Is AL3 (Redbourn) a Good Place to Live? House Prices, Crime & Schools Guide
Nestled just three miles from St Albans and five miles from Harpenden, Redbourn (AL3) has quietly become one of Hertfordshire's most sought-after village locations. But what makes this historic village so appealing to families and professionals alike in 2025?
With average property prices on the High Street reaching £466,250 and an annual total crime rate of just 85 per thousand population, rated as low crime level compared to other local areas, Redbourn offers an intriguing blend of rural charm and urban connectivity that's increasingly rare in the Home Counties.
Whether you're a young family searching for excellent schools, a London commuter seeking village life, or someone looking to downsize to a peaceful yet connected community, this comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about living in AL3.
House Prices in Redbourn (AL3) - 2025 Market Analysis
Current Property Values Across AL3
The Redbourn property market shows significant variation depending on location within the village. Properties on Dunstable Road average £255,000, making it one of the more affordable streets, while North Common commands premium prices averaging £545,000.
The Park area shows mid-range values at £380,000 on average, offering a sweet spot for families seeking value. Meanwhile, Zoopla reports the average sold house price on High Street at £421,054, reflecting the desirability of central village locations.
Premium Property Hotspots
For those with deeper pockets, the most recent sale in Silk Mill Road was a detached house that sold in March 2025 for £975,000, with the highest sale price in the area reaching £1,207,500.
Redbourn Road properties have averaged an impressive £2,800,000 over the last year, though this includes some exceptional high-value sales that skew the average upward.
Price Growth Trends
The market shows steady appreciation with property prices in some areas rising by 3.8% over the past year, with a total increase of 18.4% over the past five years, and a long-term rise of 37.3% over the past decade.
Quick Tip: Before making an offer, get a comprehensive Hausreport to understand the true condition and value of any AL3 property. Our AI-powered survey analyses everything from structural issues to local price trends in minutes, not weeks.
Crime and Safety in AL3 - The Real Statistics
Overall Crime Levels
Redbourn enjoys remarkably low crime rates compared to national averages. The annual total crime rate in the local area is 85 per thousand population, rated as 4 out of 10 or low crime level. To put this in perspective, St Albans district as a whole has an annual rate of 78.9 per thousand population, meaning Redbourn sits comfortably within the safe zone.
Recent Crime Statistics
In April 2025, there were a total of 35 incidents reported, with the largest category being Anti Social Behaviour, followed by Vehicle Crime. In August 2025, just 12 crimes were reported within half a mile of the High Street area.
Specific Crime Categories
Breaking down the crime types in AL3:
- Anti-social behaviour: 27.4 per 1000 (rated 6/10)
- Violence and sexual offences: 17.8 per 1000 (rated 2/10 - very low)
- Burglary: 6.86 per 1000 (rated 6/10)
Drug and weapons-related crime is 38% lower than the St Albans average and 79% lower than the national average, making it particularly safe for families.
Schools in Redbourn - Education Options Reviewed
Redbourn Primary School
The village's main primary school has undergone significant changes recently. Following a March 2025 Ofsted inspection, the school received Good ratings across all categories including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Early years provision.
However, it's worth noting that the school was previously rated as Requires Improvement in November 2022, showing it has made substantial progress. The school has 402 students aged 3-11 with a student-teacher ratio of 19, and 50% of pupils achieved higher standard in reading, writing & maths at key stage 2.
According to Ofsted Parent View, 54% of parents strongly agree and 32% agree that their child is happy at the school, while 57% strongly agree and 29% agree that their child feels safe.
While Redbourn doesn't have its own secondary school, nearby Roundwood Park School in Harpenden is a Secondary Academy converter school serving the area. The closest secondary school is Roundwood Park School at 1.8 miles away.
Transport Links and Commuting from AL3
Rail Connections
Just three miles away, Harpenden train station offers quick journeys into London. One stop gets you to St Albans, and in about 25 minutes, you can be right in central London at St Pancras.
Harpenden Train Station serves as a vital transport hub with commuters able to travel to central London (St Pancras International) in approximately 30 mins, Luton in 10 mins, and Gatwick Airport in 1 hour.
Bus Services
The line 34 bus from High Street to St Albans City station takes just 12 minutes and runs every four hours. The 357 bus route has 51 stops from St Albans City Railway Station to Redbourn High Street.
Road Access
The road distance to St Albans is 5 miles, taking approximately 8 minutes to drive, though traffic can be an issue, especially when travelling to St Albans during busy times.
Local Demographics and Community
Population Characteristics
The area has a very large concentration of married residents at 59.8% of the population, compared to the average marriage rate of about 44%. This reflects Redbourn's appeal to families and established couples.
91.2% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, higher than the UK average of 83.2%, indicating a stable, established community.
Age Profile
The Redbourn ward shows a higher-than-average concentration of retired residents at 34% of the population, compared to an average of 21.7%, suggesting it's popular for downsizing and retirement.
Economic Profile
The area is entrepreneurial, with 17% of residents being self-employed compared to the average of 9.3%. Households have a higher level of wealth than average, with 85% of analyzed areas in England and Wales having lower average household income.
Local Amenities and Lifestyle
The Village Heart
At the centre of Redbourn lies the Common, a large green area perfect for walks, bike rides, picnics, or watching cricket matches. Families gather here to relax, and it remains one of the most loved parts of the village.
Life in Redbourn centres around its parish council centre, hosting various clubs and groups from art classes to sports teams.
Historical Appeal
The story of Redbourn stretches back thousands of years, with roots in the Iron Age and Saxon times. In the Middle Ages, two mounds called the "Mounds of the Banners" were linked to the legend of St Amphibalus.
Modern Conveniences
The area has support for gigabit broadband at premises, offering 1,000Mbps or more, perfect for remote workers.
Healthcare is well-served with The Lodge Health Partnership just 80 yards from the High Street and Harpenden Memorial Hospital 2.3 miles away.
Is AL3 Right for You? Final Verdict
Best For:
- Families seeking village life with good schools and safe streets
- London commuters wanting rural living with 25-minute access to St Pancras
- Retirees looking for a peaceful, well-connected community
- Remote workers needing fast broadband and countryside inspiration
Consider Carefully If:
- You need immediate access to secondary schools
- You rely entirely on public transport (limited evening services)
- You're seeking urban nightlife and entertainment
- You're on a tight property budget (limited options under £350k)
The Investment Case
With steady price growth, low crime rates, improving schools, and excellent transport links, AL3 represents a solid investment for both lifestyle and financial returns. The village's character restrictions and green belt protection help maintain property values while preserving the rural charm that attracts buyers.
Making Your Move to AL3
Before viewing properties in Redbourn, arm yourself with data:
- Get your Hausreport on any property you're serious about - understand condition issues, true market value, and potential problems before making an offer
- Compare postcodes with Hauservice - explore how different areas of AL3 stack up for schools, crime, demographics, and commute times
- Visit at different times - experience morning commute traffic, weekend village life, and evening atmosphere
- Connect with locals - join Redbourn community Facebook groups for insider perspectives
Redbourn (AL3) offers a compelling package for those seeking authentic village life without sacrificing connectivity. With property prices ranging from £255,000 to over £1 million, there's surprising diversity in the market. Add low crime rates, improving schools, and that crucial 25-minute connection to London, and it's clear why AL3 continues to attract discerning buyers.
The village isn't perfect - secondary school options require travel, and premium properties command hefty prices. But for families, retirees, and remote workers seeking that elusive balance of rural charm and modern convenience, Redbourn delivers on its promise of quality Hertfordshire living.
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