Hertsmere

Hertsmere sits in the south of Hertfordshire in England, just north of London, and mixes suburban neighbourhoods with patches of countryside. It forms part of the capital’s commuter belt and benefits from good rail and road links, which helps shape its character as both a residential area and a gateway to the open spaces of the Chilterns and the wider county.

The borough has a surprisingly prominent creative economy anchored around Elstree and Borehamwood, where film and television studios have been active for many decades and still draw production work and visitors. Local high streets, small businesses and market towns also play a big role, and towns such as Radlett, Potters Bar and Bushey are well known as commuter hubs with desirable residential areas.

There are plenty of green lungs and historic touches, from country parks like Aldenham Country Park to conservation areas and village cores that speak to the area’s longer history. Socially the borough is diverse, with active community groups, religious and cultural organisations, and a mix of modern suburban living alongside pockets that retain a quieter, village feel.