Berkhamsted or Harpenden?
Discussion
I may be moving back to the UK after 10 years and it is a toss up between these two Herts towns.
Harpenden has a larger population by around 40% but Berkhamsted seems to be more middle class, not that I am of course!
Both have direct train links to London, and road (M1 and M25) but Hemel is a bit closer to Berko and that seems to have more things to do for a young kid: climbing area. snow dome, cinemas etc.
Harpenden even has an AGA store!
Anyone have experience of living in either?
Harpenden has a larger population by around 40% but Berkhamsted seems to be more middle class, not that I am of course!
Both have direct train links to London, and road (M1 and M25) but Hemel is a bit closer to Berko and that seems to have more things to do for a young kid: climbing area. snow dome, cinemas etc.
Harpenden even has an AGA store!
Anyone have experience of living in either?
Read today’s Telegraph as both feature. Harpenden has grown hugely and is not what it was. Also has issues with Luton. Berkhampstead is nice, Tring and Wendover are both worth a look as is Amersham or Chesham. Radlett was an epic village but alas is now too north London and stupid money, without the village feel.
Harpenden is looking like its going to suffer more boxy house syndrome.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8vdy6ynl8o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8vdy6ynl8o
Spindoctor said:
Harpenden is looking like its going to suffer more boxy house syndrome.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8vdy6ynl8o
Meh. They’ve been planning to develop that for as long as I can remember…https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce8vdy6ynl8o
OP, I’d pick Harpenden personally, but I’m biased having grown up there and still having family there.
Any “stuff to do” things you can access from Berkhamsted you can get to from Harpenden as well, and I’d disagree that Harpenden has grown hugely or that it’s not what it was. To be able to claim that you’d have had to live there since my grandparents did in the 1940’s!
I grew up just outside Harpenden and went to school there. Family still live in the same place too. I'd personally avoid it like the plague (from a living perspective), outrageously expensive, and unbelievably busy.
I will add, I don't know if Berko is like that as I've rarely ever visited.
Out of curiosity, what has drawn you to these two towns?
I will add, I don't know if Berko is like that as I've rarely ever visited.
Out of curiosity, what has drawn you to these two towns?
Localish to both. Both very expensive housing and very middle class!
High streets are very similar in terms of size and content.
I like both towns a lot and wish I could afford either!
Harependen feels a little more spread out and probably has more larger houses than berko. Has the Bupa hospital which is useful if you have private healthcare. Obviously closer to the m1 so a little more convenient and I believe the trains to London are a little more frequent and reliable but I have no direct experience of that.
Berko is a bit more compact so more of a market town vibe. Housing near the town centre can be a bit cramped and parking is hateful! Some nice things nearby like ashridge estate if you are into hiking or cycling and the canal going through the middle too. Seems like an awful thing to say but I always get the impression that berkhampstead is a bit snooty. I don't get that so much in harependen but I have spent less time there to be fair.
They are both great towns, transport links and availability of housing are probably the deciding factors....
High streets are very similar in terms of size and content.
I like both towns a lot and wish I could afford either!
Harependen feels a little more spread out and probably has more larger houses than berko. Has the Bupa hospital which is useful if you have private healthcare. Obviously closer to the m1 so a little more convenient and I believe the trains to London are a little more frequent and reliable but I have no direct experience of that.
Berko is a bit more compact so more of a market town vibe. Housing near the town centre can be a bit cramped and parking is hateful! Some nice things nearby like ashridge estate if you are into hiking or cycling and the canal going through the middle too. Seems like an awful thing to say but I always get the impression that berkhampstead is a bit snooty. I don't get that so much in harependen but I have spent less time there to be fair.
They are both great towns, transport links and availability of housing are probably the deciding factors....
Berkhamstead has more charm and environs prettier owing to canal and more rural location.
Harpenden - London in 25 mins, outstanding secondary schools, lots of interesting cars, great rugby town, many football teams for kids etc.
Have lived in Harpenden for 15 years, ideal place to bring up young people.
Harpenden - London in 25 mins, outstanding secondary schools, lots of interesting cars, great rugby town, many football teams for kids etc.
Have lived in Harpenden for 15 years, ideal place to bring up young people.
Gassing Station | Herts, Beds, Bucks & Cambs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff