Croxley Green has emerged as one of the best places to raise a family in England, research has revealed.

The family friendliness index, compiled by research group, PropertyDetective.com, looks at schools, crime rates, nurseries, and the number of green spaces in a particular.

The research, which has assessed 1.8 million post codes and different datasets, aims to create an “objective opinion on any property location in England.”

Little Green Lane in Croxley Green was rated as fourth in the list of best places to raise a family – behind just Brentwood Road, Brentwood, Essex, Snakemoor Lane in Southampton and Bentley’s Farm Lane in Higher Whitley.

Research by Propertydetective.com said: “Despite having Watford just around the corner, Croxley Green retains its rural charm with a prime position amongst green fields and quiet country lanes.

“Baldwins Lane Recreation Ground provides some much needed space for sports, Cassiobury Park is just a short drive away and there are plenty of other indoor activities available in town also.

“All local schools within three miles are either Good or Outstanding, meaning there’s an excellent choice nearby.”

The commuter belt around London didn’t score as well as some expected in the research. Many of the top-scoring areas were found in the North of England.

Property Detective founder Barry Bridges added: “This really does show the importance of ‘location, location, location’; just 100 metres down the road you can find that adjacent streets score completely differently in terms of what they offer families.

“People want different things from their neighbourhood but family friendliness is supremely important. Even if you don’t have children, the future resaleability of your property might be affected if the neighbourhood as a whole attracts parents or parents-to-be.”

Councillor Phil Brading, who represents Dickinsons Ward at Three Rivers District Council, said: “Croxley Green has a good community spirit. There are good schools and it is just a lovely place.

“In a way I’m, not surprised. Our area would tick a lot more boxes than other areas I would imagine.

“Our part of the world has one of the lowest crime rates. Croxley is as safe as anywhere in Three Rivers.

“There is a good mix of houses in Croxley Green and there are good transport links, with the M25 nearby and good options to commute into London.”