Eight reasons to love living in Hertford
Thinking of moving out of London and having a better quality of life? Striking the perfect balance between town and country life, here are eight reasons why we believe that Hertford has it all – whether for growing families, young professionals or retired couples.
- Excellent Transport Links
When it comes to transport links you can put a big tick against Hertford. The town has not one, but two separate lines serving London Liverpool Street and Moorgate/Finsbury Park. All through the day and up until close to midnight, the journey totals on average 45 minutes to reach the City or West End. For most, this means not much more than an hour door-to-door – which is pretty great considering it sometimes takes the same amount of time to travel between Clapham and Central London!
What’s even better is that Hertford also is right on the A10 and the A414, so 10 miles from junction 25 of the M25 and approximately 15 minutes off the A1.
- OFSTED Rated Schools
For those with little (or big!) ones, education is of course a huge factor to consider when selecting your new house. Hertford boasts a total of 10 primary schools to choose from, both private and public, including the Millmead, Duncombe and Wheatcroft Schools. There are excellent secondary schools, including Richard Hale, Simon Balle and Sele, many with ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted reports. For higher education, the Bayfordbury campus for the University of Hertfordshire is also just outside of the town.
- Lively Local Culture
Throughout the year, the residents and local businesses of Hertford keep their local town thriving with events such as music festivals, food markets and outdoor cinema screenings to name a few. There are family-friendly days and a whole range of activities and concerts hosted at Hertford Castle and the Theatre.
- Buzzing Nightlife
In line with the town’s diverse demographic, there’s something for everybody after hours. As well as being home to the McMullen’s brewery who own some of Hertford’s most popular pubs such as The Dog & Whistle and The Woolpack,
There’s something for everybody when it comes to choosing a drinking establishment in Hertford. Wine bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs are scattered among the local shops and restaurants, and big names in the music industry often play in the evenings. As an added bonus, many of the bars have hotel rooms above them if you just don’t want to go home! Most of the pubs also serve food and are very family-friendly especially throughout the daytime.
- Diverse Food Scene
Whether it’s casual dining, a freshly made sandwich at lunch or an upmarket restaurant you’re looking for, you’re spoilt for choice in Hertford town centre. Within a square mile, there’s a huge variety of both well-known chains and upmarket eateries offering every cuisine you could imagine from Turkish to Indian, Japanese and Italian, and everything in between.
- Boutique Shopping
Although the heights of Harrods and Oxford Street are well within reach, you’ll never go short of something you need on a day-to-day basis with the retail offering in Hertford. There’s a great range of independent boutiques offering everything from ladies clothing, designer menswear, gifts, lifestyle and homeware. Not forgetting the practical side of things – supermarkets are right in the town centre with very convenient short and long-stay parking on offer. For those who like a little bit of pampering, hair stylists and beauty treatments are offered in abundance.
- Varied Housing Stock
From historical conversions and Victorian character properties oozing with charming features, to modern minimalistic apartments with picturesque river views, the housing market in Hertford is thriving at each end of the scale no matter where you’re at on the property ladder. Not to mention the residential areas bordering the town centre such as the ever-popular Bengeo – where a substantial family home or a cosy little cottage are within reach at competitive prices if you’d prefer to be outside of, but within walking distance to the town centre.
- Stunning Countryside
Sitting pretty at the junction of four rivers – the Lea, Mimram, Beane and Rib – Hertford is a popular place for nature lovers, with peaceful river walks and cycle paths leading towards Ware and all the way to Stratford for the more adventurous. Panshanger Park and Hartham Common provide a perfect open space for dog owners, and cyclists love the many trails through the surrounding more rural villages, many with excellent country pubs for the thirsty!
So if you are keen to escape London, come and take a look at Hertford. You won’t be disappointed!
For more information and advice on making the move to Hertford and its surrounding villages just call Nigel and Bobbie at BigBlackHen.com on 01992-878580.