Apsley sits on the southern edge of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, a former mill town with a distinct identity despite its proximity to the larger town. The area has transformed significantly over recent decades, with the old paper mills converted into modern flats and new housing developments springing up along the canal. Public opinion on Apsley tends to be divided – some appreciate its convenient location and relatively affordable housing compared to nearby St Albans, while others see it as merely a commuter satellite lacking its own character.
This article cuts through the estate agent hyperbole to examine what Apsley genuinely offers residents in 2023. From the retail park that dominates much of its commercial identity to the surprising green spaces and transport connections, there’s more to consider than first meets the eye – including some legitimate concerns about congestion and amenities that prospective residents should know before moving in.
Is Apsley safe?
Apsley generally maintains a reasonable safety record compared to many parts of Hemel Hempstead, though it’s not without its issues. The area around the retail park experiences the typical problems associated with shopping districts, particularly shoplifting incidents that inflate the local crime statistics. King Harry Street has seen similar issues, while Jarman Way occasionally suffers from anti-social behaviour.
Local residents report feeling generally safe walking around during daytime hours, though some express concerns about poorly lit areas near the canal towpath after dark. The community policing team maintains a visible presence, particularly around the retail areas during weekends and evenings. Worth noting is that many of the newer residential developments feature secure entry systems and CCTV, providing additional peace of mind for residents of those properties.
Is Apsley a nice place to live for families?
Apsley presents a mixed picture for families, with some definite advantages but also limitations that potential residents should consider before making the move.
Schools
The educational landscape around Apsley is adequate but not outstanding. While there are no Ofsted-rated outstanding schools directly in Apsley itself, there are several good options within reasonable distance. Belswains Primary School and Nash Mills Church of England Primary School both hold ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings and are popular choices, though technically Nash Mills falls just outside Apsley’s boundaries.
For secondary education, families typically look to Longdean School, which maintains a solid ‘Good’ rating. However, as it’s located over a mile away in another part of Hemel Hempstead, places can be competitive, and there’s no guarantee of admission for Apsley residents. Many families report having to consider private education options or schools further afield in Hemel or Berkhamsted if they have specific educational preferences.
Family-friendly spaces
Apsley offers several decent play areas for younger children, with Aspen Park Playground being the most popular local option with recently upgraded equipment. The Durrants Hill play area provides a smaller alternative that’s quieter during peak times. The canal towpath offers a traffic-free route for family walks or bike rides, though it can get muddy in winter months.
The area has seen an increase in young families over the past decade, particularly in the new developments near the marina. This has created a small but growing community of parents who organize informal meetups and activities. The local Facebook group “Apsley Parents” has become an active hub for arranging playdates and sharing information about family events.
Is Apsley expensive?
Property prices in Apsley sit in an interesting middle ground – generally more affordable than St Albans or Berkhamsted, but not the cheapest option in the Hemel Hempstead area. With an overall average price of £495,000 over the last year, it represents what estate agents like to call “good value” for the region, though longtime locals might raise an eyebrow at that assessment.
Terraced properties dominate the housing stock, selling for around £425,000 on average. The canal-side developments command premium prices, with apartments there selling for significantly more than the £265,000 average for flats in the area. Semi-detached properties, particularly those in the quieter residential streets away from London Road, fetch around £535,000.
The rental market in Apsley is competitive, with two-bedroom flats typically going for around £1,500 per month. One-bedroom apartments hover around the £1,150 mark, while three-bedroom houses command approximately £2,100 monthly. The marina development properties tend to be snapped up quickly when they come to market, often going for above asking price due to their desirable location.
For those priced out of Apsley, nearby Bennetts End offers more affordable options but fewer amenities, while Nash Mills provides a similar feel with slightly higher property values due to its catchment for the popular Nash Mills Church of England Primary School.
What transport links are there?
Transport is one of Apsley’s strongest selling points. The railway station offers direct services to London Euston in approximately 30 minutes during peak times, making it popular with commuters. Trains run regularly, though morning services can become crowded, and the small car park fills up before 8am on weekdays.
