Hertford vs Chelmsford

[InesEMG]

Hello! I know these 2 areas are completed different, but we are looking into both as a place to move and buy a house. I work in East London so need a good commute there and I've seen it will work from both these places.
Anyone has an opinion between which would be better to live as a family?
I like the 'old city' vibes of Hertford and the commute would be slightly cheaper from there. But the links seem to be better in Chelmsford (apart from the fact that Hertford has 2 stations so there's always a back up right?).

Thank you!

I only know Hertford (used to live there as a teenager and now live in Welwyn Garden).

Town centre is great for pubs and restaurants and Hartam park and river is really nice. Houses tend to be more expensive than surrounding towns.

Trains to London have always been slow compared to those from Welwyn- but it depends where you want to get to.

Hertford has very good secondary schools - Simon Balle (mixed) and Richard Hale (boys), but Sele School isn't as good, so depends on if schools are important and where you are looking to buy.

Yes! Schools are important as we have a little one 😊

Chelmsford is ok. Has a good town centre, schools, transport, green spaces etc

Have you considered Shenfield? It's on the Elizabeth line.

Yes, I’ve thought of Shenfield but I don’t know anything about the area. It’s vibe, how are the schools, is it family friendly? Do you know the area well?

I don't know the area as well as Chelmsford but if you're after a family area, it's perfect. It has some very good schools, is in a good location, has loads of nearby countryside and some lovely houses. This tells you the basics.

I don't know your budget but this is currently on Rightmove.

I don't know Chelmsford but Hertford is a lovely place to raise a family. I'd really reccomend you doing a day trip to both places. Do the commute, visit some local attractions, wander the town centre.

Hartham Common in Hertford is great - have a walk, picnic, play in the sandpit/playground. There a indoor pool/gym/softplay there too.

We are raising 3 children in Hertford and it’s a lovely place to be for a young family - it’s small enough that you get to know your community well but has a theatre, good restaurants and attractions to keep us happy and it’s very easy to nip into London too. I commute into London for work several days a week and having the two stations is very handy in case there are issues on the other line. The 50 minute commute into Moorgate/Liverpool Street is just long enough for a podcast and there’s no need to change so you can just get on and zone out

The new Chelmsford station will be open in the next year which will open up the Beaulieu side of the city to links without having to go into the city centre.