Area Overview for AL3 7RH

Area Information

Redbourn is a village and civil parish situated on the Roman road now known as the A5, approximately three miles from Harpenden and four miles from St Albans. The postcode AL3 7RH covers a specific residential cluster within this township, home to a population of 1,458 people. This small community is governed by three tiers of local government: Redbourn Parish Council, St Albans City and District Council, and Hertfordshire County Council. The village is located on Watling Street, a historic route that has long connected the area to the north of London. You will find roads leading to Dunstable Road and Church End, alongside the historic High Street where many local buildings stand. The parish had a recorded population of 6,913 in 2011, though current estimates for the immediate enclave are around 1,544. Redbourn features a variety of periods and styles, ranging from Saxon settlements to Georgian architecture. The village was once a significant coaching station, earning the nickname the "Street of Inns", before railways and the 1984 by-pass changed the transport landscape. Living in AL3 7RH offers a sense of history grounded in physical landmarks like St Mary's Church. The area benefits from its strategic position on a major trunk road while maintaining a distinct village character.

Area Type
Postcode
Area Size
Not available
Population
1458
Population Density
42 people/km²

The property market in AL3 7RH is defined by a strong leaning towards owner-occupation. With 74% of residents owning their homes, this is clearly an area built for long-term settlers rather than short-term letting. The predominant accommodation type is houses, which fits the profile of a village located on the outskirts of urban centres like Harpenden and St Albans. This housing stock typically includes a mix of older properties given the village's history stretching back to Saxon times and its Georgian architecture seen in buildings like The Red House. If you are looking at homes in AL3 7RH, you should expect a market dominated by properties suited to settled families. The village government structure, involving parish and district councils, often influences local planning and development controls. The proximity to the A5 trunk road and the historic High Street means homes may have good access but also potential traffic considerations. The low density of the area, with 42 people per square kilometre, means houses are likely spaced apart compared to inner suburban developments. Buyers here are usually purchasing a home to live in for many years, reflecting the 74% ownership rate seen in local statistics.

House Prices in AL3 7RH

No properties found in this postcode.

Energy Efficiency in AL3 7RH

Daily life in AL3 7RH centres around a blend of village history and modern convenience. You have access to five retail locations, including Co-op Redbourn, Waitrose Harpenden, and M&S Harpenden Superfresh, ensuring essential shopping and dining options are within practical reach. Transport links are well-developed with five rail stations nearby, facilitating easy commutes to major hubs like St Albans and London Luton Airport. The village retains its historical character with landmarks such as St Mary's Church and Redbourn Village Hall, which was formerly a straw hat factory. Residents can visit Redbourn Common, a site with historical significance dating back to the founding of a priory in the 12th century. The area also features Grade II-listed buildings like The Red House and Silk Mill House, adding to the architectural interest of the locale. Leisure activities might include visiting the Redbourn Village Museum or enjoying the open spaces of the common. While the village lacks major commercial centres within immediate sight, the proximity to Harpenden and St Albans means you do not need to travel far for broader amenities. The lifestyle here is characterised by a balance of quiet rural living and accessible urban facilities.

Amenities

Schools

Family life in AL3 7RH is supported by a mix of educational provisions within easy reach. The closest primary education option is Townsend Church of England School, which holds a Good rating from Ofsted. This school serves the immediate area and offers a faith-based curriculum grounded in the traditions of the local community. While other educational institutions exist in the wider St Albans district, resourceful homeowners may consider properties further away if they seek specific secondary options not listed in the immediate vicinity. The presence of a single rated primary school in the direct data suggests that residents often commute to larger secondary schools in neighbouring towns like Harpenden or St Albans. For parents, knowing the location of Townsend Church of England School is a key factor in viewing homes in AL3 7RH. The school's Good rating provides a baseline of quality education for young children living in the parish. Families with children will find that local support structures are present, though they may need to look beyond the immediate postcode for comprehensive school placements.

RankSchoolTypeEntry genderAges
1Townsend Church of England SchoolprimaryN/AN/A

Explore more schools in this area

Go to Schools tab

Demographics

The community within AL3 7RH reflects a mature and established population profile. The median age in the area is 47 years, with adults aged between 30 and 64 years representing the most common age range. This demographic composition suggests a neighbourhood suited to families with older children or retirees rather than young professionals moving in for their twenties. Home ownership is the dominant housing tenure model, with 74% of residents owning their properties outright or with a mortgage. The remaining 26% of the population likely resides in privately rented housing or lives with relatives. The predominant ethnic group in the area is White, contributing to the traditional character of the village. The census data indicates that the primary accommodation type is houses, aligning with the rural and semi-rural setting rather than high-density flats. These figures suggest a stable community where long-term residents have deep roots. The high rate of homeownership indicates financial stability and a preference for settling down in a specific location. You are likely to meet neighbours who have lived here for decades, fostering a quiet and predictable social environment.

Household Size

Two person
most common

Accommodation Type

Houses
most common

Tenure

74
majority

Ethnic Group

White
most common

Religion

N/A
most common

Household Composition

N/A
most common

Age

47
median
Adults (30-64 years)
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

52
in Lower managerial occupations

Explore more demographic insights in this area

Go to Demographics tab

Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Premium
  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

Explore more planning insights in this area

Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in AL3 7RH?
The population median age is 47, with adults aged 30-64 being the most common age range. Over 74% of residents own their homes, and the predominant ethnic group is White. The main accommodation type is houses, reflecting a community of settled families rather than young professionals or high-density renters.
What schools are near AL3 7RH?
Townsend Church of England School is the primary school nearest the area. It holds a Good rating from Ofsted. Families in this village may also need to look to wider St Albans for secondary education options, though Townsend serves the local cluster well for younger children.
How is transport and internet connectivity in AL3 7RH?
Digital connectivity is strong with a broadband score of 80 and a mobile coverage score of 85 out of 100. Physical transport links include five nearby rail stations like Harpenden and St Albans City, plus two London Luton Airport locations. The village sits on the A5 trunk road for road access.
Is AL3 7RH considered a safe place to live?
Yes, the area scores 73 on safety metrics, indicating a low crime risk and below-average crime rates. Environmental safety is also high, with zero scores for flood risk and no planning constraints related to wetlands, AONB, or protected reserves. This creates a secure environment for residents.

We use cookies to provide you with the best experience. By continuing, you agree to our Cookie Policy .