Commuter home hotspots: Letchworth property guide with house prices, time to London, best schools and more

WHY MOVE TO LETCHWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE?

This first "Garden City" in the Hertfordshire countryside was developed in the early 20th century as overflow housing for Londoners, and its cottage-style houses and plentiful open spaces have stood the test of time.

There's a thriving high street and a cinema and theatre, while good, varied local sports facilities include Stanborough Lakes for watersports and Gosling Sports Park for dry skiing. Norton Common boasts an Art Deco lido.

Most of Letchworth's primary schools have "good" Ofsted reports, as does its secondary school, The Highfield School.

A two- to three-bedroom "traditional" cottage would cost £350,000 to £450,000.

There are no nightclubs but quite a few new restaurants have been opening up.

The neighbouring town of Hitchin has more nightlife.