Hertfordshire has seen 10 places in the county named among the best places to live in England for 2025, according to Muddy Stilettos.
The women's lifestyle website creates a list of the 'best places to live' every year, and it has expanded its number of entrants from 260 to 300 with London, Yorkshire and Cheshire being added to its regions.
Discussing the list, Hero Brown, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Muddy Stilettos says, “When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house - they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they’re strategic, a long-term investment too.
"Our 2025 ‘Top 300 Best Places To Live’ guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times."
The research for the locations included was completed in association with the estate agent Knight Frank.
The full list of the 300 places to live for 2025 can be found at the Muddy Stilettos website here, but here are the Hertfordshire locations that were included.
Hertfordshire's 10 best places to live in 2025
Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted was described as a "chi-chi canal-side market town" adding that it "feels like a little bit of London right here in Hertfordshire, with its trendy shops and eateries, while its rural surrounds and speedy train line make Berkhamsted a commuter’s dream."
However, Muddy Siloutes warned that living in Berkhamsted would come with a price: " The catch? Well, it’s not cheap, but compared to London it’s a steal, especially when you throw in the proximity to the Chilterns and the acres of surrounding countryside to explore."
Bishop’s Stortford
The charming area of Bishop’s Stortford was praised for its natural beauty: "Bishop’s Stortford boasts its own country park, has a river running through it, a National Trust Forest on the doorstep and oodles of pretty villages nearby."
Bishop’s Stortford 'best-kept secret; was also shared, as H@me & Eat was given a positive review: "Hidden away on the Birchanger Industrial Estate, is a spacious and eclectically styled café and restaurant which plays host to a calendar of tribute nights and special events such as beer festivals."
Broxbourne
The historical area of Broxbourne saw its two rivers become a key reason why the Hertfordshire town made the Muddy Stilettos list: "Not one, but two rivers run through it (the River Lea and the New River) and you’ll find hundreds of acres of woodlands to explore here."
For food, The Bulls Head and Vintage Inns’ The Crown, as well as The White Bear and The Woodman and Olive (a modern Greek pub and restaurant) were all praised.
Harpenden
Harpenden was described as a "lovely town" adding that its "connections to London are stratospherically fast and it’s packed with great pubs, restaurants and independent shops."
Additional features included a "very pretty Georgian centre, cricket green, upmarket high street shops, cute independents, great schools and a sense of class."
Hertford
Muddy Stilettos depicts the town of Hertford as offering the "excitement of city life with bags of culture, great shopping and cool cafés and bars."
The market town on the banks of "River Lea has a buzz to rival some North London boroughs, shedloads of indies, [and] picturesque waterside walks" according to the outlet.
Hitchin
Hitchin is described as a "super convenient commuter town" with "history, character and a host of brilliant indies."
Set in North Herts, Hitchin earned praise for its look and green space: "It’s historic – with narrow winding streets, gorgeous architecture and a traditional market square – but also oh-so-trendy."
Kings Langley
The area of Kings Langley is described by Muddy Stilettos as a "prime spot" as they explain it: "nestled comfortably between Hemel Hempstead and Watford in the Gade Valley, alongside the Grand Union Canal and the M1, whilst also being just a stone’s throw from St Albans and only 20 miles from London."
The village was also praised for its "historic High Street with a handful of independent shops."
Royston
On the Cambridge and Hertfordshire border, Royston "packs a big punch for a small town, with its acres of heathland, historic High Street packed with local businesses and erm… a cave!"
Royston's community was well regarded as the website shared: "There’s tonnes of communal spaces to enjoy here, from the pretty Priory Memorial Gardens with its multiple Green Flag awards, kids’ play area and splash parks."
St Albans
Among the UK's smallest cities, St Albans is described as having "everything" as Muddy Stilettos writes: "The historic centre – all ancient religious buildings and cobbled streets – gives way to cute rows of terraces."
They add that St Albans is the perfect place to go "if you want to get out of (London), but still want a super-buzzy scene."
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Welwyn Garden City
Known as one of England's garden cities, Welwyn Garden City was praised for its green space, and "lively community scene".
Plus, they shared: "With average house prices under £500k and being a sub 35 min whizz by train into London, it’s got a lot to appeal to commuters and families."
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