Is Bishop's Stortford a nice place to live for commuters?

A lively rural town with a well-connected railway, Bishop's Stortford is one of the best places to live in Hertfordshire for commuters and young families. It is the perfect location for professionals looking to get away from the hectic London life.

Best neighbourhoods to live in Bishop’s Stortford

Bishop's Stortford boasts several desirable neighbourhoods, each offering unique advantages for residents. Thorley Park is known for its family-friendly environment and excellent schools, making it a popular choice for families. St. Michael's Mead features modern housing and ample green spaces, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The North West Corner of the town offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, while Parsonage Lane is appreciated for its convenient location and community feel. Warwick Road and Avenue Road are both sought-after areas, known for their beautiful homes and proximity to the town centre, providing easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

Schools in Bishop’s Stortford

Families in Bishop’s Stortford have a great selection of primary and secondary schools to send their children to. Amongst them, Windhill21, which holds an Outstanding OFSTED rating, All Saints Church of England Primary School, and Albury Church of England Primary School.

Bishop’s Stortford High School and Hertfordshire and Essex High School and Science College, which teach the ages of 11 to 18, also both hold Outstanding status.  

Transport links

Bishop's Stortford is well-connected with excellent transport links. The Bishop's Stortford Train Station offers direct lines to Liverpool Street (37 minutes), Cambridge (30 minutes), Stratford (40 minutes), and Stansted Airport (10 minutes).

The town also has easy access to the M11 motorway, and the local Arriva bus service provides convenient routes, including to Stansted Airport.

Food and drink

Bishop’s Stortford has a vibrant culinary scene with a wealth of diverse options. Among them, Paisa is a delightful wine bar serving authentic cuisine from the south of Italy, perfect for a relaxed evening. Ronis offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh meat and seafood dishes, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for special occasions. No 14 specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that caters to a range of tastes. Giggling Squid is a popular choice for Thai food lovers, known for its flavourful and aromatic dishes. For those craving Indian cuisine, Shadhona provides a menu of traditional and delicious options.

Among the local pubs, The Half Moon stands out, with a music venue named The Horn located above it, providing live entertainment for visitors. The Dog’s Head is a favourite among sports fans, offering a lively atmosphere to watch live games. Other notable pubs include The Nag’s Head, Bridge House, The Black Lion, and The Star, a charming 17th-century pub renowned for its affordable 2-for-1 cocktails and food offers.

For those seeking a vibrant bar scene, Water Lane Lounge & Bar and Peach are popular spots among locals, known for their excellent cocktail and brunch offerings. Ace of Lanes combines a bowling alley with a bar, featuring darts and pool spaces, making it a fun destination for a night out.

Local shops

The town has a number of shops and services for essentials and specialities alike. Among them, Vinegar Hill, a charming homeware and gifts store, Goddards, a clothing store stocking fashions for men and women, various hairdressers and barbers shops, and a number of high street chains.

The town also has a local market which runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and includes flower stalls, food stalls, and arts and crafts on North and Potter Street.

Things to do in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford offers a rich array of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. The town's main historic attraction is Waytemore Castle. The ruins include a motte and bailey structure, a 12th-century tower, and a 13th-century keep. Formerly used as a prison in the 17th century, the castle now provides a glimpse into the medieval past of Bishop's Stortford and serves as a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

In addition to its historical sites, Bishop's Stortford is home to Southmill Arts, a premier arts and heritage venue dedicated to contemporary arts and culture. Southmill Arts hosts a museum and cinema, as well as a variety of live theatre, music, and comedy events, making it a vibrant cultural hub in the town.

For fitness enthusiasts, Bishop's Stortford offers numerous gyms and sporting opportunities. Facilities include Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre, Snap Fitness 24hr gym, Challenge Gym, Nuffield, and Absolute Gym. These venues provide a range of fitness options to suit all preferences and schedules.

The town also boasts several sports clubs, including those for cricket, rugby, football, squash, and tennis. Additionally, the Bishop's Stortford Golf Club offers a great environment for golf enthusiasts. For those who enjoy running, the Castle Park parkrun is a weekly 5k event that is free and open to everyone, providing a wonderful opportunity to stay active and engage with the community.

Parks and outdoor spaces 

Bishop's Stortford is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Town Park is a central green space offering a variety of amenities for visitors. It features Sworder's Field, a large open area suitable for public events such as concerts, festivals, and fairs. The park also includes an adventure playground for children.

Grange Paddocks is a comprehensive leisure facility that includes a large park with extensive outdoor sports facilities, while Thorley Park is a well-maintained green space located in the Thorley area of Bishop's Stortford known for its beautiful landscaping and peaceful environment. Parsonage Lane Park is a family-friendly park with a range of play equipment for children of all ages.

Southern Country Park is one of the newest parks in Bishop's Stortford, covering approximately 23 hectares. The park has won the prestigious Green Flag Award every year since 2008. It features a balancing pond for fishing and duck feeding, an enclosed picnic area, large grassy areas for informal play and kite flying, and an exciting play area for older children. The park also includes a dog agility area, woodland, grazing areas, chalk banks, streams, and a small natural pond, making it a haven for wildlife and a great place for nature walks.

House prices in Bishop’s Stortford

Over the past year, house prices in Bishop's Stortford have averaged £492,787 according to Rightmove. Detached properties were the most commonly sold, with an average selling price of £707,110. Semi-detached homes sold for an average of £461,744, while flats fetched an average of £228,542. Overall, the average sold prices in Bishop's Stortford were 2% lower than the previous year but 1% higher than the peak in 2022, which was £485,525.

If you're considering a move to Bishop's Stortford, get in touch with our branch team today to find out more or browse properties for sale and to let.