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Quality of life strengthens Watford’s position as a commuter home hotspot

Posted 14 December 2015

New homes being built in the Hertfordshire town of Watford reflect its growing popularity as a quality option for commuting homebuyers...

Watford is steadily becoming a hotspot for homebuyers after it was recently voted one of the happiest places to live in Britain.

In an annual survey, people were asked to rate how happy they were living in their current town. Taking into consideration factors such as neighbourliness, pride and community spirit, Watford was rated ninth. Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill was delighted at Watford’s position in the top ten saying: “It is good that people want to live here and are happy living here. The most important thing for me is that people are choosing to live and spend their lives in Watford which shows a real commitment to the area.”

Watford on mapSituated in Hertfordshire, Watford is located just 17 miles outside of central London, taking just 30 minutes by rail and tube from Watford Junction to Oxford Circus. Transport into Watford is set to improve in the near future with the planned closure of Watford’s Metropolitan Line tube station in 2016, making way for two more conveniently positioned stations, Cassiobridge and Vicarage Road. The re-route aims to extend the Metropolitan Line overground, making it ideal for commuters with trains running to central London every 10 minutes during peak times.

Currently a monthly ticket from Watford Junction to London Liverpool Street costs £321.50 (£3,348 annually).

Watford has plenty to offer its residents, especially this festive season. At the start of this month, the town s Big Ice Skate reportedly attracted 10,000 more visitors through the town compared to an average Saturday. Another popular attraction in the area is Warner Brother Studios in Leavesden, with its acclaimed Harry Potter-themed guided tour. Other popular spots include Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Woods, which offer secret escapes for a quiet afternoon.

Watford is home to several schools renowned for their outstanding academic achievements including the Watford Grammar School for Boys and the Watford Grammar School for Girls.

Despite houses prices in Watford being yet to significantly increase, it is predicted that by 2020, house prices will be similar to that of a London borough suggesting that it is to steadily become a  hotspot for buyers.

New homes for sale in Watford now or coming soon: 

Abbotswood Park (Bellway) - Situated within easy access of the M1 and the M25, and just 20 minutes away from London Euston, the last of these new properties are ideal for the modern commuter. These spacious two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties are found just a short walk from Leavesden Country Park. New homes start from £729,995. Find out more at www.bellway.co.uk ; 0333 202 5171Abbottswood Park
Leggatts Green (Taylor Wimpey) – A new phase of properties at this development in Leggatts Green has just been announced. Located just 3.2 miles from Watford, these contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments are ideal for couples and the first-time buyer. Prices TBC. Find out more at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk ; 01442 502422Leggatts Green
Long Acres (Shanly Homes) – This collection of 28 two- and three-bed terrace houses are Shanly Homes’ latest development. Situated within walking distance of both Watford Grammar School for boys and Watford Grammar School for girls, these homes are ideal for families with all properties having allocated parking and some available with garages. Prices start from £535,000 with Help to Buy also available. Find out more at www.shanlyhomes.com ; 01923 369140Long Acres

St. Joseph’s Gate (Berkeley Homes) – Listed as a Grade II building, this stunning collection of 49 new and refurbished apartments are situated within the architectural grounds of St. Joseph’s College, just 20 minutes east of Watford in Mill Hill. These two and three-bedroom apartments combine period features with the contemporary, offering a truly unique place to call home. Prices start from £899,995. Find out more about St Joseph’s Gate from Berkeley Homes ; 01753 784417

St Joseph's Gate

Rail fares correct, per www.nationalrail.co.uk (14 December 2015) 


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