Move to hitchin or harp?

[pinkballoons90]

Merry Christmas amazing mums! Hoping you can help...

Looking to move to herts in the new year and I'm stuck between harpenden and hitchin. We have a decent budget and currently a two year old, so schools will be a consideration as he gets older. My main q's are:

• harpenden seems so busy / loads of traffic. Is hitchin the same?
• is harpenden seriously snobby or are there some 'Normal' people living there
• which is better for a young family

Basically any advice much appreciated! X

A close relative of mine lives in Hitchin an has been very happy there. It has lovely town centre, lots going on, lots of family friendly restaurants and little shops. I've not experienced bad traffic problems but not been there in rush hour. Good commuter links to London (train)

When we were looking to move to Herts we checked both out, ended up deciding that we'd end up paying more for less in Harpenden just for the privilege of a St Albans postcode. We chose Hitchin and have no regrets at all, the centre has much more to do and the community vibes are lovely. Also easy to pop to Letchworth for a change of scenery, or Stevenage for the retail parks (sometimes you just need those). Can't say much about family things as don't have children but from what I've seen there seems to be plenty to do. Traffic can be a pain in the arse if any roads are closed e.g. planned roadworks, but I've found usually there are ways to skirt around once you know about the closures! I wouldn't say normal day to day traffic is awful.

Hitchin, without a shadow of a doubt. Great community (feels v special around this time of year in the main square), fab mix of shops/cafes/restaurants, lovely green spaces and walks... much more down to earth than Harpenden, which is nice for a mooch around or a meal... but yes, it is very snobby.

Hitchin is very market town. Better shops arts and crafts. Loads of clubs. Has poorer areas that helps balance it out.

Harp is very snobby and has crap shops. Great pubs tho.
The train links from harp are amazing tho. Also you will
Pay a LOT more for harp.

Both lovely but I’d choose Hitchin personally