In recent years Stanstead Abbotts was awarded the title "Best kept village in Hertfordshire - large village" The population has grown steadily during the past decade and now hovers around the 3000 mark. Recent housing developments along and near the River Lea account for most of the increases.

There are a number of areas nearby officially designated, 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest' (S.S.S.I.). Two of these are Amwell Quarry Nature Reserve and Rye Meads near Rye House. Both these sites support a significant population of varied wildlife and are highly regarded for the number of bird species they attract.

The High Street has a significant number of "listed" buildings including The Red Lion that add character to the area. Until the mid 1980's the narrow High Street was part of the old A414. This meant that a lot of heavy transport passed through the village making it a potentially dangerous place to be a pedestrian.

The opening of the Stanstead Abbotts by-pass improved the situation considerably and being a High Street pedestrian is now quite enjoyable and no longer equates with the role of a Kamikaze pilot.

Today there are a varied range of companies operating from the redundant malting premises around the village but their presence is probably not too obvious to the casual visitor. It appears to be a good example of how commercial premises can be integrated into a village environment.

As well as providing employment these companies are also helping to preserve these fine old buildings that would otherwise fall into decay and their eventual demise.