Hitchin has been named the most popular London commuter town for buyers, with Rightmove reporting that homes in the Hertfordshire market town generate almost twice as many property enquiries per listing as homes in London. A recent Telegraph feature also highlighted Hitchin’s growing appeal as a place to visit, live and put down roots.
Why is Hitchin a good place to live?
Hitchin is a good place to live because it offers fast London connections, a historic town centre, independent shops, green space and a strong community feel.
For buyers, Hitchin offers the balance many people are searching for: the ability to reach the capital when needed, while enjoying the personality, convenience and slower pace of an established Hertfordshire market town.
Market Place sits at the centre of local life, framed by Tudor and Georgian buildings and hosting one of the country’s largest regular outdoor markets. Around it, cafés, restaurants, vintage shops, record stores, specialist retailers and cultural venues give the town a distinctive identity that helps it stand apart from other commuter locations.
What is there to do in Hitchin?
In Hitchin, you can visit the outdoor market, independent shops and cafés, North Herts Museum, Hitchin Lido, live music venues and nearby Hitchin Lavender.
The town has become increasingly popular for days out, helped by a varied events calendar, local music scene and seasonal attractions that bring visitors into the centre and surrounding countryside.
Weekend plans can range from a swim at Hitchin Lido, watching a match at Hitchin Town FC, to browsing the market, stopping for coffee or catching live music. In summer, Hitchin Lavender is one of the area’s standout draws, with fields, picnic areas and a tearoom open during the season.
What are the schools like in Hitchin?
Hitchin has a range of nursery, primary and secondary schools, with several well-regarded options in and around the town.
Schools within the area include, Kingshott School, Mary Exton Primary School, Whitehill Junior School, and Hitchin Boys’ & Girls’ Schools.
It is also worth considering school travel routes and the wider education provision across nearby villages and neighbouring parts of North Hertfordshire when planning a move.
How close is Hitchin to London?
Hitchin is around 31 minutes from London King’s Cross by the fastest train services.
Regular direct services also connect the town with London St Pancras International, supporting flexible commuting and making the capital easy to reach for work, leisure and onward travel.
Hitchin is also well placed for Cambridge and the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside, giving residents access to employment hubs, open space and local amenities from one practical base.
Why do families choose Hitchin?
Families choose Hitchin for its schools, transport links, parks, community events, independent town centre and access to the countryside.
For day-to-day life, the town centre provides places to meet, eat and shop, while nearby villages and green spaces give households more room to enjoy quieter moments close to everyday amenities.
Hitchin’s appeal also lies in its welcoming local character. Independent businesses, cultural attractions and regular events help create a lively place that still feels manageable for family routines.
Where can I move to?
If you want to move near Hitchin, Kingswick Park by Elivia Homes in St Ippolyts offers new two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes close to the town.
Set on London Road in St Ippolyts, the development will include 51 private homes designed to reflect the area’s architectural character while providing a modern, high-quality specification.
The location gives buyers easy access to Hitchin’s shops, schools, transport links and lifestyle, while the village setting offers a quieter alternative to living in the town centre. Homes will include features such as quartz worktops, Bosch appliances, wine coolers, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.
Prospective buyers will be able to visit the Kingswick Park show home when it opens on September 26th. To find out more or register your interest ahead of the launch, visit Kingswick Park or call 01462 290048.
