Yes, and it is not just an opinion. Hemel Hempstead was named the happiest place to live in the East of England and seventh in the entire country in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, which surveyed over 26,000 people on everything from community spirit to green space. For a town of its size and price point, that is a remarkable result.
Whether you are a commuter looking for more space, a family searching for good schools, or a first-time buyer priced out of London and St Albans, Hemel Hempstead deserves serious consideration. Here is an honest look at what life in the town is actually like.
What Is Hemel Hempstead Like?
Hemel Hempstead is often described as two towns in one. The characterful Old Town to the north features cobbled streets, antique shops and a Norman church, while the New Town offers a more contemporary feel with shopping centres and leisure facilities.
It caters to a range of lifestyles, from families and professionals to students and retirees, and with a population of around 100,000 it has enough going on to feel genuinely urban without the pressures that come with city living.
Transport Links
This is one of Hemel Hempstead’s strongest selling points for buyers relocating from London or commuting regularly.
Direct trains from Hemel Hempstead station reach London Euston in approximately 35 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day. For drivers, Junction 8 of the M1 and Junction 20 of the M25 are both close by, giving straightforward access to London, Luton Airport, Birmingham and beyond. Residents also enjoy easy access to nearby towns such as Berkhamsted, Chesham, Harpenden and Tring, all within a 20-minute drive.
For buyers who need to commute but want more house for their money, the transport links make Hemel Hempstead one of the most practical options in Hertfordshire.
Schools in Hemel Hempstead
Families moving to Hemel Hempstead will find a wide range of schools at every level. There are 42 schools in the area, with Brockswood Primary School and Two Waters Primary School both rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The Hemel Hempstead School and Cavendish School are among the established secondary options in the town.
School catchment areas do affect property values in certain parts of the town, so it is worth researching specific postcodes carefully if a particular school is a priority. Our local team can help you identify which streets fall within the catchments you are looking for.
Green Space and Things to Do
There is plenty of green space, with the Chiltern Hills, Ashridge Estate and Grand Union Canal offering scenic escapes just moments from the town centre.
Gadebridge Park is a large urban park with open fields, play areas, a skate park, and walking and cycling paths, and hosts regular community events. The Water Gardens in the town centre are a distinctive feature that sets Hemel apart from many comparable towns.
For leisure, Jarman Park offers a cinema, restaurants and a leisure centre, and the Old Town has a good mix of independent shops, pubs and cafes for a more relaxed pace.
Is Hemel Hempstead Safe?
According to data from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hemel Hempstead’s crime rate is classified as average for Hertfordshire and is significantly lower than the average for London. For buyers relocating from the capital it represents a meaningful step up in day-to-day safety.
Areas further from the town centre, such as the leafy suburbs of Boxmoor and Apsley, are generally considered to have the lowest crime rates and are very popular with families and professionals. As with any town of this size, it is worth looking at specific neighbourhoods rather than treating the whole area as uniform.
Property in Hemel Hempstead
The average house price in Hemel Hempstead is around £424,649, compared to an average of £625,000 in St Albans according to ONS figures from February 2026. That is a difference of around £200,000 for comparable access to London and Hertfordshire’s amenities, which is a compelling case for buyers who are being priced out of neighbouring towns.
The market covers everything from modern flats and new builds to larger detached family homes in areas like Boxmoor, Leverstock Green and Woodhall Farm. If you are weighing up whether to buy new or older, our guide on new build versus older homes is worth reading before you decide.
For landlords, rental demand in Hemel Hempstead is consistently strong, driven by the commuter appeal and the town’s growing employment base. Our guide on whether buy-to-let is still worth it covers the current picture for investors, and our landlord services team is on hand if you want to discuss your options.
What Are the Best Areas in Hemel Hempstead?
Different parts of the town suit different buyers.
Boxmoor and Apsley are popular with families and professionals. They have a village feel, low crime rates, good access to the train station and some of the most sought-after properties in the area.
Leverstock Green is a quieter residential area with a strong community feel, popular with families looking for a more suburban environment.
Woodhall Farm and Adeyfield offer more affordable entry points into the market while still being well served by local amenities and schools.
The Old Town appeals to buyers who want character, independent shops and a more distinctive sense of place.
Browse our current Hemel Hempstead listings to see what is available across these areas right now.
What Does the Future Look Like for Hemel Hempstead?
The Hemel Garden Communities programme is an ambitious development that will create around 10,500 new homes and 8,000 new jobs by 2050, expanding the town to the north and east. This level of planned growth signals long-term investment in the area’s infrastructure and employment base, which is a positive signal for property values over the coming decades.
For buyers thinking about long-term value, Hemel Hempstead is a town with genuine momentum behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hemel Hempstead expensive to live in?
Compared to London and nearby towns like St Albans and Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead is relatively affordable. The average house price is around £424,649, and the rental market offers good value for the level of connectivity the town provides.
How far is Hemel Hempstead from London?
Hemel Hempstead is approximately 24 miles northwest of London. Direct trains reach London Euston in around 35 minutes.
Is Hemel Hempstead good for families?
Yes. The town has a wide range of schools including several rated Outstanding by Ofsted, good green space, leisure facilities and a strong community feel in areas like Boxmoor, Leverstock Green and Woodhall Farm.
What are the best areas to live in Hemel Hempstead?
Boxmoor and Apsley are consistently popular with families and professionals. Leverstock Green suits those looking for a quieter suburban feel, while the Old Town appeals to buyers who want character and independent amenities.
Is Hemel Hempstead a good place to buy a property?
Yes. Strong transport links, an expanding employment base, planned growth through the Hemel Garden Communities programme, and competitive prices relative to nearby towns make it a sound choice for both homeowners and investors. For a full picture of what selling costs look like if you are moving from elsewhere, see our guide on the costs of selling a house.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents
Michael Anthony Estate Agents has been helping people buy, sell, let and rent in Hemel Hempstead since 1997. Our team knows every postcode, every neighbourhood and every street. If you are thinking about making the move, we are the people to talk to.
Find out more about our Hemel Hempstead branch, book a free property valuation, or get in touch with our team.
Published: May 2026