Centred on a post-war estate with a busy parade of shops at its heart, New Greens is a residential area on the northern fringes of St Albans.

The bulk of the estate was built following World War Two as part of the government's expansion policy, but there are some older — and more modern — properties in the mix.

While homes in New Greens are far from cheap, they're marginally more affordable than those in some other areas of the city.

Properties currently on the market locally include three-bed semis on Partridge Road and Cavan Drive for £725,000 and £550,000 respectively, and a two-bed maisonette on Green Lane for £365,000.

Amenities

High Oaks is New Greens' shopping hub, with a busy parade including a newsagents', a fancy dress and dancewear shop, a florist, a dental practice, a bakery, a Chinese/fish and chip shop and an Indian takeaway.

There is extensive green space off Toulmin Drive, with a playground for young children and playing fields used for football and rugby.

The surrounding woodland offers ample space for joggers and dog walkers to explore, while the quiet streets make the area a hotspot for learner drivers looking to practice their manoeuvres.

New Greens Club, also on High Oaks, hosts a range of entertainment options, including live music, comedy nights, quizzes and big screen sports. Hall hire is also available for weddings, funerals, parties and more.

Christ Church on High Oaks is an all-age religious community. Opened in 1980 as a replacement for the 19th century church on Verulam Road (which is now offices), it is part of the Church of England.

Schools

There are two schools in New Greens — Margaret Wix Primary School and Townsend Church of England School.

While Townsend is the only C of E secondary school in St Albans, attendees are welcome from all faiths (or none) and come from Herts, Luton and north London.

Margaret Wix educates pupils aged four to 11, and has the added bonus of a school dog, Sweep.

Both schools were rated 'good' by Ofsted at their last inspections, as the was neighbouring three-form entry primary school, Garden Fields JMI.

The ever-popular St Albans Girls' School (STAGS) is just across Harpenden Road, on Sandridgebury Lane, and was rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in 2013.

Sport

The St Albans Centurions rugby league team play their home games from Toulmin Drive sports ground. A community-based amateur club, they have teams across several age brackets, from under 14 to seniors.

The St Albans London Colney ABA is a local boxing club that offers classes for all age groups, also based on Toulmin Drive. It's open to anyone keen to take up amateur boxing with a view to representing the club in a future bout.