Welwyn Garden City/Potters Bar

[Paranormalbouquet]

Following a thread recently I’ve been doing some research on Hertfordshire! I will be working between Watford and St Albans and husband works near Moorgate. So WGC and Potters Bar look like good options to give us both a reasonable commute.

Any advice on areas within walking distance of the station with decent schools in these places? We need at least 3 beds and a garden, budget around £800k but ideally lower!

Bump for evening

I live further north in Herts, but would say that we would happily go to WGC for shopping and brunch but would never even really think to go to Potters Bar. I think maybe because Potters Bar feels more "London"-y and if you're going to London you might as well go properly!

I've never heard anyone talk about rough parts of WGC or say anything bad about the schools (although obviously this may just reflect my social circle/community)! Old Welwyn is also supposed to be nice but is more village-y I think.

Husband will be OK on trains but how will you get to work? If you drive, I think those routes can be a bit of a nightmare.

I grew up very near to Potters Bar, it's a perfectly OK place but would prefer WGC any day. It will also be a little cheaper. I currently live around 20 mins further North than WGC. It's my go to for places like John Lewis, for example. In terms of a commute to St Albans, it's a straightforward route with several possibilities. On a clear day it can be done in around 20 mins. You can go straight through to Moorgate from WGC station or get a fast service and change at Finsbury Park. There are lots of traditional properties that are within easy walking distance of the station. However, I am out of the loop with prices but think you could manage what you're looking for on that budget. I also can't comment on schools there unfortunately. I'd love to live there if I could afford it!! If you could consider moving a little further North for not much more of a commute, I live in the most northern part of Stevenage (it's lovely here!), you do get a lot more for your money here but station is not within walking distance unless you look at the Old Town and surrounding areas. The town centre is also pretty dire but within easy reach of bigger towns for better shopping.

WGC is nice if you live near the shops and can stroll in. It's a nice community, decent shops, some good schools. But it does have some schools with issues, certain parts aren't as nice.

Potters Bar is fine. It's not got much interesting stuff going on really, but there are some nice roads with nice properties and it's easy to get to WGC, North London, onto the M25, etc. Schools are fairly decent, the Oakmere area is not v desirable and the school isn't rated highly by parents.

Surrounding areas, Little Heath, and Brookmans Park are both lovely-prices are higher but you can still find within your budget.

Thank you, I think WGC sounds better alright. Think I’ll do a day trip there soon to take a look around. What about Hertford? My main criteria is that they are on the line to either Moorgate or Liverpool Street and a not too bad drive to Watford and St Albans.

I live in a village near Potters Bar. It takes me about 7 minutes to get to London Colney, about 12-15 to St Albans, and about 25 to Watford. I don't know Hertford well but I think it has a very different vibe to WGC.

I’m not really familiar with any of them- I’ve just been looking along the train lines!

Hertford is loveliest but that journey to Watford in a car is shite. WGC is your best bet.

I agree with the comment about Hertford, it is really really lovely, but it has lost it's small town vibe (I used to live there) and while train links are brilliant, it's a pain for the drive you describe. It's also very expensive. I've a friend selling a 3 bed terrace in the price bracket you describe, but it is quite small for £800K

The journey to Watford is an absolute nightmare from anywhere (ime!). WGC to St Albans is fab and WGC is a really lovely place to live. Your budget will get you something stunning.

OP, definitely do a visit! I'd bring the car so you can have a good look round, you could also investigate Brookmans Park/Potters Bar on the way back or indeed head slightly further North...Knebworth, Old Welwyn, all within easy reach.

Where exactly will you be working? As the roads you use will make a big difference. I live in St Albans and recommend it a million percent for the gorgeous town and brilliant schools, but you don't get much for your money unless you live on the outskirts, like Park Street or London Colney.

I’ll be working in the hospitals and in community healthcare settings. So my commute is less of a concern than my husband’s to the city. Ideally within walking distance to a station with a train to Moorgate or Liverpool Street.

Ah I see. I think WGC is your best bet then.

Me again. What about Borehamwood? There's some great primary schools, you could get something nice in your budget and speedy trains into London.

Borehamwood is dire for secondary schools though. One large comprehensive which isn't easy to avoid. Bullying rife, teachers willing to sweep it under carpet, manners and behaviour leave a lot to be desired. Parts of Borehamwood have been improved with new build investment and upmarket families, but other parts are best avoided. Not to be considered with WGC at all.

Welwyn Garden is good, but I'd stick to the West Side of town as some areas on the other side are not so nice. Digswell is nice and you have Welwyn North Station on the doorstep. Welwyn village is also nice. Wgc to Watford is a horrible drive, but to St Albans is no problem at all. Hertford is lovely but will give you a longer commute.

Hi , I am also looking to move into the Welwyn Garden City area. I have an 11 year old son & really want to get him into a decent secondary school, but Stanborough and Ridgeway Academy seem to not have the best reviews and ofsted "need improvement".
Can anyone give me any advice about these schools please?

The driving around there is pretty tricky! Trying to cross from WGC towards Watford can be stop start a lot of the way because of the M25 junction at London Colney and the surrounding narrow lanes to Radlett/Shenley etc.

WGC is more of a place than Potters Bar in that it has a better community feel ime. Potters Bar would be easier on public transport for your dh though.