St Albans Buyers Guide: Where to Buy in the Hertfordshire City
St Albans Cathedral at dusk.
Named after the first British Christian martyr and later becoming an important pilgrimage destination, you’ll find few spots in Hertfordshire with as much historic significance as St Albans. With the days of pilgrimages largely behind it, St Albans is now a city that’s loved for its growing list of cultural events, great education, and superb links to London. Naturally, the growing popularity of St Albans has seen it become a highly desirable place to live and property prices have increased as a results.
In the twelve months to August 2023 the average house price in St Albans was £651,009, with semi-detached homes setting you back as much as £721,755. For those who need less space, flats are significantly cheaper at an average price of £313,732 during the same period. But it goes without saying that house prices can vary throughout St Albans, with some of the most desirable areas including Bernards Heath and St Michael’s Village sure to set you back a pretty penny.
As we did in our guide to Hertfordshire’s best places to live, we’re going to give you a walkthrough of St Albans. In doing so, we’re going to introduce you to some of the city’s beautiful streets, reveal the top schools in the area, shed light on the shopping on offer, plus much more.
Abbey Precincts
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans.
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from St Albans’ thriving city centre, the Abbey Precincts encompass several picturesque streets. Our favourites include Fishpool Street and New England Street, both of which are home to quaint terraced houses with boldly painted doors. Although parking can be a slight headache along these streets, they are equally intimate and vibrant.
Those who live on New England Street will find a park and play area on their doorstep. But this part of St Albans is also a short walk from Verulamium Park, an oasis of greenspace and wildlife. Whilst you’ll find a family-friendly café in the park, those in search of something a little more ‘refreshing’ should visit Dylan’s at The Kings Arms or Ye Olde Fighting Cocks.
Numerous schools flank the streets of the Abbey Precincts, including St Michael’s Primary School and Abbey Primary School. When coupled with being located at the heart of St Albans, this area is a great spot for children to call home with both brilliant education and plenty of activities to get stuck into.
Bernards Heath
St Albans home with Victorian architecture.
As you may expect, it is the gorgeous Victorian terraces that we love most about Bernards Heath. But this part of St Albans has a lot more to offer, ranging from boutique cafes to rolling greenspace. All of which has led Bernards Health to be one of the most desirable and therefore costly spots in St Albans (as well as broader Hertfordshire) to live.
At the heart of Bernards Heath is its namesake open space. As well as being a great spot to walk the dogs, this heathland features a popular play area at its centre. Numerous spots sessions take place on Bernards Heath too, including rugby. For those who prefer to be indoors, you’ll also find one of the UK’s oldest indoor skate parks at The Pioneer Club.
For those with little ones to consider, Bernards Heath is home to one of the few schools to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. This school, Bernards Heath Juniors School, is located along Watson Avenue and just a short distance from the local nursery.
Sandridge Village
Countryside surrounding Hertfordshire.
Although not strictly part of St Albans, we couldn’t write a buyers guide to the city without mentioning the nearby parish. But although small in comparison to St Albans itself, Sandridge is buzzing with independent cafes and one of our favourite farm shops in the area.
If you’re in search for a bite to eat, take a wonder to The Potting Shed. Surprisingly spacious within, this café offers a ‘field to fork experience’ using local and seasonal produce. But if you’d prefer to cook a meal at home, then you’ll love The Potting Shed’s farm shop just as much as their café.
Although this village isn’t home to a secondary school, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a primary school. Sandridge Primary School has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and is loved for its passion for nurturing each of its students.
St Michael’s Village
Although a village by name, St Michael’s is in fact a part of St Albans itself. As well as being home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the city, St Michael’s Village is rich in history that dates to the Roman City of Verulamium. A walk around the area reveals many signs of the past, including the curious monument of Sir Francis Bacon who had asked to be buried in St Albans Abbey.
Those who live in or around the area will be quick to tell you about The Waffle House, a St Albans institution that offers both great food and breath-taking views. One of the area’s most popular free houses is The Six Bells, where you’ll be met with both English charm and delicious food.
With it being located nearby the centre of St Albans, those who live in St Michael’s have a variety of nurseries and schools just a short walk away. But St Michael’s Primary School is always positively spoken of by parents and children as well as being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Conclusion
With our architects being located a short way from St Albans, you’d expect us to love everything the city has to offer. But through this short buyer’s guide, we hope you’ve got a taste of what the city as a whole and its distinct areas have to offer too.
If you’d like to explore other areas in Hertfordshire, take a look at our Hertfordshire Buyers Guide. Here you’ll be introduced to some of the most popular areas in the county, including Berkhamsted, Harpenden, Tring and Watford.
But if you’ve decided to renovate your existing home or are considering developing a property in Hertfordshire – get in touch with us! Our knowledgeable team of architects will be able to support you throughout the process, helping to identify opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind home for your family or a property for your portfolio.