Living in Basildon – Essex’s Affordable Commuter Town
If you are thinking about making Essex your new home base, living in Basildon might just tick all your boxes.
Nestled roughly 25 miles east of London, this post-war new town blends surprisingly affordable housing with green spaces, buzzing community events and swift train services into the capital.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer hunting for value, a family seeking good schools on a budget, or a young professional craving a hassle-free commute, Basildon delivers.
With a revitalised town centre, regular festivals, and plenty of countryside on your doorstep, you get the best of both worlds.
Read on for everything from Basildon house prices and cost of living to schools, jobs and local hotspots, and discover why so many are choosing to call this Essex gem “home.”
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Affordable Homes & Wallet-Friendly Living
If stretching your money further is top of the list, Basildon won’t disappoint.
According to Zoopla, the average house price here sits at around £339,000, almost half the price of similar properties in London. You can pick up a spacious semi for about £384,000, while modern flats often start under £200,000.
Beyond your mortgage, everyday costs in Basildon are noticeably lower than in the capital.
Numbeo data shows groceries here cost 20% less than in London, and a pub lunch will set you back nearer £15 than £20.
There are plenty of shopping options. You can get your weekly shop at any of the big supermarkets along Queensway, or explore local independent butchers and greengrocers for fresh, budget-friendly fare.
All told, living in Basildon makes it easier to balance work, play and saving for the future.
Seamless Commuting to London & Beyond
Basildon shines as a commuter town.
Three rail stations, Basildon, Pitsea and Laindon, link you to London Fenchurch Street in about 35 minutes on fast trains. Whether peak-time or off-peak, you’ll find services every 15–20 minutes on a typical weekday.
For those heading further afield, Southend Airport is just a 25-minute drive (or quick bus from town), while London Stansted is under an hour away by car.
Road users aren’t forgotten either. The A127 and A13 whisk you into London or out to the coast, with easy junctions onto the M25.
And if you fancy a greener commute, National Cycle Route 16 takes you through leafy lanes towards Southend or Harlow.
In short, wherever your job or weekend adventures lie, Basildon puts them within easy reach.
Leisure & Lifestyle: What to Do in Basildon
Weekends and evenings in Basildon are never dull.
For cinema nights, bowling or catching the latest shows, head to Festival Leisure Park—locally nicknamed “Bas-Vegas.”
If fresh air is more your style, Langdon Hills Country Park boasts panoramic Thames views, while Dunton Hills Nature Reserve’s 450 acres are ripe for walking and wildlife-watching.
The town centre itself has undergone a recent makeover, with independent cafés, pop-up markets and new eateries sprouting up around Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Foodies will love the monthly artisan market in Town Square, featuring everything from handmade chocolates to local cheeses.
And don’t miss Basildon Pride in June or the Christmas lights switch-on in December—both free, family-friendly events that showcase the town’s lively spirit.
Take a look at the Visit Essex website and find out more about what is happening in and around Basildon and the wider county.
Education & Family Life
Families flock to Basildon for its strong mix of schools.
Primary options include Lee Chapel, The Phoenix and St Anne Line Catholic, all regularly praised by Ofsted.
For older children, over half a dozen secondary schools serve the borough, with Post 16 choices at South Essex College’s spacious Basildon campus.
Childcare is well catered for too, with a range of nurseries, pre-schools and after-school clubs dotted around Holloway Road, Vange and beyond.
Parks such as Gloucester Park offer safe play areas, while community centres run toddler groups and holiday clubs.
All in all, living in Basildon gives parents peace of mind that their children have a quality education and plenty of support networks close to home.
If you have children, before you make the leap and move to Basildon, take time to discover where the best schools are situated; it could determine where exactly you settle.
Websites such as the UK Government’s find an Ofsted inspection report and Locrating will help you to find the highest performing schools in the area.
Growing Career Opportunities
Once known primarily for being a commuter base, Basildon’s own job market is on the up.
The Ford Dunton Technical Centre, one of Europe’s biggest automotive R&D hubs, is on your doorstep, alongside firms like Olympus KeyMed and major logistics parks.
Plus, the burgeoning Basildon Enterprise Corridor is attracting tech start-ups and light manufacturing.
A short drive or train journey opens up further employment hubs in Brentwood, Chelmsford and, of course, the City of London.
If you’re hunting roles in finance, tech or creative industries, you can easily network across Essex’s thriving business parks.
And don’t forget remote working: many prefer setting up at home in a stylish new flat, saving hours of commute without losing career momentum.
A Glimpse into Basildon’s Past & Culture
Though a “new town,” Basildon is rich in post-war heritage.
From the iconic Concrete Cows, sculptures installed in 1978, to the Towngate Theatre’s lively playbill, there’s plenty to explore.
The Basildon Heritage Trail (downloadable from the Basildon Council website) guides you past memorials, mid-century architecture and hidden green spaces.
Art lovers can visit the East Gallery’s free exhibitions, while history buffs should check out the local museum at Northeast Basildon, where volunteers bring the town’s evolution to life.
Annual festivals, from Summer Roots music to winter craft fairs, add yet more layers to this ever-evolving cultural tapestry.
Community Spirit & Local Flavours
What really sets Basildon apart is its people.
Community groups, from the Basildon Rotary Club to the Viva! Choir offer countless ways to connect.
Monthly charity runs along the riverside, regular litter-picks in local parks and seasonal gala days mean there’s always something going on.
When it comes to eating and shopping local, head to Basildon Market for antiques, household bargains and fresh produce.
For independent boutiques and a cosy coffee, stroll through Eastgate’s arcades.
With multicultural eateries ranging from Sri Lankan to Colombian, you’ll find global flavours without leaving town.
It’s this blend of friendliness, variety, and civic pride that makes living in Basildon feel like being part of something special.
Ready to Make the Move?
If you’re convinced Basildon could be your next home, GoodMove is here to help every step of the way.
Our expert team offers personalised quotes for house removals, secure storage, and even virtual video surveys, so you can plan your move without leaving your home.
For added peace of mind, GoodMove is a member of the removal industry’s regulators, the British Association of Removers (BAR.
Whether you’re swapping the capital’s rat-race for Essex tranquillity or seeking a family-friendly spot with brilliant transport links, living in Basildon hits the sweet spot.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us show you how easy settling into your new Basildon life can be.