Harpenden - nice place to live ?
Discussion
When I moved out of London (West Hampstead) 3 years ago we looked at a number of locations:
including Barnet, Finchley, Harpenden and St.Albans.
Harpenden - has a smaller town feel
Pros - Some nice places to eat and drink, the common a decent swimming pool. 27m to Kings X.
Cons - IMO bumping into people is too easy, houses are more expensive than St.Albans.
St.Albans - Is bigger (a little more like London)
Pros - Has more places to eat and drink so you can go out without bumping into people, has the park, cathedral and more shops. 22 min to Kings X (fast train).
Cons - the swimming pool isn't as good and there's still no cinema.
We chose St.Albans as it's got more, the commute was closer to London and Harpenden felt a little too small.
No regrets and I don't think you can go wrong with either.
including Barnet, Finchley, Harpenden and St.Albans.
Harpenden - has a smaller town feel
Pros - Some nice places to eat and drink, the common a decent swimming pool. 27m to Kings X.
Cons - IMO bumping into people is too easy, houses are more expensive than St.Albans.
St.Albans - Is bigger (a little more like London)
Pros - Has more places to eat and drink so you can go out without bumping into people, has the park, cathedral and more shops. 22 min to Kings X (fast train).
Cons - the swimming pool isn't as good and there's still no cinema.
We chose St.Albans as it's got more, the commute was closer to London and Harpenden felt a little too small.
No regrets and I don't think you can go wrong with either.
I find I regularly bump in to people I know in St Albans 
. Not necessarily a bad thing though, it adds to the village-y feel.
I'm also not sure it's gone downhill in recent years, if anything it seems a little more like Harpenden in that there seems to be a bit more money floating around. The closure of a couple of the more questionable pubs in the town centre seems to have calmed the nightlife down a bit but that also means less trouble on weekend evenings.
If you look at St. A, you want to stick to the conservation area side of town if you ask me. Only problem with that is that places with decent parking are hard to come by unless you're spending a lot of money.
. Not necessarily a bad thing though, it adds to the village-y feel.I'm also not sure it's gone downhill in recent years, if anything it seems a little more like Harpenden in that there seems to be a bit more money floating around. The closure of a couple of the more questionable pubs in the town centre seems to have calmed the nightlife down a bit but that also means less trouble on weekend evenings.
If you look at St. A, you want to stick to the conservation area side of town if you ask me
. Only problem with that is that places with decent parking are hard to come by unless you're spending a lot of money.Personally I'd think about somewhere like Kings Langley/Bedmond if you want to be well out of it - nice countryside, Watfords close by for shopping and you can jump on the direct line into Euston for commuting. Don't know about from Kings Langley, but from Watford Junction its 20 mins on the fast train to Euston or 45 mins on the slow train.
Harpenden seems like a pretty nice place, though I've only ever passed through - apart from an afternoon in one of the pubs there (which I wasn't impressed with.) Town centre's pretty pleasant though, and you are out in the sticks abit.
I've never lived in St Albans but I can't stand the place. The town centre is cramped, crowded and a nightmare trying to get from a to b in the traffic. Couple of nice bars and restaurants but the place doesn't agree with me personally.
Harpenden seems like a pretty nice place, though I've only ever passed through - apart from an afternoon in one of the pubs there (which I wasn't impressed with.) Town centre's pretty pleasant though, and you are out in the sticks abit.
I've never lived in St Albans but I can't stand the place. The town centre is cramped, crowded and a nightmare trying to get from a to b in the traffic. Couple of nice bars and restaurants but the place doesn't agree with me personally.
I'd love to live in one of the villages out in the sticks but it would double my (45 minute) commute to the City.I moved from North London to Harpenden 23 years ago. I'd say it was good if you have kids or are planning to. Most residents do (and one partner stays at home). The state schools are all excellent (so getting places for the darlings can be tricky). Main thing that drives the prices up is schools and good commute to London. So unless you want the schools you'll get better VFM elsewhere.
