Commuter home hotspots: Letchworth property guide with house prices, time to London, best schools and more
01-13-2018
Britain's first "Garden City", Letchworth in Hertfordshire, has traditional homes that are highly prized by families leaving London behind.
Ruth Bloomfield
Enduring charm: Hertfordshire's first "Garden City" has stood the test of time Alamy Stock Photo
WHY MOVE TO LETCHWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE?
This first "Garden City" in the Hertfordshire countryside was developed in the early 20th century as overflow housing for Londoners, and its cottage-style houses and plentiful open spaces have stood the test of time.
There's a thriving high street and a cinema and theatre, while good, varied local sports facilities include Stanborough Lakes for watersports and Gosling Sports Park for dry skiing. Norton Common boasts an Art Deco lido.
Vital statistics
Average property price: £342,571
Price increase since 2007: 54 per cent
Average price for a house: £405,056
Journey time: 39 minutes
Season ticket: £5,500
Most of Letchworth's primary schools have "good" Ofsted reports, as does its secondary school, The Highfield School.
A two- to three-bedroom "traditional" cottage would cost £350,000 to £450,000.
There are no nightclubs but quite a few new restaurants have been opening up.
The neighbouring town of Hitchin has more nightlife