Muddy Stilettos has published its Best Places to Live guide for 2023, with a host of Hertfordshire towns among the 260-strong list.

Here's five of our towns that made the guide.

1. Hitchin

Described as "a beautiful market town", Muddy Stilettos loved Hitchin's "narrow winding streets, gorgeous architecture and a traditional market square".

The Comet: The beautiful market town of Hitchin.The beautiful market town of Hitchin. (Image: Newsquest)

There was plenty of praise for the town's popular food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants, including Groundworks, The Victoria, Los Reyes and Cantina Carnitas, getting a mention.

Hitchin's shops were lauded too, while the average house price of £465,901 was described as "not bad at all for such a happening place".

2. St Albans

A "perfectly proportioned small city" that "has everything", according to Muddy Stilettos.

St Albans' many attractions, including the "gorgeous" cathedral and Verulamium Museum, got positive mentions, as did the numerous shops and restaurants throughout the city.

The Comet: St Albans cathedral.St Albans cathedral.

The Hub on Verulam, "a chic new hotspot for eating, drinking, working and more", was named as the Best Kept Secret.

"The historic centre – all ancient religious buildings and cobbled streets – gives way to cute rows of terraces," the guide adds.

"And there’s a lot going on. It’s the perfect choice if you want to get out of London, but still want a super-buzzy scene."

3. Welwyn Garden City

Muddy Stilettos enjoyed Welwyn Garden City's green spaces and "lively community scene", as well as the "buzzing Howardsgate" and its many restaurants.

The Comet: Howardsgate in Welwyn Garden City. Picture: Alan Davies

The many parks in and around the town got a positive mention, while the John Lewis store and Hatfield House got special mentions.

The average house price of £452,907 was described as "not unreasonable for what you get", with the town having "a lot to appeal to commuters and families".

4. Letchworth

From the "eclectic mix of eateries" to the "healthy smattering of indie shops to fuel your local shopping passion", Letchworth got plenty of praise from Muddy Stilettos.

"Letchworth is rich in heritage and has green spaces galore, from the pretty Broadway Gardens with their iconic fountain, to the 13.6 mile Greenway which circumnavigates the town," the guide reads.

The Comet: Broadway Gardens, Letchworth

"It has a lot to offer for couples or families looking to switch the rat race for a more suburban lifestyle."

5. Royston

Royston's vast green spaces and "independent eating and drinking options to take you from morning lattes to wine o’clock" were praised by Muddy Stilettos.

And, of course, Royston's cave was named as the town's Best Kept Secret.

"Royston packs a big punch for a small town, with its acres of heathland, historic High Street packed with local businesses and erm… a cave," the guide states.

The Comet: Royston.Royston. (Image: C4B Media)