The city of St Albans has been named amongst the best places to live in the UK in two different surveys this year, one undertaken by Rightmove and the other by The Sunday Times.
Make the Right Move According to Rightmove
Research conducted by Rightmove saw a 36% increase in the number of properties for sale in St Albans for the 12-months to January 2022 compared to the previous year, with average house prices increasing by 6-percent in the same period. This was enough to rank the city 6th nationwide.
This compares with the national averages across the UK, where the increase in the number of properties for sale was 8% and 9% in the East of England.
One of the Best in the South East
Meanwhile, last month’s report by The Sunday Times listed the top-70 places to live in the UK, which saw St Albans ranked 9th in the South-East. Described as a “gorgeous cathedral mini-city,” the judges went on to say, “The high street is improved, the schools are as good as ever, and 100-acre Verulamium Park is a glorious green oasis”.
What else lies behind the beauty of St Albans as one of the best places to live?
A Feast of Food Options for All
The range of options for hungry stomachs in the city is endless, with an excellent mix of chain restaurants and cafes serving everyone’s favourites and some terrific independent restaurants, such as Per Tutti, Little Marrakech and Alloro. That’s not to mention the outstanding street-food market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, bringing a host of alluring aromas and tastes from around the world to add a little flavour to your visit.
Fun for All Ages
As well as excellent food, St Albans provides several opportunities for people of all ages. Verulamium Park is home to all sorts of different birds. It has a playground and splash pools to keep kids entertained during the summer and acres and acres of green space for families to enjoy a picnic, kick-about, or game of frisbee.
The newly refurbished Alban Arena sees many famous faces provide music, laughs and theatre for kids and parents alike, while the Horn is the hub of the local music scene in St Albans.
Outstanding Schools
Parents are fortunate to have plenty of outstanding-rated schools in St Albans, with three Primary schools, rated outstanding and a further three secondary schools receiving OFSTED’s top rating. In addition, the St Albans High School for Girls and St Albans School for Boys are both private schools that contribute to making St Albans one of the top five education hotspots outside London in The Sunday Times’Parent Power Guide.
Transport Links
While St Albans has plenty to offer itself, it’s also conveniently located. The M25, A1(M) and M1 are all within easy reach, while Thameslink services from St Albans City station provide fast, regular trains into the heart of London within 25-minutes. In addition, Luton Airport is a short train or bus ride away or 15-minutes away by car for those looking for a weekend getaway.
Dripping with history, culture, and opportunity for people of all ages, it’s easy to see why St Albans has become one of the most sought-after locations in the country. If you’re looking to move to St Albans, get in touch with our expert team today or browse our available properties online.