Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston are among the best places to live in Hertfordshire, according to a survey conducted by lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos.

Muddy Stilettos asked its readers to vote for the best village, town or city to call home in 2024 using its Top 260 Places to Live guide.

Voting took place between July 30 and August 15, with things considered including a town or village's sense of community, quality of access to schools, restaurants, shops and culture.

In the top 10 Herts locations, Hitchin took third spot, Letchworth eighth and Royston 10th.

Letchworth was ranked eighth.Letchworth was ranked eighth. (Image: Muddy Stilettos)

Claiming the top spot was St Albans, with Tring coming in second.

Explaining Hitchin's popularity, Muddy Stilettos said: "It’s historic – with narrow winding streets, gorgeous architecture and a traditional market square – but also oh-so-trendy. There’s also plenty of green space in which to sit with your high-end coffee and watch the world go by. Oh, and the commute to London or Cambridge is a cinch."

Of Letchworth, it says: "The first ever garden city is rich in heritage and has green spaces galore, from the pretty Broadway Gardens with their iconic fountain, to the 13.6 mile Greenway which circumnavigates the town.

"It has a lot to offer for couples or families looking to switch the rat race for a more suburban lifestyle, and is fast becoming a commuter favourite for its affordability and speedy connection into London."
Royston packs a big punch for a small town.Royston packs a big punch for a small town. (Image: Royston First) Meanwhile, of Royston, Muddy Stilettos said: "Royston packs a big punch for a small town, with its acres of heathland, historic high street packed with local businesses, and a cave! Plus, it’s a nifty sub 40 mins into London."

Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos, said: "When people move home, they’re searching for more than just a house, they want to find a new lifestyle that works for them.

"Our exclusive reader vote gives them a fresh perspective that can make their search easier.

"It’s hard to be confident on whether a location is the right place for you, but we’ve built our reputation on having first-hand knowledge on the in-the-know places to live and places to go.

"This reader vote gives a truly independent view on the towns and villages with the most popular postcodes, schools, restaurants and amenities."