. It is sort after but I dont think the pastoral care is very good. Certain type of girls really succeed there. From what friends have said there is bullying problem and one girl i was talking to, told me how they bullied one of the teachers!
Richard Hale and Presdales sixth forms both take both sexes.

I agree Bruffin but I think it depends on which bit of which town. Both are great towns and I wouldn't say no to either. As I said, it depends on area, commute and schools. I love both but for teenagers I think Hertford has more.
I heard the same about Presdales but good results. Competition for Simon Balle is fierce so depending on OPs children's ages it might be good to try and get into the primary phase for automatic secondary entry. Competition for the secondary will be even worse once the primary intake get to year 6. The joys of an all through school
Nice choice to have to make OP

I wouldnt say no to Ware either. I dont live in either , I live on the A10 Corridor so not far. My Ds was very popular with the girls from Presdales for a while and we looked at Richard Hale for 6th form for both DS and DD. They stayed on at their own school in the end.

For me it would depend on where within each town. If I could afford a good house in the catchment of the good school in Hertford I would probably opt for that. I’m a bit concerned that the proposed new housing development in Ware is going to make it a less nice place to live in the future.

But honestly, both are really nice.

@sluj thanks that's really helpful. Not sure how to DM as I'm new to MN but would love to know your thoughts so happy for you to DM me if you don't mind?

@bruffin thanks so much for your replies. my DH commutes to Bishopsgate so either Liverpool Street or Moorgate work for us. I'd be interested to hear why you would say Hertford over Ware? DS is only 18 months so we'd need Primary first then will think about Secondary! Although we may go private for Primary so perhaps thinking about Secondary would be more important to consider with this move. Which would be considered the best secondary in Hertford/Ware?

@Teenytinyvoice thanks for responding. We would be looking at South Hertford round the Queens Road area. But have no idea what the good roads/areas in Ware are like. Interesting about the new housing development- where is this being built? Do you have any more info on this?

I dont think there is much between them , just think Hertford is slightly more attractive and has slightly better train service .
As for schools they change. When my dc were younger their secondary was not good. By the time they went it was one of the most improved schools in the country due to s fantastic HM.

New housing development is to the north of ware. Not sure what the best secondary is and agree that does change overtime; if your LO is 18 months it's 10 years time!
Hertford is a bigger town than ware so def has that advantage but ware is perhaps more of a community feel.

If you PM me the link to the Ware house I’ll see where abouts it is. If you are thinking private for primary there are more options I. Hertford, but from Ware Heath Mount school would be a good option (hate to mention it, it’s the curse of my morning commute!!).

I wouldn’t get too hung up on secondary schools yet, a few years ago Chauncey in Ware was struggling but is now well regarded. Who can say by the time your DS goes!