Thinking about moving to Hemel Hempstead? This Hertfordshire town has a lot to offer, from commuter-friendly transport links and practical shopping areas to green spaces and a characterful Old Town.
One of the biggest appeals of living in Hemel Hempstead is that it has two very different sides. The New Town is busy, convenient and practical, with plenty of independent shops. The Old Town feels more historic and picturesque and very classic British!
For anyone planning a move, Hemel Hempstead can offer the best of both worlds: everyday convenience and a quieter, more characterful side when you want it. Here’s what to know before you pack the boxes.
Is Hemel Hempstead a Good Place to Live?
Hemel Hempstead is a popular choice for people who want easy transport access to London and nearby towns without living in London. It can suit commuters, families, young professionals and anyone looking for a practical place to live with plenty of green space close by.
The town has a good mix of housing, local shops, leisure facilities, schools, parks and transport links. It is also within easy reach of St Albans and the surrounding countryside, which makes it a useful base for working families and weekends out.
Like any town, where you live within Hemel Hempstead can shape your experience. Some areas feel more countryside-esque and residential, while others are closer to the busier part of the town.
Moving to Hemel Hempstead: What to Expect
Moving to Hemel Hempstead can be a good option if you want more space and better value than some nearby commuter hotspots, as it’s a town that offers both convenience and character.
You’ll find a range of property types, including flats, terraces and larger family homes. This makes the town appealing to most movers.
As with any move, it is worth planning ahead. Completion dates do not always line up, renovations can frustratingly take longer than expected, and it is easy to underestimate how much furniture and boxes you need to move.
If you are moving to Hemel Hempstead and need somewhere safe for your belongings while you get organised, Magenta Self Storage in St Albans o offers a practical storage option within reach. We provide personal storage solutions for people moving home, redecorating or decluttering, helping take some of the stress out of the process.
The New Town
Hemel Hempstead was developed as a New Town after the Second World War, and that practical layout still shapes much of the town today.
The New Town side of Hemel Hempstead is where you’ll find everyday convenience. There are shops, supermarkets, restaurants, leisure facilities and services that make day-to-day life easier. For people moving from London or busier nearby towns, this can make Hemel feel like a more manageable place to live while still having plenty close by.
Then, of course, there is the infamous Magic Roundabout. It is one of Hemel Hempstead’s best-known landmarks and often a talking point for newcomers! It might look confusing at first, but for many locals, it is simply part of the town’s identity.
The Old Town
Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town offers a completely different feel. With its traditional cobbled streets, period buildings and independent businesses, it feels more like a small historic high street than part of a larger commuter town.
This area is popular for cafes, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and relaxed weekend browsing. It is the kind of place where you can meet friends, explore new places and enjoy a slower pace away from the busier shopping areas.
For many people living in Hemel Hempstead, the Old Town is one of the town’s biggest lifestyle benefits. It adds charm and character, giving the town more personality than you might expect from its New Town reputation.
Transport and Commuting
Transport is one of the main reasons people consider moving to Hemel Hempstead. The town is well placed for commuters travelling to London, St Albans, Watford and other nearby employment areas.
Road links also make it convenient for people who drive regularly. For hybrid workers, Hemel Hempstead can be a practical base, offering access to London when needed without the same pace as city living.
If commuting is a big part of your move, it is worth testing the journey at the time you would normally travel. This gives you a more realistic idea of train, road and traffic conditions.
Schools, Green Space and Everyday Life
For families, Hemel Hempstead offers a good mix of schools, nurseries, parks and leisure options. There are residential neighbourhoods that appeal to people seeking more space and access to local amenities.
Green space is also a major plus. The town has parks with walking routes to the nearby countryside, giving residents plenty of options for getting outdoors. Whether you want somewhere for children to play, a regular dog walk or a quieter weekend stroll, there are plenty of local spaces to explore.
There is also plenty to do in the nearby towns, all within reach for shopping, eating out, family days out and countryside escapes.
Property and Storage When Moving Home
Moving home is exciting, but it can also be messy. Even the most organised move can involve a few awkward weeks where belongings need to go somewhere before the new home is ready.
Taking a look into storage can be useful if you are:
- waiting between moving dates
- downsizing
- decorating before fully unpacking
- renovating a new property
- decluttering before a sale
- storing furniture while you decide where everything goes
At Magenta Self Storage, we offer different-sized storage rooms, with options suitable for everything from a few household items to the contents of a larger home. Our facility in St Albans is located on Ronsons Way, just off the A1081, making it a convenient choice for people moving in and around the local area.
Having a storage unit nearby means you can unpack at your own pace, saving the stress that moving can bring, knowing your items are kept secure.
Tips for Moving to Hemel Hempstead Smoothly
Before moving to Hemel Hempstead, spend time exploring both the Old Town and New Town. They offer very different experiences, and visiting both will help you understand which part of the town suits your lifestyle best.
It is also worth checking your commute, researching local schools if needed, and thinking carefully about how much space you will have in your new home.
When packing, declutter before you move, label boxes by room and keep essentials separate for the first few days. If there is a gap between moving dates, or if you simply want more breathing room, booking storage can make the whole process feel more manageable.
So, What Is Living in Hemel Hempstead Like?
Living in Hemel Hempstead offers a mix of convenience, character, and commuter-friendly access. A few recommendations from us would be family-friendly highlights like The Snow Centre for indoor skiing and the bustling Marlowes Shopping Centre. Meanwhile, the historic High Street in the Old Town adds immense charm and a thriving independent scene. It’s the perfect place to spend a Saturday browsing local boutiques or grabbing a coffee at The Old Town Teahouse.
For outdoor lovers, a stroll through the beautiful Gadebridge Park or a walk along the Grand Union Canal near Apsley Wharf offers a lovely escape from the daily hustle.
For families, commuters, and anyone looking for a well-connected Hertfordshire base, Hemel Hempstead is a remarkably strong place to consider.
Planning a move to Hemel Hempstead? Magenta Self Storage St Albans can help make moving easier with flexible storage for furniture, boxes, and belongings while you settle into your new home.
FAQs
Is Hemel Hempstead a good place to live?
Yes, Hemel Hempstead can be a good place to live, especially for commuters, families and people looking for a mix of convenience, green space and local character.
Is Hemel Hempstead good for commuters?
Hemel Hempstead is popular with commuters thanks to its links to London, St Albans, Watford and nearby employment areas.
What is Hemel Hempstead famous for?
Hemel Hempstead is well known for its Magic Roundabout, New Town history and picturesque Old Town.
What is the nicest part of Hemel Hempstead?
It depends on what you want from the area. The Old Town is popular for character, cafes and independent shops, while other areas may appeal for schools, transport or family homes.
Do I need storage when moving to Hemel Hempstead?
Storage can be useful if your moving dates do not line up, you are renovating, downsizing or want to unpack gradually.
Where can I find storage near Hemel Hempstead?
Magenta Self Storage St Albans is a nearby option for people moving to or from Hemel Hempstead who need flexible space for furniture, boxes or household belongings.