Just a short distance by train or by car, Luton is a growing area with a population of around 225,000.
Based only 30 miles from the capital, Luton is a popular area for commuters who either can't afford the expensive London housing prices or choose not to live in the City. Luton's football club Luton Town play in the conference premier and go by the nickname of "The Hatters" after the hat trade which developed in the town.
Luton is probably most notable for its airport, which is one of the largest in the UK, with routes that cover Europe, Asia and Africa.
Despite close proximity to the capital and access to jobs, Luton has a higher than average crime rate, the 14th highest in the country with many cases of violent crime and more recently, gun related incidents.
