Everyone tends to have an opinion on where they live, with Watford proving no exception. The Watford Observer took to the streets to find out the best and worst things about the town.

Cliff Pavey, 78, used to work in insurance but is now retired, having lived in Watford his whole life.

Cliff PaveyCliff Pavey (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick) He can't find fault wrong with the town, hailing its central location and "great transport links". When pushed for a negative there's a long pause before he replied: "There really is nothing wrong with Watford, it's such a pleasant place to live. That's why I'm still here after all these years."

There was no such pause when the Observer spoke to 38-year-old Michael Haggerty, who runs a market stall in the town centre.

Michael HaggertyMichael Haggerty (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick) He immediately responds: "The flats. All the new buildings and blocks of flats are an eyesore. It's a real problem all over Watford."

However he said Watford's best trait is "the community", remarking that with his stall he meets lots of people every day and most of them are friendly. 

Hannah Masood is a student at Cambridge University, but is born and bred in Watford. For the 22-year-old, the best thing about the town is  "all the open and green space", with Watford boasting 17 Green Flag sites.

She was also full of praise for the number of second-hand charity shops within walking distance of the town centre.

Hannah's biggest gripe is the occasionally "unpleasant" experience of shopping, especially at school closing time.

She's not the only person to raise antisocial behaviour as an issue, with 23-year-old Callum Watts laying into the "roadmen" that he says have taken over the town's streets.

Callum WattsCallum Watts (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick) The EasyJet cabin crew worker said: "Kids running around in balaclavas trying to impress their friends. Antisocial behaviour isn't as bad here as in some areas but it has definitely got worse in the last few years."

He was however, full of praise for the town centre and the market, particularly the wide range of food on offer.

Jamie Murphy, 33, moved to Watford from London in 2018 and says the town has improved a lot in the six years he's lived here.

He said: "I've seen the changes and there's a lot of good things happening. There's a very diverse culture here too."

However, he also expressed fears about antisocial behaviour, complaining about the amount of drug taking he sees, particularly among younger people.

Choice Omatseye,Choice Omatseye, (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick) College student Choice Omatseye, 18, says that Watford "has a little bit of everything", describing it as an "open and friendly town".

Ruby Safa, offered a distinctly Gen Z view of the state of affairs, telling the Watford Observer that she loves "the vibe" of the town.

The 21-year-old student was quick to answer when probed about the worst thing in Watford, stating: "The transport. Oh my god, the buses take like two hours to come. It's so, so annoying."