Hatfield has cemented its place among the country’s best commuter towns after soaring into the top 20 of a new list.

Despite London house prices having dropped slightly over the last two years, the cost of housing continues to be an issue – forcing buyers to look elsewhere.

Hatfield has been named the 17th best commuter town by Totally Money – a credit comparison company – based on its commute time, average house price, life satisfaction rating and season ticket price.

With a 24-minute train time into London and an average house value of £447,307, the town has become an attractive proposition for people working in the capital.

An annual season ticket costing £3,044 and a life satisfaction rating of 7.75 also contributed to its lofty status.

Potters Bar was judged to be the 23rd best commuter town, with an average house price of £557,524 and a 27-minute train into London. Life satisfaction is 7.75 and a season ticket is £2,472.

Welwyn Garden City has not been included in the list, but Stevenage is ranked 58th and St Albans is 81st.

Rocketing to the top of the tree is Purfleet in Essex, followed by Waltham Cross and Cheshunt, while Virginia Water in Surrey – with an average house price of £1,408,785 – wallows at the bottom in 116th place.

From a county perspective, Hertfordshire is ranked as mid-range for house prices, with an average of £482,497.