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What are the 8 best places to live in Essex?

Are you a first time buyer in Essex on the lookout for your dream home? Have you yet to decide on the perfect location in Essex? There are many wonderful residential areas in and around Essex, it is just finding the right area for you!

To help you make the right decision (and in no particular order) we have put together our top list of places to live in Essex.

The Best Areas to Live in Essex

1 – Brentwood

Known as the perfect commuter location for London, Brentwood is a town East of England. This area is known for its beautiful countryside that is located just outside the boarder of Greater London. Brentwood shows off its history through the many Elizabethan houses that still remain.

Brentwood’s claim to fame is the fact that the location was used to film the popular reality television show ‘The Only Way is Essex’, however, the area has more to it than its infamous scenery. It also has a thriving community that is proud to call Brentwood their home! There are lots of facilities in the area from food shops to a sports centre.

If you are working in the centre of London but are looking for a quieter area to live away from the hustle and bustle, Brentwood is your match. The area has a train station with services on the Elizabeth Line that can take you to popular parts of London. Along with this, the M25 runs through this town which is a perfect start to all parts of England and a great segway to the M1.

Whether you are a First Time Buyer in Essex or looking to move home, Brentwood has a variety of properties with ranging prices. If you are looking to start a family in the area or already have one, there are lots of schools providing both primary and secondary education. Get in touch with a Mortgage Broker in Essex today who can provide the help and support you need on your mortgage journey.

2 – Basildon

Nestled in the county of Essex, Basildon is a town known for its swift transport connection to other cities, a great choice of amenities, and plenty of outdoor space on its doorstep which makes Basildon a desirable place to live.

Plenty of housing opportunities, local amenities, and big city connections make it the perfect place for young professionals and growing families looking for a place to settle down in.

In terms of transport links, Basildon has three railway stations. Each runs regular commuter services to London and other locations across the region. The local bus services are extensive, offering a range of connections to nearby destinations including Canvey Island, Southend, Billericay, and Chelmsford.

If you’re travelling by vehicle, Basildon is situated just off the A13, A127, and A130 – all of which offer direct access to major motorways like the M25 as well as well-trodden routes in and around the region.

Basildon is home to a good mix of primary and secondary schools that cater to all including something for the tiny tots, Basildon has a great selection of certified playgroups, nurseries, and pre-schools. Every educational base is covered in this area.

If you’re a big spender then Basildon certainly delivers, the high street is dotted with a mix of well-known retail names and inviting cafes, but the town’s impressive Eastgate Shopping Centre is home to a modern food court as well as almost every high street shopping brand imaginable.

As a bustling place with a community feel, there are plenty of local gatherings, groups, fetes, festivals, and events happening throughout the year. Perfect for First Time Buyers or Home Movers in Essex. If Basildon feels like the place for you and you would like to know your mortgage options, get in touch with a Mortgage Broker in Essex today who can provide the help and support you need on your mortgage journey.

3 – Saffron Walden

For nature lovers and those looking for a quaint and quiet area to live in, Saffron Walden may tick your boxes. With its green rolling hills and picturesque scenery, this rural town is rich in history with its line of colourful medieval houses. The area is located in the north-west of Essex and just 15 miles south of Cambridge.

Saffron Walden prides itself on its friendly community that constantly plans events along with hosting weekly clubs and activities. The area is brilliant for a day out with plenty of eateries and lots of attractions for families including Audley End House and Saffron Walden House. There is also a beautiful market that is on Tuesdays and Saturdays which is perfect is you are wanting to support local businesses.

Transport links are available by car with the town being located off the M11 which can take you to London along with a railway station which has regular services to London. Property prices can be may be slightly out your budget, however, settling down in the pretty, rural town of Saffron Waldren will be worth every penny. If you are a looking to start your mortgage journey, get in touch for open and honest Mortgage Advice in Essex. 

4 – Epping

Located in the Epping Forest district, Epping is situated just 17 miles from the centre of London which makes it a convenient place for a short commute to the capital city. If you are looking for an scenic green area away from the bustling city life, Epping could be the perfect fit for you.

The area is full of history with many archaeological finds being discovered within the forest showing that there was a human settlement dating back as far as 7500BC. One prominent part in its history was when King Henry III granted Waltham Abbey o hold a weekly market in 1253.

Fast forward to now, there is a market in the town every Monday that attracts many customers far and wide. There are lots to do within Epping including adventure parks, museums and plenty of nature reserves. The high street showcases a range of shops and eateries both independent and well known.

As mentioned, Epping is perfect for a convenient route into London for work via the underground’s Central Line and is brilliant for a rural escape from this major city. On top of these affordable properties in the area, are houses that are rich in history. There are many schools in the area which is perfect for families and make Epping brilliant for those looking at Moving Home in Essex to settle down and start a family.

Get in touch with our team today if you are looking to start your mortgage journey. We can provide you with the open and honest Mortgage Advice in Essex you need to fulfil your mortgage goals. Book online for your free mortgage appointment today!

5 – Colchester

If you are looking to move into a town that provides its residents with a rich history and modern lifestyle then Colchester will be the place for you. On top of Essex already being a popular region with commuters 24/7, Colchester is one of the UK’s oldest towns and biggest settlements, with the balance of an urban city lifestyle and rural living, this niche town is always thriving.

