Hitchin or Badlock

[arashtrip]

Hi,

We are looking the properties in these two towns.

We have seen two suitable properties: one in Kings Hedges in Hitchin and the other is in The Gardens (close to city centre) in Baldock.

We don't know which area is good (if any). I've read that we should avoid westmill rd and surrounding areas in Hitchin and Kings Hedges is close to Westmill Road. However, when I wandering there I found it calm and cozy. Maybe I was lucky!

Any idea would be much appreciated.

Hitchin hands down

I'd go for Baldock

Particularly as the Gardens is a good location for schools, station and town centre

Hitchin Town centre has loads of good shops and places to drink/eat. More so than Baldock.

Actually I want to compare these two specific locations in these two tows and not the towns in general. I know Hitchin is generally better but Kings Hedges is a good location given it is close to Westmill Road?

The both houses are almost similar in size and price.

How much would you use the shops/restaurants etc of Hitchin? Kings Hedges is on the very edge of Hitchin, so likely you would end up driving into town anyway. You can drive to Hitchin from Baldock. Baldock has some stuff going on but not as much asa Hitchin. For proper shopping, you will have to go to Welwyn/Stevenage/Cambridge/London anyway.

King's Hedges would be considered part of the Westmill area, which is one of the least desirable parts of Hitchin. Primary schools etc are not the best. You would be in catchment for the Priory secondary school which is co-ed and a good school. Lots of people in Hitchin prefer the single-sex schools. Bladock has a very good co-ed school and primaries are all good.

The Gardens is town centre (convenient), Kings Hedges has the countryside on your doorstep (for now).

There are fewer fast trains into London from Baldock.

Between the two, I think I would choose Baldock. Given more choice, I would choose a do-er upper in South Hitchin or one of the villages.

Actually, I am not concerned about the shops, restaurants and they are all close by car. I don't have a child and so the schools is not an issue.

But the only concerns is the proximity of Kings Hedges to Westmill Road. I myself found Kings Hedges nice but just two minutes walking and I was in the middle of Westmill Road.

Based on these comments, I am biased towards The Gardens in Baldock

I don't know Baldock too well but I would say if you are happy to access amenities by car then go for Baldock.
Hitchin is generally more expensive than Baldock so them being the same size and price is an indicator of Kings Hedges area. Although for what it's worth Westmill is not that bad and is generally quite quiet.

Can I ask what your budget is?

There are some very nice villages surrounding Hitchin which might work price wise

The budget is about £350K. Funny point is that I just found some place called St Neots with the same rain journey time as Baldock but much cheaper! I don't know if anyone has any thoughts on it?

Hitchin and Baldock are both lovely, I live in the town that lies between them, out of choice I'd pick Baldock, it's got more of a community feel, and has lots going on there.

I understand St Neots is quite a new town, I don't think there's anything wrong with it, it's just a bit nothingy