Having the best of both worlds – the feeling of living in the countryside together with the convenience of being a short journey to the heart of the capital city. From St Albans City to St Pancras International, the commute is unbeatable, taking from just 21 minutes. An annual season ticket costs from £3,500.

Did you know ?

St Albans is one of a small, elite group of UK cities where average property prices top £500,000. According to the latest UK House Price Index, the average property price stands at £502,956, which is down two per cent year on year.

For period charm and a central location, all roads lead to the Abbey conservation area where a three-bedroom period house will cost £650,000 to £800,000, depending on architectural style and proximity to the station.

A generally lovely place to live, St Albans was this summer voted one of the top 10 spots in Britain to raise a family, based on factors such as crime rate, house prices, drug and alcohol use and school standard.

Schools

City centre schools with an Ofsted “outstanding” rating include St Alban and St Stephen Catholic Infant and Nursery and Junior Schools, Oakwood Primary School and The Abbey Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. For seniors, St Albans Girls’ School, Loreto School, Beaumont School and Sandringham School also get top marks from the Government’s inspectors.