According to a recent report by Enness Global Mortgages, St Albans has had more prime property purchases over the last year than almost anywhere else outside of London, making it a prime property hotspot in England.
Five properties sold in the city with an asking price of £3million and over. And whilst spending £3million on a property might feel like a dream to most of us, it’s of little surprise that more and more people are looking to call St Albans their home.
Here are a few reasons why St Albans is a great place to live.
Prime Location
St Albans is the perfect commuter town.
With great public transport options available, commuters can get to London St. Pancras train station in just 20 minutes and for those working closer by, Watford is just 15 minutes away. If you’re thinking about driving, there are also excellent links to the M1, A1(M), and the M25.
When you’ve finished work, there’s plenty to enjoy in St. Albans City Centre. The cathedral city is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops for those looking to treat themselves. But if your idea of fun is more along the lines of a long walk with your dog in the countryside, the rural areas of Sandridge and Redbourn are close by.
Variety of properties
St Albans has an array of different property types, with something to suit everyone.
If you’re looking for something sleek and compact, St Albans City Centre has a range of modern studio apartments available. At the other end of the spectrum are 6-bedroom period properties that are real showstoppers. If neither of those takes your fancy, there’s plenty more on offer. You’re bound to find something you fall in love with.
Some of types of properties you’ll find in St Albans include:
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the city centre
- Period cottages
- Apartments close to St Albans train station which are perfect for commuters
- Developments of new properties are common to accommodate the ever-growing population
- Semi and detached properties on the outskirts of the city centre
Check out average property prices in St Albans here.
Plenty Of Green Spaces
St Albans has a wide variety of parks and countryside areas to enjoy.
No matter where you are, you’re never too far away from somewhere lush and green.
The close availability of green space has become more important than ever to property owners following the impact of COVID.
The most popular open spaces in the area are probably Clarence and Verulamium park.
Going a bit further afield, St Albans also has the following to offer:
- Bentsley Spinney – a little hideaway popular with dog walkers
- Highfield Park – the 82-acre park offers ancient woodland, orchards, and even a maze and a pool
- Greenwood Park – filled with woodland walks and wildflower meadows
Prestigious schools
There are excellent schools in St Albans, with the standard of education being high across the board.
Some of the most prestigious schools in St Albans are Maple, Beaumont, and Sandringham.
For example, these have all been given a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating:
Primary schools
- Fleetville
- Bernards Heath
- Abonyne Lodge
- Abbey C of E
- Maple
Secondary schools
- Beaumont
- Sandringham
- Verulam
- STAGS
Parents are eager to secure their children a place at one of these schools, with many choosing to move to the area for that purpose.
Things to do
St Albans is a beautiful cathedral city known for its history. The 1,000-year-old cathedral brings in many tourists every year.
It is well known for its Charter Farmer’s Market that’s held on the second Sunday of every month.
If you’re not a history buff, there’s plenty of modern amenities in the city centre that you’ll find appealing.
The city has two shopping centres which carry all the main high street brands as well as a number of local, smaller boutiques.
There’s plenty of nightlife and eatery opportunities in the same area. There is an exciting range of pubs, bars, and restaurants with something to suit every taste.
There is also a bustling art scene, with the local art deco Odyssey Cinema popular amongst residents.
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit greener, Heartwood Forest (England’s largest new native forest) is only a short distance away from St Albans.
This is closely followed by Bricket Wood Common and Clarence Park.
Looking To Buy Or Rent Property In St Albans?
Are you ready to make the move to St Albans?
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, we can help. Please get in touch with our friendly team today and we will be happy to help you find the perfect property for you.
Alternatively, you can browse all our available properties for sale or to rent in St Albans here.