Hatfield, a stunning commuter town on the outskirts of London, was crowned the capital’s second-best spot to live by celebrity property guru Phil Spencer – missing out on the top spot to nearby St Albans.
Despite its rural setting and a population of over 40,000, Hatfield’s exceptional transport connections can whisk you into Central London in a swift 25 minutes – making it a sought-after location for those looking to swap city life for greener pastures.
And Rightmove notes that the average price of a property sits at around the £392K mark, a pretty sizeable difference from London’s £687K.
Phil Spencer, widely recognised for his role on the hit TV show Location, Location, Location with co-host Kirstie Allsop, based his insights on a mix of factors including train timings, affordability, and local features beyond excellent transport links, analysing data from both Yopa and Rightmove.
Phil Spencer dubbed Hatfield London’s second best commuting spot
In his commentary to moveiq.co.uk, Spencer elaborated on the charm of Hatfield, saying: “Hatfield offers plenty to do right on your doorstep, and while not as busy as some Hertfordshire towns, the price of your average family home is much lower. Its high street might not be as bustling as others, but it offers many of the perks of living in London without the price tag.
“You can reach Kings Cross in just over 20 minutes.”
Glorious in its heritage, Hatfield traces its origins back to Roman times when it was first settled. Today, it is celebrated for its ample local amenities which include supermarkets, shops, and eateries.
The town centre boasts a historic market dating all the way back to the 13th century where visitors can purchase locally sourced goods and handcrafted items.
One of these pretty Georgian houses in the heart of Hatfield could be yours (though these ones will cost a pretty penny)
(Image: Brockswood/Getty Images)
For those with a penchant for history, Hatfield House is an absolute must-visit. This grand Jacobean mansion, constructed in 1611, was once the residence of Queen Elizabeth I and now welcomes the public with guided tours, exhibitions, and events all year round.
The house is surrounded by stunning gardens, complete with a maze and wilderness garden, ready for visitors to discover.
Hatfield is also celebrated for its superb parks and green spaces, offering a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town boasts several parks, including Ellenbrook Fields and Stanborough Park, which provide a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, and walking trails.
These parks are also equipped with playgrounds and picnic areas, making them an ideal location for a family day out.
Hatfield Forest is right on your doorstep, so you’re never far from nature
(Image: Ray Wise/Getty Images)
The town’s transport links make commuting to London or other nearby towns a breeze. Hatfield is conveniently located on the A1(M) motorway, providing straightforward access to major cities like Cambridge and Peterborough.
The town also has its own railway station, with regular trains reaching London Kings Cross in just 25 minutes.
The University of Hertfordshire, renowned for its strong industry connections and research capabilities, offers a variety of courses in fields such as business, engineering, and computer science, attracting students from across the globe. Hatfield has seen significant regeneration recently, with the town centre being redeveloped and new residential areas established.
The modernised town centre now boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, creating a lively atmosphere for residents. With all the benefits of London living without the hefty price tag, it’s no surprise that Hatfield has been named as London’s second-best commuter town.
You can sign up to get the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in London sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
To sign up, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘join community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Click here to sign up for alerts.
Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon’s The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day