About How Wood

How Wood is a residential area located in Hertfordshire, England, within the postcode area AL2. It is situated to the north of St Albans and is primarily known for its suburban character. The area features a mix of housing, including family homes and flats, making it suitable for various residents. The local amenities include several shops, schools, and parks, providing essential services and recreational opportunities for families and individuals alike. How Wood is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, with public transport options available, making it convenient for commuters. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, contributing to the area's appeal for those who enjoy a balance of urban and rural living.

School Ratings in How Wood

Families in How Wood have access to 153 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in How Wood

Homes sell for an average of £597K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £574K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in How Wood

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Shoplifting is the leading concern across How Wood, with 49 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in How Wood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places How Wood around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in How Wood

How Wood benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 3,186 sales

Average Price £597K
£1K — £28.17M
Detached £755K 805
Semi £574K 880
Terraced £454K 712
Flat £303K 659

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

86 Primary
17 Secondary
50 Other
How Wood Primary and Nursery School Primary Good 0.6 miles Park Street Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary Good 0.8 miles Killigrew Primary and Nursery School Primary Good 0.9 miles SA9 Park Street and St Stephens Family Centre 1.3 miles Mount Pleasant Lane Primary School Primary 1.3 miles Watling View School Good 1.3 miles The Marlborough Science Academy Secondary Good 1.4 miles St Adrian Roman Catholic Primary School Primary Good 1.5 miles SA7 Sopwell and Verulam Family Centre Good 1.5 miles Mandeville Primary School Primary Good 1.5 miles Parmiter's School Secondary Outstanding 1.7 miles St Columba's College 1.7 miles

Deprivation and Employment in How Wood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in How Wood are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
6,740 Children (0-15) 19%
21,007 Working Age 60%
9,383 Older (60+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in How Wood 255 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for How Wood 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.

80 Violence & Sexual Offences
49 Shoplifting
24 Other Theft
24 Vehicle Crime
23 Anti-Social Behaviour
19 Burglary
16 Criminal Damage & Arson
7 Public Order
4 Drugs
3 Other Crime
2 Bicycle Theft
2 Weapons
2 Robbery
Local Policing
Hertfordshire London Colney, St Stephens and St Albans East Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Bricket Wood Train Station 0.9 miles
Park Street Train Station 1.1 miles
How Wood (Hertfordshire) Train Station 1.1 miles
St Albans Abbey Train Station 2 miles
Garston (Hertfordshire) Train Station 2.4 miles
St Albans City Train Station 2.7 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Chiswell Green 0.6 miles Smug Oak 0.6 miles Bricket Wood 0.6 miles Park Street 0.9 miles Frogmore 1.2 miles Colney Street 1.4 miles Waterdale 1.4 miles St Julians 1.4 miles Sopwell 1.8 miles Potters Crouch 1.8 miles St Stephens 1.9 miles Napsbury Park 2 miles

Local Government

District St Albans
County Hertfordshire
Ward London Colney
Constituency St Albans
Parish London Colney
Region East of England

Streets in AL2 30 shown View all streets

A414 1 Acers 1 Albany Mews 1 Alder Close 2 Alexander Road 5 Alsop Close 1 Anvil Place 2 Applecroft 1 Appspond Lane 1 Armstrong Close 1 Ash Copse 1 Ashbourne 1 Ashridge Drive 4 Aspen Close 1 Aubrey Avenue 2 Avian Avenue 3 Azalea Close 2 Balmoral Close 1 Banfield Court 1 Barnes Wallis Way 4 Barnet Road 11 Barry Close 1 Bay Tree Close 1 Bell Lane 6 Bellchambers Close 1 Belvedere Gardens 2 Beningfield Drive 14 Birch Copse 3 Birch Way 1 Birchwood Way 4

Postcodes in AL2 50 shown View all postcodes

AL2 1AB AL2 1AD AL2 1AE AL2 1AF AL2 1AG AL2 1AH AL2 1AJ AL2 1AP AL2 1AT AL2 1AU AL2 1AW AL2 1AZ AL2 1BA AL2 1BB AL2 1BE AL2 1BG AL2 1BH AL2 1BJ AL2 1BL AL2 1BP AL2 1BS AL2 1BT AL2 1BU AL2 1BW AL2 1BX AL2 1BY AL2 1BZ AL2 1DA AL2 1DE AL2 1DF AL2 1DG AL2 1DH AL2 1DJ AL2 1DL AL2 1DN AL2 1DP AL2 1DQ AL2 1DR AL2 1DT AL2 1DW AL2 1DY AL2 1DZ AL2 1EA AL2 1EB AL2 1ED AL2 1EE AL2 1EF AL2 1EG AL2 1EH AL2 1EJ