Is Harpenden town a nice place to live in?
Posted January 26th 2024
Looking to relocate to Harpenden? This affluent commuter town in Hertfordshire is a highly sought-after area, offering a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and picturesque surroundings. In this area guide, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about why Harpenden might be the best place for you to buy a house in.
What are transport links like in Harpenden?
The town's transport links are excellent, making it a popular choice for commuters. There are daily trains from Harpenden station to London St Pancras via Thameslink, taking just over 20 minutes and making for a short commute. The train service also connects you to Brighton, Luton and Gatwick Airport. There are also regular buses throughout the day that go from Luton to Albans via Watford.
For drivers, Harpenden has great road links. With the M1 nearby, you’re connected easily to most of the country, including London, Northampton and Milton Keynes. For no, there are a number of bus routes, taking you to nearby areas. For getting around the town, Harpenden is also bike-friendly, with plenty of cycle paths and bike racks available.
Are there good schools in Harpenden?
One of the biggest draws for families relocating to Harpenden is the excellent schools in the area. There are several highly-regarded primary schools and secondary schools, including the renowned St George's School and Harpenden Academy. The town also boasts two independent schools, Aldwickbury School and St Hilda's School. Overall, education in Harpenden is of an extremely high standard.
What is there to do in Harpenden?
Despite its small size, Harpenden has plenty to offer residents in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. Close to the town centre is Rothamsted Park, a sprawling green space which includes a children’s play area, a sports centre, and an indoor pool. Harpenden is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and areas such as the Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve, making it the perfect location for those who enjoy the outdoors.
The town is also a hub of community activity. There are popular summer and Christmas carnivals held annually, as well as a monthly farmers’ market and a variety of events at Harpenden Public Halls. Located on the edge of Harpenden Common, the Public Halls hosts things like comedy acts, concerts and the local film society.
What shops are there in Harpenden?
Harpenden has a bustling high street and shopping precinct, with a mix of high street and independent retailers selling everything from homeware, clothing, and books to artisan food. There are also several supermarkets, including Waitrose and Sainsburys, making it easy to buy groceries.
How much would it cost to buy a house in Harpenden?
According to Rightmove:
‘Properties in Harpenden had an overall average price of £874,051 over the last year.
The majority of sales in Harpenden during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £835,146. Detached properties sold for an average of £1,322,653, with flats fetching £361,695.
Overall, sold prices in Harpenden over the last year were 5% down on the previous year and 4% up on the 2021 peak of £841,743.’
If you're interested in moving to Harpenden, check out all the properties listed in the area and contact the local branch for more information.
