10.01.2024

Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Hertfordshire

Nestled in the gorgeous English countryside, Hertfordshire offers excellent commutes, picturesque landscapes, unforgettable history and bustling town centres, to name a few. If you’re thinking of moving, or are in the process of doing so, here are some of the core points to consider.

9 reasons to move to Hertfordshire

Choosing a new place can be a daunting process, from considering your desired areas, your new community, the type of home, and what amenities are a must-have within reach. But between being home to some of the country’s most beautiful towns, an excellent employment rate, and jaw-droppingly lovely green spaces, here’s a taste of what you can expect when you move to Hertfordshire.

#1 – Close to London

Just a stone’s throw away, Hertfordshire is a great base for homeowners who want a life closer to the country without moving too far from the bright lights of London. Although there’s plenty to get involved with in your local area, with the capital a short ride away, you’ve got even more options at your disposal. From world-famous museums and an endless choice for shopping, to some of the greatest theatres in the country.

#2 – Stunning market villages and towns

With its proximity to London, Hertfordshire has its fair share of gorgeous little market towns well worth visiting. If there’s one place to visit first, it’s the county town, Hertford. With origins stretching far back into the Anglo Saxon era and plenty of royal history surrounding it throughout the centuries, this picturesque town is a popular location for filming. Its unbeatable charm is one of the many reasons we made it the home of our Granary & Chapel development.

#3 – Restaurants and bars

When it comes to eating and drinking in Hertfordshire, you’re positively spoilt for choice. Between familiar chains and independent eateries, there are countless places to try with family, friends, and even on a solo date. Featuring a range of cuisines and everything from your humble pub grub and pizzerias to Michelin Star restaurants, the foodies amongst you will be well satisfied. Likewise, with gorgeous places like Old Cross Tavern, Blackbirds and Market Bar Hertford, you’ll always have somewhere to drop in for cocktails or a brew.

For more recommendations, take a look at our blog: ‘7 best places to eat in Hertford’.

#4 – A county of contrasts

With Hertfordshire, you never quite know what’s around the corner. From medieval buildings and post-war newer builds, to stretching countryside and impressive public gardens, the mix between urbanisation and ruralism is impressive. Plus, with a stretching history running from the first railways to troublesome Tudors, and even right back to the Roman invasion, people with a nose for the past (as well as the future) will feel right at home.

#5 – Quality of life

When compared to the rest of the UK, Hertfordshire comes out above the national average in plenty of areas. Higher than average annual pay and employment rates, a higher than average life expectancy and overall health score, and higher than average recycling efforts (with lower than average carbon emissions on the whole).

#6 – Green spaces galore

With such a bounty of green spaces on your doorstep, getting out into nature will never be a struggle. Whether you enjoy a walk beside the River Lea, take a picnic in Hartham Common Park, stroll through Cassiobury Park, visit one of the area’s gorgeous nature reserves, or spend a luxuriously lazy summer’s day touring Hatfield House’s gardens, there’s plenty of green to get you moving.

#7 – Commuter links

Hertfordshire is perfectly positioned to reach major surrounding cities, especially if you plan on commuting to London. Less than an hour on the train to Central London and plenty of helpful roads for getting to and from the capital if you drive, you have lots of choice to find a commuter’s journey that suits you. Likewise, if you prefer cycling to get around, Hertfordshire hosts a number of excellent cycling routes to choose from, whether you’re working locally or commuting further away. With routes that take you along rivers, through lively parks, and past historic sites, you can enjoy a more eco-friendly way to commute that still takes you into nature.

#8 – Famous faces

Hertfordshire is no stranger to big names. From TV personalities and film stars, like Simon Cowell, Rupert Grint, Martin Freeman and Sacha Baron Cohen, to music legends, like George Ezra, Cliff Richard and George Michael, and many, many more, there’s a reason celebrities love to call this neck of the woods home.

#9 – Excellent school standards

If you’re looking for the best schools for your children, Hertfordshire is a high-performing area, achieving standards that are above the national average, with an excellent selection across the board. Whether you’re looking for academies that offer free or independent schooling, maintained schools, or independent schools, you’re sure to find what you need to give your kids the best start in life.

Tips for moving to Hertfordshire

Tip 1 – Narrow down your needs

Between your ideal home, the perfect town and what necessities you need right at your doorstep, doing a little bit of research and making a few ‘must have’ lists ahead of your home-buying journey will definitely help you narrow down your search.

Tip 2 – What’s your budget?

Before jumping into the really exciting part of moving and looking at houses, have a think about your budget. What are you willing to spend on your mortgage? How much of a deposit do you have? How much do you want to spend on your commute and main amenities? Being armed with the facts is never a bad thing and will help you feel a little lighter when you do start getting into the fun stuff.

Tip 3 – Start early

Whether it’s booking childcare, pet-sitters, moving trucks, self-storage units, or simply starting to organise your home, there’s no such thing as ‘too early’ when it comes to getting organised for moving. The last thing you want to do is end up rushing, misplacing or even breaking things, so take a breath, keep calm, and start with a plan.

For more helpful tips on moving home, check out our ‘10 tips for moving house’ blog post here.

Tip 4 – New build? No problem

Still looking for the perfect home? A new-build property might be just the ticket. From better energy efficiency, more sustainable and up-to-date building practices, and little besides aesthetic touches that need doing, you’ll find an enviable selection of Durkan homes in Hertfordshire’s Granary & Chapel and Hatfield East developments.

Durkan Homes in Hertfordshire

If moving to Hertfordshire is looking and sounding better by the moment, you’ll want to have a look at our wonderful communities. All of our high-quality, new-build homes are thoughtfully designed, offering a selection of apartments and houses conveniently located from local transport links and amenities.

Granary & Chapel

A testament to modern living, our Granary & Chapel homes are designed to maximise comfort and practicality, without sacrificing quality. Our collection of one and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom homes strike the perfect balance, showcasing well-considered designs that celebrate the rich cultural and economic heritage of the town. Priced from £299,950, take a look at our stunning Granary & Chapel development here.

Home highlight: The Mill

A testament to modern living, The Mill offers three double bedrooms presented across a thoughtfully designed layout. With 1,376ft of space, plus a double integral garage, and an expansive kitchen/living/dining area, this home is the perfect blend of practicality and luxury in the heart of Hertford. Priced at £624,950, find out more today.

Hatfield East

A modern collection of 87 one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom homes situated just a short stroll from Hatfield train station, Hatfield House, and the bustling town centre. Priced from £254,950, take a look at our stunning Hatfield East development here.

Home highlight: The Croxley

With two double bedrooms, a downstairs WC, a modern kitchen with integrated appliances – including oven, hob, fridge freezer and dishwasher – plenty of storage throughout, and a private garden, this stunning terraced house makes an ideal home for a range of homeowners. Priced from £424,950, find out more today.