St Albans - yay or nay?

[Youngatheart00]

Both work in the City so commute appeals.

No kids and sadly none in our future due to multiple failed IVFs.

Like the thought of town centre living with good pubs, cafes, shops on doorstep with good access to countryside too.

Currently in S London but in a cheaper (bit scruffy) area with a large-ish house - which we no longer need.

It doesn't have the diversity of London but all the amenities are there and good rail links. Housing is £££.

What is ballpark for 2/3 bed in or within a short walk of centre?

I know I could look at Rightmove but once I go down that rabbit hole I become quite obsessive so local knowledge more helpful at this initial stage of enquiry!

Ballpark - £600-750k

It’s lovely place. I live just outside.

I wouldn’t live in the city itself if I had to commute by car as the traffic is terrible.

Lots of nice places on the outskirts though and the city centre is pretty and has plenty of nice places to go (when they are open)

The city centre Victorian cottages are the prettiest of places but there are also some quite stylish modern flats if that’s your bag.

I’d look in the Fleetville or Bernards Heath areas. Short walk to the station or town centre. Fleetville is more multicultural & has a good selection of local shops & restaurants. Bernards Heath is closer to the town centre shops, bars & restaurants. Plus has some nice green spaces & wooded areas. Not much on sale at the moment but you might get a 2/3 bed terrace for £500k

Thanks all. Budget is up to £750k and it’s definitely location location location. I’ve heard the traffic is awful but we’d be commuting by train c. 3 times a week and probably only using the car at the weekend.

In that case you’d get a lovely central cottage walking distance to all the nice shops and bars.

If I had a £750k budget and was commuting by train I would choose at Albans or Berkhamsted depending on where you’re working in London

Both lovely places

I'm from St Albans originally (though no way I could afford to live there without living with my parents!) and would def recommend if you want restaurants, pubs etc. The town has a good market and a good enough range of shops but then also close to better shopping like Watford and London. It's close enough to London to be commutable but def has its own identity, if that makes sense. Lots of history and pretty places. Though I am biased I guess.

I would second that Fleetville is good distance from the station with a bit more interesting shops and restaurants down Hatfield Road if you want more of a cultural mix.

You should be fine with a £750 budget for 2-3 bed house I would imagine. Good luck!

Thanks all - super helpful