Moving from London to Hertfordshire: The Complete Guide
Hertfordshire sits directly north of London and is consistently one of the most popular destinations for Londoners looking for more space, better schools, and a quieter lifestyle. Fast Thameslink and Great Northern rail services connect most Hertfordshire towns to central London in 20–45 minutes, making it genuinely commutable. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Londoners Move to Hertfordshire
- Fast commute: Thameslink and Great Northern services reach King's Cross/St Pancras, Farringdon, and Blackfriars in 20–45 minutes
- Excellent schools: Hertfordshire has a number of outstanding grammar schools and very strong state secondary provision
- Property value: A 4-bed detached in St Albans or Harpenden costs significantly less than a comparable property in North London while offering much more space and land
- Green belt: Large areas of countryside, forests, and walking routes directly accessible from most towns
- Safety: Hertfordshire has some of the lowest crime rates in England
Best Hertfordshire Towns for London Commuters
St Albans
The most sought-after town in Hertfordshire — Roman history, an outstanding cathedral, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant high street. Thameslink to St Pancras in 20–22 minutes. Outstanding schools including Verulam School and St Albans Girls' School. Average 4-bed semi: £700,000–£900,000.
Harpenden
Often ranked one of the best places to live in England. Quieter and more exclusive than St Albans, with a beautiful village feel. Fast trains to St Pancras in 26 minutes. Excellent schools and strong property values. Average 4-bed detached: £850,000–£1.2m.
Welwyn Garden City
One of England's original Garden Cities — wide tree-lined avenues, Art Deco architecture, and excellent amenities. King's Cross in 24 minutes. More affordable than St Albans or Harpenden. Average 3-bed semi: £400,000–£550,000.
Hitchin
A charming market town increasingly popular with younger families and professionals priced out of St Albans. King's Cross in 35 minutes. Very strong independent high street and good schools. Average 3-bed semi: £375,000–£500,000.
Radlett
An affluent commuter village between St Albans and London. Fast trains to St Pancras in 17 minutes. Very popular with City and media professionals. Average 4-bed detached: £900,000–£1.4m.
Berkhamsted
A beautiful market town in the Chiltern Hills, slightly west of the main Thameslink corridor. Euston in 35 minutes. Outstanding Berkhamsted School (independent). Very popular with young families. Average 4-bed semi: £700,000–£900,000.
Schools in Hertfordshire
- Parmiter's School, Watford: Outstanding grammar school (selective) with exceptional results
- Dame Alice Owen's School, Potters Bar: Highly selective, Outstanding, one of the best state schools in England
- St Albans Girls' School: Outstanding state secondary in St Albans city centre
- Berkhamsted School: Leading co-ed independent, very high academic results
- Haileybury, Hertford: One of England's leading boarding and day schools
Planning Your London to Hertfordshire Move
Most London-to-Hertfordshire moves are comfortable full-day jobs. Key points:
- The M25, A1(M), and M1 are the main routes — allow 60–90 minutes travel time depending on origin and destination
- Arrange parking suspensions in London if required (5+ working days in advance)
- Hertfordshire properties typically have good driveway access — arrival logistics are usually easier than central London
Book Metro City moves London for your Hertfordshire move — we provide fixed-price quotes for all major London-to-Hertfordshire routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hertfordshire a good place to live?
Yes — it is consistently ranked among the best counties in England for quality of life, combining fast London access with outstanding schools, low crime, and access to countryside. St Albans and Harpenden regularly appear in the UK's top 10 places to live lists.
What is the cheapest town in Hertfordshire to buy a house?
Stevenage and Luton (on the Hertfordshire border) offer the most affordable property in the county. Luton has excellent East Midlands Railway connections to St Pancras in 22 minutes. Stevenage is well-served by Great Northern to King's Cross in 27 minutes.