Moving to Watford: Area Guide
Welcome to Watford, home of Watford F.C. and a short drive away from the Harry Potter Studio Tour. But that’s not all. Watford is filled with many peaceful green spaces and a sense of community, which make it perfect for families settling down or commuters looking for a home that gives them a break from London’s bustle.
Where is Watford?
Watford is often confused with being a part of London, but is in fact the largest town in the neighbouring Hertfordshire County. In about 20 minutes, you can get to London Euston or to the green Hertfordshire countryside, which is hugely beneficial for the commuters that settle down in Watford.
A brief history of Watford
Long before it was known for its Premier League football club, Watford was a hub for the brewing and raw silk industries which boomed after the area connected to London by the railway built in 1837. The local rivers allowed for the development of paper making, which required the need for paper making machinery and evolved Watford into an industrial powerhouse.
Although the area isn’t filled with manufacturers or engineering businesses anymore, it does still house the headquarters of some of the nation’s biggest companies, such as Ralph Lauren, JD Wetherspoon, Homesense and Mothercare, to name a few.
An in-depth look at Watford
Who lives there?
You won’t see too many luxury flats in Watford, as the area has a much more residential vibe, with people often settling down in this well-connected area. You’ll also find students who are willing to travel into the city but prefer the cheaper rental prices in Watford. Families who like to be connected to the capital in noticeably calmer Hertfordshire also call Watford their home.
Types of property in Watford
You’ll find Watford filled mostly with residential properties, particularly terraced housing. There are some new developments too, though these are more low key than some of London’s large and lavish apartment buildings.
Rents in Watford average around £960 per month for a one-bedroom flat and £1,250 per month for a two-bedroom property. Families homes with three or more bedrooms start at around £1,800 per month.
Watford transport
Watford has many connections to London, with Watford Junction station also serving the London Underground, as well as an additional two train stations – Watford North and Bushey – for you to choose from.
Restaurants and shops
Head to Flourish Craft Bakery if you’re tired of your regular seeded bread from Tesco and treat yourself to the beautiful buns, baps and rolls at Flourish Bakery. Sit back and enjoy a cuppa with your homemade pastry. Alternatively, why not try out Tarboush, where you can enjoy pizza, wine, magicians, belly dancers, snake charmers and fire breathers. Sounds like a regular day in Watford.
If it’s chain shops that float your boat, Intu Watford is jam-packed with 113 of your favourite high street retailers and 29 eateries, Intu Watford is the perfect place to please your family’s different tastes and interests all in one spot.
Socialising in Watford
If you’re planning on spending a day walking around Watford, you’ll easily find a place to shop or grab a bite to eat. Hop in the car and take a five-minute drive to find some unexpected gems…
- Experience the making of Harry Potter on the world famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Visit Cassiobury Park, recently voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK
- Eat, drink and most important play to win against your friends at Topgolf
- Watch a game at Vicarage Road Stadium
- Have a laugh with some of the funniest folks in the country at Watford Colosseum
- Sample everything from Korean street food to Avon makeup at Watford Market
- Explore the quaint, fairytale grounds of Cheslyn House and Gardens
- Book a meditative yoga class and feed the protected cows at Bhaktivedanta Manor
- Catch the Christmas pantomime or opt for some impressive opera at the Watford Palace Theatre
Moving to Watford
Watford is the perfect town for anyone looking to settle down in a residential neighbourhood after spending some time in the city. Sizeable flats at reasonable prices are going fast as more and more people relocate to Hertfordshire, so visit soon to see your new home.
