3. SW Herts today: (b) Living

Location

• The area has many locational advantages, being attractive for those needing access to London, or to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton airports, whether for business or pleasure.

Diversity of character

• Home to a wide range of communities, from a small city and large towns to a number of smaller historic market towns, rural villages and hamlets.
• A variety of types of homes, ranging from large detached houses in more rural parts of the area, through to higher density apartments in central Watford.

Population changes

• The local population is growing. In particular, growth in the 65+ age group will increase demand for different types of housing, accessible healthcare and accessible local facilities.
• Watford is also seeing an increase in younger people moving into the town, which places different demands on services and facilities.

Housing pressures

• Demand for housing is high, but a large proportion of the area is designated as Green Belt or rural area, so finding suitable locations for sustainable growth is a huge challenge.
• House prices are very high, making it very hard to get on the housing ladder and to afford the type of home that suits your family size and lifestyle.

Prosperity hides some inequalities

• There are some pockets of deprivation, mostly focussed in the larger centres of Watford, Hemel Hempstead and Borehamwood.
• There are health inequalities across the area, with differences in life expectancy of up to 10 years
• Patients have variable access to local health and social care services.
• Hospitals within the area are in a poor physical condition and need upgrading to ensure they can continue to deliver the range and quality of services required.
• Those living outside of the larger towns are more likely to suffer from isolation and need access to a car to be able to reach local services and facilities.

Population density: Number of people per hectare (2011)

House prices

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