Downsides: Count the golf clubs and so there is a golf club mentality about the place. Far too many posh german saloon drivers driving in a 'get out of my way' manner - my response was to buy an old Series III Land Rover which they generally keep clear of. If you are susceptible then there is a 'keeping up' mentality about the place (like most commuter towns) so even 3 years ago the biggest problem at the local Citizen's Advice was debt. The local lawyers' most lucrative work is divorce. You can't buy anything in the High Street but food and drink - it is all estate agents (still) building societies/banks, women's clothes, hair crimpers, etc.
Upsides, I like most of the pubs. And something has kept me there throughout 3 house moves, divorce, kids now grown up and left, etc.
Downsides: Count the golf clubs and so there is a golf club mentality about the place. Far too many posh german saloon drivers driving in a 'get out of my way' manner - my response was to buy an old Series III Land Rover which they generally keep clear of. If you are susceptible then there is a 'keeping up' mentality about the place (like most commuter towns) so even 3 years ago the biggest problem at the local Citizen's Advice was debt. The local lawyers' most lucrative work is divorce. You can't buy anything in the High Street but food and drink - it is all estate agents (still) building societies/banks, women's clothes, hair crimpers, etc.
Upsides, I like most of the pubs. And something has kept me there throughout 3 house moves, divorce, kids now grown up and left, etc.
GBRM said:
Depends what you want - St.Albans is better than Hemel, Berko, Harpenden, Batford, Wheathapstead, Lemsford, Wheathampstead, etc in my opinion but it really depends what you want. (ex-Bricket Wood, St.Albans, Luton, Fleet, Guildford and Hemel liver!!).
Hmm, you been to St Albans lately? Town centre has become a bit of dump recently.Just moved into my new pad in Harpenden - very happy indeed. Everyone is very friendly and you get a nice mix of village and town life.
Just to avert a long St. Albans vs. Harpenden debate - both have their merits and it very much depends what you're looking for as to which one you choose.
Thanks for the tips on the villages outside of Harpenden which do look nice, unfortunately we really value being able to walk into town and to the train station. This avoids having to worry about pushy drivers and being wound up by the school run (I assume there is one).
Not so worried about a keeping up mentality, in London so many people are so far ahead that trying to keep up is a total waste of time and effort. As for golf well ... if I don't hurt anyone or anything when I'm on the golf course it's a bonus!
Thanks for the tips on the villages outside of Harpenden which do look nice, unfortunately we really value being able to walk into town and to the train station. This avoids having to worry about pushy drivers and being wound up by the school run (I assume there is one).
Not so worried about a keeping up mentality, in London so many people are so far ahead that trying to keep up is a total waste of time and effort. As for golf well ... if I don't hurt anyone or anything when I'm on the golf course it's a bonus!
Edited by 2something on Tuesday 17th March 09:42
Pitchshifter said:
I heard someone on the Thameslink train from London to Harpenden say people only live in Harpenden to boost their social status.. He got off at St. Albans...
If you suffer from road rage, avoid Harpenden station carpark at 6pm.
They are probably just bitter that people getting on in Harpenden nick "their" seats in the morning, I know I would be!If you suffer from road rage, avoid Harpenden station carpark at 6pm.
Good advice on the station car park, we are looking to make serious compromises to be within walking distance of the station and the village.
Lived in Harpended for five or so years.
As has already been mentioned property prices right up there.
It's location in between Luton & St Albans brings the low life's in for rich pickings in the burglary department so good locks/cameras front rear plus regulation loud dog or (nice) next door retiree to keep an eye on things while you're at work should keep everything in check.
Classic's on the common definitely a plus. Plenty of country pubs down the lanes in all directions.
Bill Mc Grath's Maserati shop up the road.
Enjoy and see you on the common at the show.
Phil
As has already been mentioned property prices right up there.
It's location in between Luton & St Albans brings the low life's in for rich pickings in the burglary department so good locks/cameras front rear plus regulation loud dog or (nice) next door retiree to keep an eye on things while you're at work should keep everything in check.
