Borehamwood

[bakedbeanzontoast]

Hello all, I have obtained a job in central London and am looking for a place to commute to work from since living in London is too expensive and not what I'd like. One of my searches have led to Borehamwood. Upon further investigation it seems to be somewhere with plenty of amenities. Does anyone here know the area at all? I don't have children to consider so not bothered about schools. I'm just looking for somewhere which is accessible to London but a relatively nice area. My husband works in the film industry so being there would have its perks. Any opinions of the area?

Borehamwood I would say is not one of the nicer areas in those parts. It does have a massive high street and a retail park also big supermarket and a sports centre. And a station not sure where that goes to or how frequent / reliable.

I mean there are nice bits over more towards Elstree but if someone says they live in borehamwood you don't think ooh that's nice iyswim.

Don't get me wrong I've got friends out that way but if you are not from round here, that's the verdict I'd give.

Similar distance out and with decent train and also sports centre shops etc and guessing similarish prices is Potters bar if that helps.

It does. Thanks so much. It's so hard to decide where to plant myself. I don't need to be in a super fancy area by any means. I am looking for a bit of peace and quiet though. I'll keep looking. Im not going to get anything amazing for my budget (£1000pcm) I know.

Have a look at potters bar, I think that might be better from what you say

I grew up there, it's a shit hole to be honest. Yes theres lots of amenities but lots of crime burglaries etc. Welham Green, London Colney, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City are much nicer

I worked in Borehamwood, it is not a nice quiet place! Trains are excellent and bits of Elstree are ok but it is pretty rough in parts. St Albans is v nice but v expensive. If you need trains then Welwyn is a much better bet with nicer housing stock too.

I would suggest where I live- Kings Langley. 30 minutes to Euston by train. It's a large village with a high street of independent shops, cafes etc. Lots of open space. It's also near the Grand Union canal for lovely walks. Maybe too pricey but worth a look. Also look at Bushey

I'm quite surprised by these responses to Borehamwood to be honest. I grew up in a Bushey Heath which in comparison is 'posh' and at the time (I'm 35) Borehamwood was considered a no go. However now it is completely different, most people I know growing up in Bushey Heath/Stanmore can't afford to buy houses where there parents could and have moved to more affordable Borehamwood. I did the same and have lived here since last June. As a result of this migration there's lots of young families, amazing amenities on the high street and lots going on. I feel completely safe walking down the high street at night and my neighbours were amazed I got an alarm fitted in the house telling me they'd lived there 25 years and there's never been a burglary in the road. Granted I am very close to the high street and nearer the station so maybe it makes a difference how far you are from everything as to safety etc. People in Borehamwood don't know how good they have it, we bought our first flat in Harlesden in London to get on the property ladder and It was a terrifying place to live. Gun shots, stabbings, break-ins, gangs everywhere. Borehamwood is bliss in comparison! Don't let anyone who doesn't live here's comments put you off, i am so glad we bought a house here, the high street is buzzing and everything I need is in walking distance. It will only get better as more people move into the area whilst it's affordable to buy property. Hope that gives a different perspective!

I've lived there, it's a shit hole (apologies to any residents)

Like most areas it has good and bad parts. Shops are good but pretty crap in the evenings ie no theatres and small cinema, however its very close to good transport links and if you want somewhere close to london its fine.

Do allow for commuting costs - Check whether you could afford more closer in with lower travel cost...

Personally I would avoid B'wood.

I live in Bushey (well, Oxhey Village technically) which is beside Bushey station and takes 19 minutes to get to Euston on the fast train.

It's also serviced by TFL buses and Watford Intu is nearby for all your shops etc.

(Apols to residents) but having taken a coach to school through there every day I confirm it's a total dump.

Potters bar, cockfosters, Welwyn garden are all better choices