When deciding where to live a huge range of factors come into play. Typically your work location takes priority, alongside being close to family and friends.
And with millions of Britons working in London, properties in the capital are highly sought after. Unfortunately both renting and purchasing homes in the city is extremely expensive, and out of reach for many workers.
As a result commuter towns just a journey away from London have become more desirable than ever, and some even more so than others.
One city within the commuter belt has been ranked among the best on more than one occasion, with judges impressed with property prices, proximity to London and the health and wellbeing of residents.
The city in question is St Albans, in Hertfordshire.
This cathedral city can be found east of Hemel Hempstead and just 20 miles north-west of London.
It can take as little time as 21 minutes to reach London St Pancras by train from St Albans.
This was part of what saw St Albans take the fifth spot on estate agent Yopa’s 2023 list of top commuter towns.
Judges cited property prices, train times, season ticket prices and safety in the area, as pros of living in St Albans.
On top of this, the city was named among the healthiest places to live in the UK.
As part of Blue Horizon’s Healthiest Areas Index of The UK 2023, it was ranked 21st out of 307 places, with an average score of 73 out of 80.
It scored low for the levels of overweight people and admissions to hospital related to alcohol, compared to other places.
Blue Horizon explained: “Our study looks beyond appearances to find the 20 healthiest and least healthy cities in the UK.
“We analysed factors such as air quality, admissions to hospitals, the number of cancer patients in the country, and others to determine which locations had the healthiest individuals overall.
“By reviewing 12 key factors and completing a thorough analysis, we were able to determine the 20 healthiest areas for you to live and visit throughout the UK as well as areas with higher than average rates of illness and the potential for shortened lifespans.”
Aside from its proximity to London, St Albans also has plenty to offer from its rich history to award-winning restaurants and beautiful green spaces.
Enjoy St Albans says: “Quaint streets, historic buildings and outstanding landmarks jostle for attention with award-winning restaurants, incredible shops and stunning parkland. Old meets new at every turn.
“Wherever you walk, the city is packed with reminders of its rich heritage.
“The unique mediaeval clock tower dates to 1405 while the Roman Theatre is the only example of its kind in Britain.
“St Albans Market retains the lively spirit it exuded 1,100 years ago, while St Albans School, where Professor Stephen Hawking was a pupil, is one of the oldest in the world.”
According to Rightmove, properties in St Albans had an overall average price of £627,110 over the last year.
The majority of sales in St. Albans during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £701,718. Terraced properties sold for an average of £554,130, with flats fetching £313,459.