Classic's on the common definitely a plus. Plenty of country pubs down the lanes in all directions.
Bill Mc Grath's Maserati shop up the road.
Enjoy and see you on the common at the show.
Phil
Lived in Harpended for five or so years.
As has already been mentioned property prices right up there.
It's location in between Luton & St Albans brings the low life's in for rich pickings in the burglary department so good locks/cameras front rear plus regulation loud dog or (nice) next door retiree to keep an eye on things while you're at work should keep everything in check.
Classic's on the common definitely a plus. Plenty of country pubs down the lanes in all directions.
Bill Mc Grath's Maserati shop up the road.
Enjoy and see you on the common at the show.
Phil
As has already been mentioned property prices right up there.
It's location in between Luton & St Albans brings the low life's in for rich pickings in the burglary department so good locks/cameras front rear plus regulation loud dog or (nice) next door retiree to keep an eye on things while you're at work should keep everything in check.
Classic's on the common definitely a plus. Plenty of country pubs down the lanes in all directions.
Bill Mc Grath's Maserati shop up the road.
Enjoy and see you on the common at the show.
Phil
GBRM said:
Depends what you want - St.Albans is better than Hemel, Berko, Harpenden, Batford, Wheathapstead, Lemsford, Wheathampstead, etc in my opinion but it really depends what you want. (ex-Bricket Wood, St.Albans, Luton, Fleet, Guildford and Hemel liver!!).
I wouldn't let anyone from Berko hear you say that 
The majority seem to have some kind of superiority complex. I managed to miss this topic somehow! I grew up in Harpenden, as did both my parents (who still live there now). It's a lovely town to grow up in and raise a family in, but probably not the ideal place if you're after a variety of night life. That said, if that was what you were after you'd stay in London. ;-)
State schools are all generally good, crime is low, prices are high. The cheaper end of the market would be Southdown (nice enough, but quite a walk to the station and village) or Batford (not so nice, but it's all relative). Anywhere in Harpenden "proper" (10-15 mins walk to the village) should be very nice indeed, with West and East commons offering larger houses slightly further out of town.
I'd have no hesitation moving back there to start a family.
State schools are all generally good, crime is low, prices are high. The cheaper end of the market would be Southdown (nice enough, but quite a walk to the station and village) or Batford (not so nice, but it's all relative). Anywhere in Harpenden "proper" (10-15 mins walk to the village) should be very nice indeed, with West and East commons offering larger houses slightly further out of town.
I'd have no hesitation moving back there to start a family.
Ponk said:
GBRM said:
Depends what you want - St.Albans is better than Hemel, Berko, Harpenden, Batford, Wheathapstead, Lemsford, Wheathampstead, etc in my opinion but it really depends what you want. (ex-Bricket Wood, St.Albans, Luton, Fleet, Guildford and Hemel liver!!).
I wouldn't let anyone from Berko hear you say that The majority seem to have some kind of superiority complex. DanL said:
I managed to miss this topic somehow! I grew up in Harpenden, as did both my parents (who still live there now). It's a lovely town to grow up in and raise a family in, but probably not the ideal place if you're after a variety of night life. That said, if that was what you were after you'd stay in London. ;-)
State schools are all generally good, crime is low, prices are high. The cheaper end of the market would be Southdown (nice enough, but quite a walk to the station and village) or Batford (not so nice, but it's all relative). Anywhere in Harpenden "proper" (10-15 mins walk to the village) should be very nice indeed, with West and East commons offering larger houses slightly further out of town.
I'd have no hesitation moving back there to start a family.
All sounds good, believe me I have experienced enough variety when it comes to night life in London State schools are all generally good, crime is low, prices are high. The cheaper end of the market would be Southdown (nice enough, but quite a walk to the station and village) or Batford (not so nice, but it's all relative). Anywhere in Harpenden "proper" (10-15 mins walk to the village) should be very nice indeed, with West and East commons offering larger houses slightly further out of town.
I'd have no hesitation moving back there to start a family.
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