Handside on the map
Location in HertfordshireHandside sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Handside
Handside is a residential area located in Hertfordshire, England, within the AL8 postcode area. It is situated to the north of Welwyn Garden City and offers a mix of housing options, including family homes and flats. The area is primarily suburban, providing a peaceful environment for its residents.
Local amenities include a selection of shops, schools, and parks, making it a convenient place for families and individuals alike. The nearby Welwyn Garden City provides additional facilities, including shopping centres and recreational areas. Public transport links are also accessible, allowing for easy travel to surrounding towns and cities. Overall, Handside presents a practical choice for those seeking a quiet residential area with essential services nearby.
School Ratings in Handside
Families in Handside have access to 85 local schools. Lakeside School and Knightsfield School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Handside
Homes sell for an average of £559K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £460K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handside
Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Handside, with 137 incidents recorded in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Handside
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Handside among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.
Healthcare in Handside
There are 25 GP surgeries within three miles of Handside, the nearest being The Garden City Practice (101 yards away).
Local Data for Handside
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Property Prices 1,501 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the AL8 postcode area.
Household Income in Handside ONS 2023
The average total household income in Handside is approximately £71,916 a year before tax, 30% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,090. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £50,090.
Businesses in Handside ONS 2025
There are approximately 549 active businesses based in Handside, around 38 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 20 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Handside IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Handside experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.
Crime in Handside 484 crimes · May 2026
Crime figures for Handside are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Handside
Of the 6,045 households in and around Handside, 67% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 11% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Handside.