St Albans has been named as the second best place to live in England and Wales by property finding firm Garrington.

The city was beaten to first spot by Twyford in Berkshire while Tring, Watford and Harpenden all make the top 20.

Areas were scored on natural beauty and flood risk, wellbeing, heritage, schools, employment and value for money.

St Albans is the most expensive place to live on the list, with an average family home costing £972,494.

The city's description on Garrington's website reads: "Second-placed St Albans in Hertfordshire has had a more strained relationship with royalty – it was burnt to the ground by Queen Boudicca during her revolt against Roman rule nearly two thousand years ago.

"These days its abundance of listed and historic buildings, museums, and theatres earned it 82nd place in the heritage category of our 2024 ranking.

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"St Albans is celebrated for its rich history, vibrant community, and excellent transport links to London, making it a highly desirable location for individuals seeking a balance between historical charm and modern convenience."

The full list of areas can be seen below:

  1. Twyford, Berkshire
  2. St Albans, Hertfordshire
  3. Epsom, Surrey
  4. New Mills, Derbyshire
  5. Bowdon, Greater Manchester
  6. Godalming, Surrey
  7. Tring, Hertfordshire
  8. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  9. Farncombe, Surrey
  10. Henley, Oxfordshire
  11. Guildford, Surrey
  12. Woking, Surrey
  13. Watford, Hertfordshire
  14. Bath, Somerset
  15. Marple, Greater Manchester
  16. Harpenden, Hertfordshire
  17. Ewell, Surrey
  18. Weybourne, Surrey
  19. Wallingford, Oxfordshire
  20. Chinnor, Oxfordshire