Bus connections link Apsley to Hemel Hempstead town centre, Watford and St Albans, with the main routes running along London Road. The 500/501 services are particularly useful, though evening frequency drops considerably after 8pm.
Road access is convenient, with the A41 bypass providing quick links to the M25 and M1. However, London Road through Apsley can become a significant bottleneck during rush hour, with queues often stretching from the traffic lights at Durrants Hill Road back to the railway bridge. Local residents have developed a repertoire of alternative routes through residential streets, much to the chagrin of those living on these impromptu rat runs.
What amenities are available in Apsley?
Apsley’s amenities are dominated by the retail park, which provides convenient shopping but lacks character. Sainsbury’s serves as the main supermarket, with Tesco Express and ALDI offering alternatives. The independent Apsley Supermarket provides international foods not found in the chains, becoming something of a local institution for specific ingredients.
The dining scene is limited but improving. Darcy’s Bar & Restaurant offers a pleasant spot for evening meals, while Rodizio Villas Brazil provides something different for special occasions. Fast food options include McDonald’s, Hench, and BRIM for burger enthusiasts. The Hemel Food Garden, run by Sunnyside Rural Trust, offers a cafe with produce grown by adults with learning disabilities – a genuinely unique local spot worth supporting.
Healthcare provision includes a couple of pharmacies, though for GP services residents typically register with practices in Hemel Hempstead proper. Several barber shops and hair salons cater to personal grooming needs, while fitness enthusiasts have a few gym options including a budget chain in the retail park.
The Paper Mill pub, housed in one of the converted industrial buildings, provides a link to the area’s heritage along with decent food and local ales. It’s become something of a social hub for the newer residential developments nearby.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
Despite its semi-urban character, Apsley offers surprising access to green spaces. The Grand Union Canal provides a pleasant walking route directly through the area, with the towpath recently improved to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists more comfortably. Lime Walk offers a tree-lined route away from traffic, popular with dog walkers and joggers.
Nearby, Harding’s Moor in Boxmoor provides a larger natural space within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just a short distance away. Two Waters Lake offers fishing opportunities and a tranquil spot for watching waterbirds, though access points could be better maintained.
The Boxmoor Trust lands, while technically not in Apsley itself, are easily accessible and provide extensive meadows and woodland walks. The Trust runs regular conservation events that have become popular with environmentally-conscious Apsley residents looking to contribute to local habitat preservation.
So, what’s the verdict?
Apsley occupies a curious middle ground – neither the most desirable part of the area nor the least attractive. Its strongest assets are undoubtedly the transport connections and relative value in the property market compared to nearby towns. For commuters who want reasonable access to London without St Albans prices, it offers a practical solution.
The canal-side developments have added character to what might otherwise be a rather functional suburb, though the persistent traffic issues on London Road remain a significant drawback. Families may find the school situation workable but not ideal, requiring careful planning rather than assuming places at preferred schools.
For those who value convenience over character, Apsley delivers. However, those seeking a strong community feel or distinctive local identity might find it somewhat lacking, with the retail park dominating the area’s personality. The area continues to evolve, with new developments potentially bringing improved amenities, but also increasing pressure on the already strained infrastructure.
What are the alternatives?
Those considering Apsley might also look at Berkhamsted for a more characterful (but considerably more expensive) option with excellent schools and a thriving High Street. Nash Mills offers a similar feel to Apsley but with better primary school options, though at a higher price point. Kings Langley provides a more village-like atmosphere while maintaining good transport links, though property there commands a premium.
For more affordable alternatives, Hemel Hempstead town centre has seen significant regeneration and offers better amenities, though less convenient commuting. Leverstock Green provides a more suburban feel with better local shops but fewer transport options. Those prioritizing value might consider Bennetts End or Adeyfield, where property prices are lower, though these areas lack Apsley’s canal-side charm and direct London train service.