If you like to shop ‘til you drop, then Colchester offers a large variety of retail shops. The town centre is where you’ll find niche independent shops neighbouring bigger retail brands. If you fancy a bigger indulgence, we highly recommend you shop at Culver Square or take a trip to Lion Walk.

The town has a rich lineage of culture, not only it is home to the famous nursery rhyme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’’ in 1806, but the Second World War song ‘There always be an England’ in 1940. The town is drawing from this distinguished cultural past and is now home to a budding arts movement, like the Colchester Arts Center and Mercury Theatre, the list is endless.

Going beyond the modern lifestyle, Colchester has a rich history dating back to over 2,000 years. If you are looking to find all the facts in greater detail and to find just how historically important the town is, then check out The Colchester Castle Museum, the exhibits will guide you through the history of Norman architecture, Roman medicine, witch-finders, and chariot. If you do choose to live in Colchester, you’ll definitely soak in the history.

Any foodies who are thinking to move into the area? Colchester has plenty of eateries around the town. The local resident loves heading to the annual Medieval Fayre & Oyster Market, where you’ll find a lot of seafood. Other options are available like charming pubs, farmers’ markets, and restaurants that are sure to please your appetite.

Colchester is home to a range of popular attractions which provide a variety of things to do with an array of museums, over 60 acres of parkland, home of two zoos in the UK, there is surely something to do to broaden your horizons and keep you busy 24/7.

Colchester has a great landscape heritage, the environment of the region is filled with a variety of parks and open spaces that stretch beyond the town, amounting to 135 square miles of coast, woodland and countryside. It may be somewhere to walk, relax or view the wildlife, whichever you are after, Colchester certainly has something to offer everyone.

Living in a fitting place for any home mover in Essex as well as first time buyers in Essex. If Colchester is the perfect fit for you, our team is available 7 days a week and can provide you with expert Mortgage Advice in Essex should you need it. 

6 – Harlow

Located on the border with Hertfordshire and London, Harlow is a large town where residents can benefit from its affordable properties and excellent transport links. The area is more of a bustling town compared to some of the rural villages surrounding it. Being a large town, Harlow provides plenty of career opportunities as well as fantastic properties.  

Harlow’s history was prominent in 1947 as being one of London’s eight post-World War II new towns in the hopes to attract decentralization of the metropolis. Furthermore, there is a beautiful garden with the museum you can visit that brags about Harlow’s rich history even more! The Harvey Centre is a perfect place for retail therapy with a mixture of shops to satisfy a range of people and also has a cinema and dining area.  

There are lots of employment opportunities in and around the area of Harlow. Along with this, there are lots of primary and secondary schools and further education facilities which is perfect if you are looking to start a family. There are a range of properties with attractive prices that are fitting for Home Mover in Essex as well as those looking to buy their first property. If Harlow is the perfect fit for you, our team are available 7 days a week who can provide you with the expert Mortgage Advice in Essex you need.

7 – Purfleet-on-Thames 

In 2020 after a two-year campaign, the town’s name was officially changed to Purfleet-on-Thames, this town is a desirable place for home movers and First Time Buyers in Essex; to be so close to places like Essex and London, yet able to enjoy all the benefits of being away from the noise and pace of the city lifestyle.

Purfleet -on-Thames is home to the renowned Lakeside Shopping centre, as well as a nature reserve and an array of historic buildings, with the name of the town being linked to an exclamation of Queen Elizabeth looking on as her fleet departed to engage the Spanish Armada.

Nowadays, this town is in partnership with a regenerating project which will transform Purfleet-on-Thames into a new and modern riverside destination. The scheme hopes to rebuild the River Thames surrounded by a brand new town centre with shops, restaurants, new build homes, improved transportation, schools, and even a TV production studio. Later phases will deliver a new university campus.

With huge plans on the way, if Purfleet-on-Thames feels like the place for you and you would like to know your mortgage options, get in touch with a Mortgage Broker in Essex today who can provide the help and support you need on your mortgage journey.

8 – Chelmsford

Chelmsford can be described as one of the nicest and safest places to live in the UK. The city is full of transport links. Thanks to redevelopment, the city’s local economy has flourished. Both independent businesses and high street shops situate in and around the city centre.

There are shopping centres and outlets scattered around the city. On top of all of this, Chelmsford is full of rich historical sites. If you’re taking up property viewings or thinking about doing so in Chelmsford, you should get in touch with our advisors and we can sort the mortgage side of things; taking this stress off your back. 

Home Mover & First Time Buyer Mortgage Advice in Essex

Are you thinking of buying your first home or moving home and need mortgage advice in Essex? If so, Essexmoneyman is here to help!

Having worked in the mortgage industry for over 20 years has allowed us to access great mortgage deals. We will go through 1000’s of deals and pick out one that is most suitable for your personal and financial situation. Your mortgage journey is made easy with Essexmoneyman – your Mortgage Broker in Essex.

To speak to a first time buyer or moving home mortgage advisor in Essex, get in touch today and book your free mortgage appointment. We know that the mortgage process can be stressful and that’s why we want to offer a helping hand. We would love to hear from you and assist you in the world of mortgages.

Date Last Edited: December 6, 2023

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