Moving to…Hertford
Castle grounds, flowing rivers and Georgian homes await you in Hertford, a charming town in the county of Hertfordshire. The surrounding areas also contain sprawling countryside, and London is just a relatively short commute away.
But what’s it like living in this town day-to-day? In this guide, we’re visiting Hertford to find out about its history, homes and everything there is to see and do.
A brief history of Hertford
The Normans started work on Hertford Castle, and it was continued by King Henry II, who rebuilt it in stone. The castle was regularly visited by English royalty, making Hertford a place of significant importance during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It was also used as a place where parliament would meet during the Black Plague. In the following years, Hertford grew and prospered as a sought-after market town.
Where is Hertford?
Hertford is a county town of Hertfordshire in the East of England. It lies at the confluence of four rivers: Rib, Beane, and Mimram join the River Lea. Neighbouring areas include Welwyn Garden City, Harlow and Hatfield. London is just over 40 miles away.
Moving to Hertford
There’s a historic centre with surrounding residential streets where you will find Victorian and Regency homes. Plus, you can expect to find Georgian homes and a variety of townhouses and cottages.
Buying in Hertford
The average house value in Hertford is £482,744, with paid prices over £20k higher at £503,383. Expect to pay around £895,029 for a detached home, £434,275 for a terraced house and £281,655 for an apartment.
Hertford property prices are significantly higher than the UK national average of £251,000, and more expensive than some of the cheapest places to buy in London! Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by nine per cent and by 14 cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Durham, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Hertford
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £1,250 per month in Hertford, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,375 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,750 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Hertford, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £13, which is slightly more affordable than the UK average of £12. A cappuccino is £2.80, and one litre of milk is £0.95p.
Utility bills, however, are more expensive than the nationwide average. Electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost around £183 per month, which is around £20 more expensive than the national average. Broadband is around £33 per month.
Living in Hertford
An increasing number of young professionals are moving out of North London to Hertford, as it’s a great commuter town. It has excellent travel links back into the city while also offering acres of the surrounding countryside and a charming town full of character.
Open spaces
There’s plenty of open space to discover in Hertford, thanks to the countryside surrounding the town. Panshanger Park is a picturesque country estate with 200 acres open to the public where you can go for a stroll and admire grassland, wetlands and reedbeds.
Transport links
Hertford is well connected, with five trains heading to London every hour. City commuters can choose to disembark at London Moorgate (via Highbury & Islington) or Liverpool Street. Motorists are about 15 minutes from the A1 and 20 minutes to the M25. Stansted airport is a 45-minute drive.
Shopping
Head to the historic centre for a spot of shopping in Hertford. Here, you will find independent retailers selling everything from clothing to jewellery. A lively market also takes place every Saturday and features a range of stalls.
Eateries
From quaint country pubs to independent restaurants and chain favourites, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries in Hertford. Elle’s Kitchen is a popular restaurant, while The Hummingbird pub is a regular spot for the locals.
Nightlife
Head to Popworld Hertford, which is one of the clubbing options open until the early hours. You should also try Deco Lounge with its art-deco inspired lounge and bar.
Art & culture
The Hertford Theatre is a modern building that showcases a range of local productions. It also doubles up as a cinema showing the latest flicks. You can also discover more than 100,000 objects at the Hertford Museum, which covers fine art, geology, ethnography, archaeology, ceramics, photography.
Things to do
Hertford Castle is perhaps the most well-known landmark in the town. The building is private, though it can be accessed by the public during the Heritage Open Days in September. The grounds surrounding the castle are always open to the public.
What’s not to like?
It might be a bit too quaint and quiet for some, especially if you’re moving from London.
Who lives there?
Hertford has a population of just over 26,000 and a median age of 40.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 49mbps in Hertford, which is lower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Hertford average 1,862 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Everything you need to know about moving to Hertford
Get even more information about moving to Hertford with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on any property in the Hertfordshire town, so you can get to know the area before you move there. Everything you need to know is in one place!
Last Updated: November 20th, 2024
