Hitchin/Letchworth vicinity

[Alexahelp]

We are planning on moving to North Hertfordshire - house about to go on the market. We know Letchworth and Hitchin areas fairly well, but not a lot in the surrounding areas - Stotford, Arlesey and villages. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad? The towns are our aim and would like a bit of life, but although our budget seems to be fine there’s just not a lot of family houses out there!
Thanks

I've lived in Baldock which is a nice small town, plenty of pubs etc and good travel links. A lot of the houses in Letchworth are leasehold rather than freehold so that's something to look out for.

Thanks! I did also like the look of Baldock plus the more local station.

The villages are lovely but wouldn't be for me since I like town life and don't want to be constantly driving kids everywhere.

Baldock is really nice and has a good community, Hitchin is lovely and the amenities/schools are good and Letchworth is nice and you get more for your money there.

We are local to the area. Note that Stotfold and Arlesey are Bedfordshire and the schooling is a little confusing at the moment as they are changing from a three tier to a two tier system (if, of course schools are a requirement!).
Hitchin is great for coffee shops, eating out, going for a few drinks and of course also has a station. Letchworth does have less in the way of facilities but you get more for your money and still has a station leisure centre and easy access to the A1.