All schools in St Albans are excellent, from primary to secondary, some may be more popular than others, but there are no bad schools here. There are also fantastic state nurseries and preschool provision is good, there is a wide choice to suit your child.
Property is expensive, particularly near the station. There are lots of areas where lots of families concentrate, Italians, Irish etc You have be on the outskirts if you want a big garden, there is lots of new build going on, but where the children will go to school in 5 years time is a big question, though we have a new Free school opening in September.
There is a very active NCT, lots of groups, classes and activities for children from birth upwards, dance, theatre, sport, music etc.
The shopping is good, all the large supermarkets and a twice weekly market, a farmers market.
20 mins on the train makes theatre going a frequent treat, and lots of people commute, I did myself until 5 weeks before DD was born. LOts of people have moved put from North London to start families. I did 26 years ago and love the city, DH wants to retire to France, but I love it here.
Anymore questions please ask or PM me.
Leighton Buzzard is 45 mins at least from St Albans, not the nicest of places, but depends what you are looking for - cheap large property, but a personal choice in whether you want to live there!