Felden sits as a leafy, upmarket enclave on the southwestern edge of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. This small residential area offers a curious blend of countryside tranquility and suburban convenience that has made it increasingly desirable among those looking to escape London’s hustle without completely disconnecting from urban amenities. With its distinguished properties, proximity to the Chiltern Hills, and somewhat exclusive atmosphere, Felden presents a distinctive proposition for potential residents. But is the reality as rosy as estate agents might suggest? This article unpacks the various aspects of life in Felden, from safety concerns to property prices, school options, and the overall livability factor.
Is Felden safe?
Felden enjoys a reputation as one of the safer areas within the broader Hemel Hempstead region. Crime rates here are notably lower than in the more central parts of Hemel, with the area benefiting from its somewhat secluded position and predominantly residential character.
Most reported incidents tend to occur not in Felden itself but in the nearby commercial areas, particularly around Hemel Hempstead station and the shopping districts. The odd vehicle-related crime does occasionally crop up, but residents generally describe feeling secure walking around, even after dark.
The local community maintains an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme, with many residents using WhatsApp groups to keep each other informed about any suspicious activity. One long-term resident recently commented at a parish meeting that “in fifteen years here, I’ve never felt unsafe, though we’re not complacent – we look out for each other.”
Is Felden a nice place to live for families?
Felden has developed something of a reputation as a family-friendly haven, particularly for those seeking a bit more space and greenery than central Hemel can provide.
Green spaces and activities
Families in Felden benefit from easy access to Roughdown Common Nature Reserve, which offers lovely woodland walks and open spaces for children to explore. The nearby Boxmoor Trust land provides additional natural playground space, with seasonal activities including conker collecting in autumn and bluebell walks in spring.
The local community occasionally organises family-oriented events, with the summer picnic on the green becoming something of an annual tradition. There’s also the Boxmoor Fair and various seasonal activities at nearby Gadebridge Park that families from Felden regularly attend.
Schools
The school situation for Felden residents presents a mixed picture. While there are several outstanding primary schools within the broader Hemel Hempstead area, competition for places can be fierce, and catchment areas don’t always favour Felden residents. Parents often find themselves having to drive their children to schools slightly further afield.
For secondary education, most Felden children attend The Hemel Hempstead School or Cavendish School, both rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Some families opt for the grammar school route, with pupils sitting the entrance exams for schools in nearby Watford or St Albans.
Many parents in the area report satisfaction with the educational options, though some have mentioned the stress of the admissions process, particularly for the more sought-after primary schools. As one local parent put it in a recent community forum: “The schools are good if you can get in, but be prepared to factor in school runs if you’re not in the right catchment.”
Is Felden expensive?
There’s no sugar-coating it – Felden sits firmly at the premium end of the Hemel Hempstead property market. With an average property price hovering around £665,000 over the past year, it represents a significant investment. Detached properties, which dominate the area, command even higher prices, with the average sitting at a substantial £880,000.
The northern side of Felden, with its larger plots and more secluded positions, tends to be the most expensive, with some properties exceeding the £1 million mark. The southern end, closer to Boxmoor, offers slightly more affordable options, though still at a premium compared to most of Hemel Hempstead.
For those looking at the rental market, options are limited as Felden has relatively few rental properties. When they do become available, flats typically command around £1,200 per month, while houses can easily exceed £2,000 monthly.
Nearby alternatives offering better value include Boxmoor itself, which provides a similar village-like feel at somewhat lower prices, or Nash Mills, which offers newer developments with good amenities. Those willing to sacrifice some of the exclusivity and green space might find central Hemel Hempstead offers significantly better value, particularly for first-time buyers.
What transport links are there?
Transport is one of Felden’s stronger suits, with the area benefiting from proximity to Hemel Hempstead station without suffering the immediate congestion that often surrounds it. The station, approximately a 15-minute walk from most parts of Felden, offers direct services to London Euston in around 30 minutes, making it popular with commuters.
Bus services are somewhat limited, with the main routes running along London Road rather than through Felden itself. Most residents rely on cars, and the area offers good road connections with easy access to the A41 and M25, providing routes to London, Watford, and St Albans.
Cyclists benefit from the Grand Union Canal towpath, which provides a scenic and traffic-free route into Hemel town centre or towards Berkhamsted in the other direction. However, the hilly nature of some of Felden’s roads can make cycling challenging for less confident riders.
What amenities are available in Felden?
Felden itself is primarily residential with minimal immediate amenities – a deliberate choice for many who prize its quiet character. The Station Cafe and Puccino’s near Hemel Hempstead station provide convenient coffee stops, while the Station Newsagents offers essentials.
For more substantial shopping, residents typically head to either Hemel town centre or the retail parks at Jarman Park and Apsley. The lack of a major supermarket within Felden itself is sometimes cited as a drawback, though the Waitrose in neighbouring Boxmoor somewhat compensates for this.
Healthcare facilities include a couple of GP practices on the fringes of the area, though for specialist care, residents typically travel to Hemel Hempstead General Hospital or further afield to Watford General.
The real draw for many is the excellent selection of country pubs within walking distance, including The Three Horseshoes and The Fishery Inn, both offering good food and riverside seating in summer months.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
The outdoor environment is undoubtedly one of Felden’s strongest selling points. Roughdown Common Nature Reserve forms a green boundary to the west, offering ancient woodland, chalk grassland and splendid views across the Bulbourne Valley.
The Grand Union Canal provides a picturesque walking route, with the towpath leading to Berkhamsted in one direction and through Apsley and Kings Langley in the other. Many residents speak fondly of Sunday walks along the canal, perhaps stopping at a canalside pub for lunch.
The proximity of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, means more extensive hiking opportunities are just a short drive away. Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, is particularly popular with Felden families for weekend outings.
So, what’s the verdict?
Felden offers a distinctive proposition for those who can afford its premium prices. Its blend of rural tranquility, good transport links, and relative safety creates an undeniably pleasant living environment. The area particularly suits established families and professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle without completely sacrificing connectivity to London and surrounding towns.
The downsides are clear: property prices exclude many potential residents, amenities within the immediate area are limited, and school catchment challenges can cause headaches for families with young children. The reliance on cars for most journeys might also deter the more environmentally conscious.
In essence, Felden represents a classic case of getting what you pay for. The premium prices secure a genuinely lovely living environment with excellent outdoor spaces and a strong community feel, but require compromises on immediate amenities and potentially school choices.
What are the alternatives?
Those drawn to Felden’s appeal but deterred by the prices might consider neighbouring Boxmoor, which offers a similar village-like atmosphere with more amenities but at slightly lower prices. Leverstock Green provides good family housing with excellent school options, though lacks some of Felden’s charm and exclusivity.
For those prioritising transport links, Apsley offers direct London services with more affordable housing and the convenience of a large Sainsbury’s and retail park. Meanwhile, Berkhamsted, though similarly expensive, provides a more developed town centre with excellent independent shops and restaurants while maintaining access to beautiful countryside.
Those seeking more property for their money might look to villages slightly further from London, such as Potten End or Little Gaddesden, which offer genuine rural living but with longer commutes and fewer amenities.
