Advice needed choosing an area to live near St.Albans
Discussion
I could do with some advice please PH!
I currently live in a rented flat in central St.Albans, I really like the location however it is about time i bought my first property, the trouble i'm having is choosing where. If my budget allowed i would buy where i am but unfortunately 250k doesn't seem to go too far in 2 bed territory!
I've started looking at areas but seem to be going around in circles and would really appreciate some suggestions. My girlfriend works in St.Albans and isn't keen on commuting any great distances, say 20-30 mins tops. I on the other hand commute to Loughton everyday and am not fussed about a drive if it means i can live somewhere i like.
Ideally i would like a house but would be perfectly happy with a flat, one thing i really would like is parking!
If anyone could give me a steer in a good direction to have a look at it would be really helpful and appreciated, thanks!
I currently live in a rented flat in central St.Albans, I really like the location however it is about time i bought my first property, the trouble i'm having is choosing where. If my budget allowed i would buy where i am but unfortunately 250k doesn't seem to go too far in 2 bed territory!
I've started looking at areas but seem to be going around in circles and would really appreciate some suggestions. My girlfriend works in St.Albans and isn't keen on commuting any great distances, say 20-30 mins tops. I on the other hand commute to Loughton everyday and am not fussed about a drive if it means i can live somewhere i like.
Ideally i would like a house but would be perfectly happy with a flat, one thing i really would like is parking!
If anyone could give me a steer in a good direction to have a look at it would be really helpful and appreciated, thanks!
If you want to live in a sizeable town there's Hemel, Hatfield, Luton, Welwyn Garden and Stevenage.
Of those WGC is probably the only one I would consider.
If you don't mind a village, look at Slip End, Markyate and Kensworth.
They're a bit close to Luton, but that's why prices are lower.
Slip End is a bit close to, and in line with, the runway at Luton Airport.
All near M1 junctions though, and not too difficult a commute to St.A.
Of those WGC is probably the only one I would consider.
If you don't mind a village, look at Slip End, Markyate and Kensworth.
They're a bit close to Luton, but that's why prices are lower.
Slip End is a bit close to, and in line with, the runway at Luton Airport.
All near M1 junctions though, and not too difficult a commute to St.A.
forsure said:
If you want to live in a sizeable town there's Hemel, Hatfield, Luton, Welwyn Garden and Stevenage.
Of those WGC is probably the only one I would consider.
If you don't mind a village, look at Slip End, Markyate and Kensworth.
They're a bit close to Luton, but that's why prices are lower.
Slip End is a bit close to, and in line with, the runway at Luton Airport.
All near M1 junctions though, and not too difficult a commute to St.A.
WGC is good for family's.Of those WGC is probably the only one I would consider.
If you don't mind a village, look at Slip End, Markyate and Kensworth.
They're a bit close to Luton, but that's why prices are lower.
Slip End is a bit close to, and in line with, the runway at Luton Airport.
All near M1 junctions though, and not too difficult a commute to St.A.
Otherwise try Redbourn, Harpenden, Wheathampstead.
I live in WGC and like it, although I live very near the town center so easy for the commute etc, if I lived on the East side it's a bit of a pain driving to the station. Hatfield wouldn't bother except for very specific parts. wheathampsted is nice, not sure of prices, presume you would have to drive into Harp / st. albans for trains.
Thanks for the suggestions, lots to get me going! I have seen a house i like in WGC and am going to have a look, hopefully this weekend. I also like the look of Markyate and Kensworth so will go to have a look at these areas too. I have been to Hardpenden and Redbourn before and they are lovely, but i don't think my budget will go very far, this isn't stopping me from including them in the search however, you never know!
Thanks again
Thanks again
Hodgie said:
Thanks for the suggestions, lots to get me going! I have seen a house i like in WGC and am going to have a look, hopefully this weekend. I also like the look of Markyate and Kensworth so will go to have a look at these areas too. I have been to Hardpenden and Redbourn before and they are lovely, but i don't think my budget will go very far, this isn't stopping me from including them in the search however, you never know!
Thanks again
Most of WGC is ok but, inevitably, the cheapest properties will be in the least desirable areas, so be careful.Thanks again
Agree that Hertford and Hitchin are good, but they're more than 30mins away from St.A in rush-hour traffic.
A few miles beyond Kensworth is Eaton Bray. Very nice village with plenty of choice in your price range, but possibly stretching it a bit for the commute.
Good Luck!
Thanks everyone, plenty of areas for me to have a look around in the next few weekends!
The villages surrounding Luton look interesting, I hadn't considered these at all. Ware, Hertford & Hitchin also look like good possibilities although there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of choice according to right move, but there are a few properties that look nice and I only need one!
The villages surrounding Luton look interesting, I hadn't considered these at all. Ware, Hertford & Hitchin also look like good possibilities although there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of choice according to right move, but there are a few properties that look nice and I only need one!
Hodgie said:
Thanks everyone, plenty of areas for me to have a look around in the next few weekends!
The villages surrounding Luton look interesting, I hadn't considered these at all. Ware, Hertford & Hitchin also look like good possibilities although there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of choice according to right move, but there are a few properties that look nice and I only need one!
Fyi.The villages surrounding Luton look interesting, I hadn't considered these at all. Ware, Hertford & Hitchin also look like good possibilities although there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of choice according to right move, but there are a few properties that look nice and I only need one!
There is not a direct train from Hitchin to St.Albans, into London (Kings Cross) to St Pancras then back out to St.Albans, iirc. By car, if your gf is travelling at the same sort of times as everyone else it more than 20-30mins.
Their are 2 bed flats for around 250k or slightly more in St.Albans, but you need to get to know the local estate agents.
Focus away from the properties near the station (if you don't need to commute) as those will be premium for commuters.
The other consideration is do you need 'entertainment' on your doorstep e.g. pubs, restaurants or just a local.
Of the towns Harpenden is expensive, Welwyn Garden City is cheaper.
If you just need a local it might be worth looking at a village (e.g. Kimpton, Wheathampstead, Codicote).
Getting into St.Albans in the rush hour can be slow so factor that in to your travel.
Focus away from the properties near the station (if you don't need to commute) as those will be premium for commuters.
The other consideration is do you need 'entertainment' on your doorstep e.g. pubs, restaurants or just a local.
Of the towns Harpenden is expensive, Welwyn Garden City is cheaper.
If you just need a local it might be worth looking at a village (e.g. Kimpton, Wheathampstead, Codicote).
Getting into St.Albans in the rush hour can be slow so factor that in to your travel.
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