What’s it like living in Stevenage?
Stevenage offers numerous appealing features for potential homebuyers. With fast and frequent train services to central London, professionals can enjoy a convenient commute, with journey times to King’s Cross Station averaging around 20 minutes. Residents can enjoy the town’s parks and recreational spaces, like the scenic Fairlands Valley Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, Stevenage has a range of family-friendly facilities, such as high-quality schools, leisure centres, the modern Lister Hospital and a lively town centre bustling with shops and restaurants.
Affordability and Property Types
Stevenage presents an appealing prospect for homebuyers seeking affordability and variety:
- More Affordable Than London: Housing prices in Stevenage are generally lower than those in the capital, offering better value for money without compromising on quality of life.
- Diverse Housing Options: From period homes and modern apartments in the town centre to semi-detached and detached houses, Stevenage offers a diverse range of properties to suit different preferences and budgets.
Where to Live
For Families:
- Chells: This sought-after area has good schools, larger detached and semi-detached houses and proximity to green spaces like King George V Playing Fields, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Pin Green: Families seeking convenience and affordability will appreciate Pin Green’s mix of housing styles and proximity to essential amenities like shops, schools and the large Stevenage Leisure Park.
- Great Ashby: With plenty of green spaces and a strong community feel, this newer development provides modern housing options and amenities, ideal for families looking for a friendly place to call home.
For First-Time Buyers and Young Professionals:
- Town Centre: Apartments and smaller terraced houses close to the train station and town centre amenities offer affordability and a lively lifestyle for young professionals seeking convenience and accessibility.
- Bedwell: A mix of property sizes, from flats to larger houses, combined with good transport links, provides a balance of affordability and accessibility for first-time buyers looking to establish themselves in Stevenage.
- Old Town: With its historic appeal and unique character, the Old Town offers smaller cottages and converted flats, perfect for those appreciating period architecture.
For Downsizers and Retirees:
- Symonds Green: With a quieter atmosphere and mature trees, this more established area offers bungalows and smaller homes, providing downsizers and retirees with a peaceful retreat.
- Broadwater: Offering a mix of property types, including retirement developments, with good access to local amenities, Broadwater provides retirees with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Things to Consider
Before making the decision to purchase a home in Stevenage, it’s essential to take note of the following factors:
- Varying Neighbourhoods: Like any town, Stevenage has areas that may be more desirable than others. It’s important to conduct thorough research into different areas to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.
- Town Centre Regeneration: While the project aims to enhance the town centre, be prepared for potential disruption during construction and uncertainty regarding the final outcome and timeline.
- Limited Architectural Appeal: Some areas of Stevenage may lack visual appeal due to their post-war development and planned nature, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
- Social Issues: Like many towns, Stevenage has areas facing socioeconomic challenges and varying school standards. Thorough research of specific neighbourhoods is important to ensure compatibility with your lifestyle and priorities.
Crime Rate in Stevenage
Lister Close (including Lister Hospital): This area had the highest number of reported crimes, with the majority being violent and sexual offenses.
Other Notable Areas: High Street in Hitchin, The Forum and Stevenage Leisure Park in Stevenage also saw significant crime numbers, including shoplifting and violent offenses.
Neighbourhood Variation: Crime rates differ between neighbourhoods. Bedwell in Stevenage reported the highest crime rate per 1,000 people.
Police Response: Hertfordshire Police state they investigate all crime reports and many violent/sexual offenses involve people known to each other.
Key Takeaways for Homebuyers:
- Safety is a Concern: Stevenage has areas with higher crime rates, including some popular locations.
- Do Your Research: Thoroughly investigate crime statistics for specific streets and areas before buying a home.
- Don’t Rely on Town Averages Alone: Crime rates vary greatly within Stevenage.
- Utilise Police Resources: Use the Hertfordshire Police website for crime prevention advice and to potentially find more detailed crime data – https://www.herts.police.uk/.
Conclusion
Overall, Stevenage presents a compelling option for homebuyers seeking a blend of affordability, convenient commuting to London, family-friendly amenities and a good selection of housing options. While there are ongoing regeneration projects and some variation between areas, the town offers a good quality of life for those open to its planned nature. Potential buyers should carefully research specific areas of the town and be aware of the crime statistics to make a fully informed decision.

