August 17th 2024.
St Albans is such a beautiful city, but like most places, it has its drawbacks. It's only a short 26-mile journey north of Central London on the Thameslink service from St Pancras, and you'll find yourself in the charming city of St Albans. Its streets are lined with stunning 16th-century cottages, grand Georgian mansions, and elegant Edwardian villas, all neatly paved and perfectly picturesque. But every Monday to Friday, the city is flooded with hordes of commuters making their way into the bustling capital, earning St Albans the title of the best commuter town in 2024 by OnTheMarket. It's no surprise, considering its excellent transport links, top-notch schools, and close proximity to the city. On paper, it sounds like a dream come true. However, as someone who was born and raised in St Albans and commuted to London for work in my early twenties, I can safely say that I'll never go back.
Don't get me wrong, I love my hometown. But there's a dark reality to moving to this Hertfordshire city that often gets overlooked: house prices. St Albans has been named the most expensive city for first-time buyers outside of London, with the average property asking price sitting at a whopping £635,680. And if you're looking to buy a flat, it will still set you back around £391,964, with a monthly mortgage payment of £1,454 for a 35-year term. As someone who rented a two-bedroom apartment in the city center during the pandemic for £1,100 per month, I can attest to the steep prices. And when I moved out, my landlord even raised the rent by hundreds. In short, if you're looking for an affordable place outside of London, St Albans might not be the best choice for you.
However, if you're fortunate enough to have the funds, St Albans is a highly desirable area for many reasons. The schools, for one, are excellent. I personally attended Bernard's Heath Junior School before moving on to St Albans Girls School, one of the many single-sex schools in the area. There's also the private St Albans High School and state Loreto College for girls, and St Albans Boys School and St Columba's College for boys. And if you prefer a mixed education for your child, Sandringham and Townsend Church of England School are highly-rated options.
Aside from its exceptional schools, St Albans also has a rich history that's just waiting to be explored. The St Albans Cathedral, with its stunning Norman architecture, sits atop the expansive Verulamium Park and is a shrine to Britain's first saint. It's also the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Nearby, you'll find the Verulamium Museum, which I've visited countless times on school trips to learn about the city's Roman history. It's even won the Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice award for 2024. And don't miss the impressive Amphitheatre and Hypocaust, both remnants of the Roman era.
But St Albans isn't just for history buffs. It's also a shopper's paradise, although the offerings can be on the pricier side. You'll find popular stores like Anthropologie, Reiss, Whistles, and The White Company on the main high street, as well as independent boutiques on George Street. The Maltings, a shopping center in the city center, offers a mix of affordable and high-end options, including New Look, Sports Direct, Oliver Bonas, and Schuh. And if you're in the mood for some hand-crafted goods, don't miss the Wednesday and Saturday markets, which also feature delicious street food and even stands for your furry friends.
When it comes to groceries, St Albans has a Waitrose and a large M&S, as well as Sainsbury's and Aldi. But if you're looking for even more options, you can make the quick 20-minute drive to the Atria shopping center in Watford, which boasts over 140 shops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
After a day of shopping and exploring, you'll surely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, St Albans has an abundance of pubs, earning it the title of having the most pubs per square mile in the UK. The Six Bells, The Boot, and The Blacksmiths Arms are all great options for a pint, especially in the summer when their beer gardens are in full swing. For a unique experience, head to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the oldest pub in Britain, located right next to a picturesque lake filled with swans. And for some delicious cuisine, try Hatch for breakfast, The Beech House for dinner (which has hosted celebrities like Zendaya and Tom Holland), or Veer Dhara, a favorite of Tom Cruise.
All in all, St Albans is a charming city with something for everyone. Whether you're interested in its rich history, great schools, shopping, or dining options, there's no denying its allure. However, as much as I love my hometown, the high house prices make it impossible for me to afford to move back. So, if you're hungry for a slice of this life, be prepared to pay the price. It may be a pipe dream for some, but for those fortunate enough to have the funds, St Albans is well worth the investment.
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