Depends what you want...
modern city with lots of housing, good amenities and access - Milton Keynes
traditional small town with restaurants etc - Hitchin
planned "new" town, quiet and good for families - Letchworth
pleasant small villages - Lilley, Offley, Hexton, Meppershall, Ickwell, Old Warden etc.
larger villages with more houses and shops - Ampthill, Flitwick, Barton le Clay, etc.
places to avoid - Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis.
really cheap property - Rushden (1 hr+ north), St Neots
Generally these places are north of Luton for cost reasons. Property gets dearer as you get nearer to London, the most expensive areas are Harpenden and St Albans. Proximity to a Capital Connect station adds property value because the train goes direct into the City of London.
PM me for more info, I've lived here for a long time
