A complete guide to living in Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Located in the heart of Hertfordshire, Hatfield is a vibrant town that blends historic character with modern development. Situated around 20 miles north of London, Hatfield is a popular choice for commuters, families, and students thanks to its excellent transport links, growing business community, and proximity to beautiful countryside.
With a population of around 41,000, the town forms part of the Welwyn Hatfield borough and has seen significant growth in recent decades due to redevelopment, the presence of a major university, and its appeal as a commuter location.
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, rent, or invest in property, Hatfield offers a wide range of housing options and amenities.
Hatfield enjoys a strategic position in Hertfordshire with excellent access to London and surrounding towns.
The town sits alongside the A1(M) motorway and offers quick connections to the M25, making travel by car straightforward across the South East. For commuters, Hatfield railway station provides direct services to London King's Cross, Finsbury Park and Moorgate station, typically taking around 22–28 minutes.
The town is also well connected to nearby destinations such as:
Welwyn Garden City
St Albans
Hertford
Stevenage
These strong transport links make Hatfield a convenient base for both commuting professionals and families.
Hatfield has a long and fascinating history dating back more than 1,000 years. The settlement was recorded in the Domesday Book and its name is believed to originate from the Saxon “Haethfeld,” meaning heath-covered land.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is Hatfield House, a magnificent Jacobean country house built in 1611 and still home to the Cecil family. The estate sits within Hatfield Park and is one of Hertfordshire’s most popular historic attractions.
Hatfield also played an important role in aviation history. The de Havilland aircraft factory, established in the 1930s, produced some of the world’s most significant aircraft designs and helped shape the town’s industrial growth during the 20th century.
Hatfield has a long and fascinating history dating back more than 1,000 years. The settlement was recorded in the Domesday Book and its name is believed to originate from the Saxon “Haethfeld,” meaning heath-covered land.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is Hatfield House, a magnificent Jacobean country house built in 1611 and still home to the Cecil family. The estate sits within Hatfield Park and is one of Hertfordshire’s most popular historic attractions.
Hatfield also played an important role in aviation history. The de Havilland aircraft factory, established in the 1930s, produced some of the world’s most significant aircraft designs and helped shape the town’s industrial growth during the 20th century.
Education is one of Hatfield’s strongest features, making the town attractive to families and students alike.
The town is home to the University of Hertfordshire, a major modern university with around 36,000 students and strong links to industry in fields such as business, engineering, and technology.
Hatfield also offers a range of primary and secondary schools, with additional highly regarded schools located nearby in St Albans and Welwyn Garden City.
Residents benefit from a variety of shopping and leisure options both within the town and nearby.
A key retail destination is The Galleria, an outlet shopping centre featuring retail brands, restaurants, and a cinema.
Hatfield town centre also provides supermarkets, cafés, and everyday amenities, while nearby St Albans offers a vibrant historic city centre with independent shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Green space is another highlight of the area. Hatfield Park and surrounding countryside provide scenic walking routes, parks, and outdoor activities for residents.
Hatfield offers a diverse property market, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers and tenants.
Property types include:
Period cottages and character homes in Old Hatfield
Post-war homes built as part of the New Town development
Modern apartments and new-build housing developments
Student accommodation and buy-to-let investments
The town’s mix of housing stock, strong rental demand from university students, and commuter appeal makes it an attractive area for both homeowners and investors.
There are many reasons why people choose to live in Hatfield:
Excellent commuter links to London
A strong local university and student community
Historic landmarks and green spaces
A wide variety of property types
Convenient access to major roads and surrounding Hertfordshire towns
These factors combine to make Hatfield a practical and well-connected place to live.
