Is Hertsmere one of the happiest places to live?

The borough came second in a poll by The Telegraph and the results included house prices, satisfaction levels and distance from London.

Amy Coles took to the streets to ask people if they agree with the findings.

James Snaddon, 74, of Organ Hall Estate says he can see why the area was voted the second best commuter town. He has lived in the area for 18 years and believes it is a “good place to live” – but that traffic has become worse over the last few years.

He said: “People go round with a smile on their face.”

Debs Wildish, 34, of Barnet Lane moved to the area last year. She said “I agree it’s a happy place to live. I have never had a problem here. Everyone seems happy.

“It’s really easy just to get on the bus to the train station and jump on the train and I can use my Oyster Card.

“It’s feels like you are living in London. You can get there easily but it’s a lot cheaper to live.”

Shelley Epstein, 59, of Stanborough Avenue, Borehamwood, disagreed with the findings and says the area has become less and less affordable.

“It used to be affordable but not anymore, it’s become very expensive. Property has gone up a lot more as different communities are moving to the area because of good schools.

“There is definitely a demand.

“I’ve lived here since I got married and people have moved here because of the buses and the stations, it is a good commute. My business is here so I don’t use it but my son used to commute in every day when he lived here.”

Peter Savage, 41 from Radlett, owns an estate agents in Borehamwood.

He said he has seen a huge demand for property in recent years.

He said “It’s generally a happy place. Lots of people want to live here because it is one of the best commuter zones and it’s the last zone you can live in before you hit Radlett and it becomes more expensive to travel into London.

“You get to live within distance of London but without paying London prices.”

Stephen Cooper, of Linton Avenue says the area is not as happy or as sociable as it once was.

He said: “It’s not as happy as it used to be. People don’t stop and say help or good morning anymore. I find it very sad.”

But he does agree that Borehamwood is affordable to live in.

Kevin Bhurtun, 32 lives on Streatfield Road has lived in the area for the last ten years and has seen a lot of changes in that time.

He said: “Affordable? Not quite. Rent, food stuffs have gone up in the last few years. I’ve lived here for the last ten years and seen the difference.

“I travel to London quite regularly and it’s quite amazing how many people are travelling on the train in the evenings.”