*Collab
While its reputation might have been somewhat blighted by TOWIE a few years ago, there’s something about Essex that makes it consistently desirable as a place to settle down. It could be because Essex resists a single description. It contains cities, market towns, villages, countryside and a gorgeous coastline, all within spitting distance of London.
That variety allows residents to choose a setting that matches their priorities without losing those vital capital connections.
A Different Pace of Everyday Life
Living beyond London can provide distance from its intensity without complete separation. Many Essex towns have self-contained centres with supermarkets, cafés, schools, leisure facilities and independent businesses. Everyday errands can remain local, while London is available when needed.
A coastal town offers a different rhythm from a commuter settlement or rural village. Prospective residents should visit at several different times, checking traffic, public transport and the services they use during an ordinary working week. The value of Essex is choice: a household can prioritise space, community, urban convenience or proximity to open country.
Easy Access to London
Rail links are central to the county’s appeal. Stations across Essex connect with London terminals, while road connections include the A12, A13 and M11. This can allow residents to pursue work and entertainment in the capital while returning to a setting that feels distinct from it.
Connections continue to develop. The recently completed Beaulieu Park, Chelmsford’s second station, offers direct access to London Liverpool Street in 40 minutes and up to four trains an hour at peak times. It also connects directly with Colchester. Commuters should still test the complete door-to-door journey rather than considering the train alone though. Frequency, station parking, cycling routes, fares and travel to the final workplace all affect whether a location genuinely suits a routine.
Towns With Their Own Character
Essex offers considerable contrast. Chelmsford combines a compact city centre, shops, restaurants and cultural venues with established neighbourhoods and green spaces. Colchester brings layers of history, while Southend offers seaside energy and Saffron Walden has a market-town identity. These differences mean buyers can compare lifestyles within one county.
People considering new homes in Chelmsford can therefore benefit from the convenience of city living while retaining access to parks, surrounding countryside and London rail services. The sensible choice depends on personal priorities, so visiting more than one area can prevent assumptions based on Essex as a whole.
Space for Life Outside Work
The county provides numerous ways to spend time outdoors, from country parks and woodland to riverside routes, nature reserves and beaches. In Chelmsford, green space is embedded within the urban area. 17 parks across the district boast Green Flag status, including Central Park, Galleywood Common, Oaklands Park and Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve.
Access matters more than a list of attractions though so buyers should examine whether paths, parks and leisure spaces fit naturally into daily life, not merely whether they exist nearby.
Final Thoughts
Essex remains popular because it offers alternatives: connection without constant intensity, local identity without isolation and urban amenities alongside room to step outside.
I'm Squibb Vicious, better known as Haydy!
Happiest with a craft beer in hand, eating til my heart is content or exploring somewhere new.
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