October 20th 2024.
St Albans is a gorgeous place to live, but like any other city, it has its downsides. A quick 26-mile train ride north of Central London will take you to this quaint little city with its charming 16th century cottages, Georgian mansions and Edwardian villas lining the neatly paved streets of the city centre. It's no surprise that it attracts hordes of commuters every weekday, looking to make their way into the bustling capital.
In fact, St Albans has recently been named the best commuter town of 2024 by OnTheMarket. Its excellent transport links, nearby schools and proximity to London make it a very desirable place to live. As someone who was born and raised in St Albans, and commuted to London every day in my early twenties, I can vouch for its alluring charm. However, as much as I love my hometown, there is one dark reality that is often overlooked - the high cost of housing.
St Albans has been named the most expensive city for first-time buyers outside of London, with the average property price being a staggering £635,680. Even small terraced homes, which are the most popular type of property in the area, have an average price of £556,293. For those looking to buy a flat, the average price is £391,964, with a typical monthly mortgage payment of £1,454 for a 35-year term. These exorbitant prices make it difficult for someone like me, with an average salary, to afford a home in my beloved hometown.
I can attest to this firsthand, having rented an apartment in the city centre during the Covid times for £1,100 per month for a two-bedroom. When I moved out, my landlord increased the rent by hundreds, making it even more unaffordable for me. So, if you're looking to buy a property outside of London at a more affordable price, St Albans may not be the best option for you.
But, if you are fortunate enough to have the means, here's why St Albans is such a popular place to live. The schools in the area are top-notch, making it a great place for families with children. I attended the Bernard's Heath Junior School before moving on to the highly regarded St Albans Girls School. There are also other single-sex schools in the area, such as St Albans High School for girls and St Columba's College for boys. For those who prefer a mixed-gender education, Sandringham and Townsend Church of England School are both highly rated options.
Aside from its excellent schools, St Albans also boasts a rich history and an abundance of things to do. The St Albans Cathedral, with its Norman architecture, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and is dedicated to Britain's first saint. The Verulamium Museum, which explores the Roman history of the city, is a popular spot for school trips. And, for those who love history, the Roman ruins of the Amphitheatre and The Hypocaust, an ancient Roman underfloor heating system, are must-see attractions.
The city also has a lively shopping scene, with a mix of high-end and independent boutiques. Anthropologie, Reiss, Whistles and The White Company are just a few of the well-known brands you'll find in St Albans. There are also great options for foodies, with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The market, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offers a variety of hand-crafted goods and delicious street food. And, for those who prefer to do their grocery shopping at a supermarket, there are several options including Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury's and Aldi.
For a more extensive shopping experience, the Atria shopping centre in Watford, just a 20-minute drive away, has over 140 shops, restaurants and leisure activities. With its abundance of pubs, St Albans is also known as the city with the most pubs per square mile in the UK. The Six Bells, The Boot and The Blacksmiths Arms are some of the most popular spots for a pint, and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the oldest pub in Britain, offers a unique experience alongside a lake filled with swans.
St Albans also has a diverse restaurant scene, with a range of cuisines to choose from. The Beech House is a favourite among celebrities, having hosted the likes of Zendaya and Tom Holland. And, for those who enjoy Indian cuisine, Veer Dhara is a must-visit spot, known for its delicious dishes and famous fans like Tom Cruise.
Despite its high housing prices, St Albans continues to be a popular place to live, and it's not hard to see why. Its rich history, excellent schools, lively shopping scene and wide range of dining options make it an attractive location for many. So, if you have the means, St Albans may just be the idyllic city you've been looking for.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
