Living in Basildon – Essex’s Affordable Commuter Town
Are you thinking of living in Basildon?
This Essex town offers one of the most affordable commuter locations in the UK, blending excellent transport links to the capital with a variety of local amenities and beautiful countryside.
Basildon, with its rich history, diverse community, and thriving local economy, provides an ideal setting for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Moving to a new area is never straightforward.
Gathering as much information as possible about an area before moving is vital.
If you are considering making the move to Basildon, this is the article for you!
So, let’s dive into the many aspects that make living in Basildon an excellent choice.
Table of Contents
A Rich Historical and Cultural Context
Basildon, established as a new town in 1949 to accommodate London’s post-war population boom, has grown into a bustling and dynamic community.
The town’s development history is reflected in its diverse architectural styles and urban planning – if you are moving away from the capital, Basildon will feel rather different to the chaotic streets of London.
Cultural landmarks like the Towngate Theatre and annual events such as Basildon Pride add a vibrant cultural layer to the town’s identity.
Additionally, Basildon’s historical roots can be seen in local museums and historical sites, providing a sense of continuity and connection to the past.
House Prices
Moving to Basildon offers a variety of housing options, from modern apartments to traditional family homes.
The town’s fantastic commuter links to London ensure that the housing market remains popular and continues to boost popularity with buyers, especially as more and more of us have the option to work from home.
According to Zoopla, the average house price in Basildon is around £322,336, which is significantly more affordable than the London average of £696,968.
This affordability extends to various property types: detached homes average at £491,005, semi-detached homes at £365,428, terraced houses at £313,598, and flats at £193,092.
Basildon’s housing market remains popular due to its excellent commuter links and relatively lower prices compared to nearby towns like Chelmsford and Brentwood as well as the capital where prices seem to be ever rising!
Be sure to check Zoopla’s website to keep up to date with the latest property prices if you are thinking of living in Basildon.
Cost of Living: A Practical and Affordable Choice
Basildon is known for its cost-effective living, especially when compared to nearby London.
As a general rule, you can expect to save some money when relocating here, with things like the cost of groceries in Basildon being 26.2% lower than in the capital.
Dining out is also more affordable, with meals at inexpensive restaurants costing around £15.00 and a meal for two at mid-range restaurants around £65.00.
For those who prefer home-cooked meals, Basildon offers all major UK supermarket brands, ensuring that shopping for groceries is convenient and budget-friendly.
Here is a quick look at some of the everyday prices you will be paying in the area:
- Fast food meal-£8.00
- Cappuccino or latte-£2.75
- 1 litre of milk-£1.22
- Loaf of bread-£1.05
- 1kg chicken-£3.43
Be sure to visit Numbeo for even more in-depth prices, it really is a great tool to get a detailed look at the cost of living in areas both in the UK and across the globe!
Staying up to date with what you should expect to pay every month if you are thinking of living in Basildon will go a long way to helping with your move.
Things to Do in Basildon
Living in Basildon provides residents with a plethora of activities and attractions.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Langdon Hills Country Park, boasting stunning views of the Thames, or enjoy the 450 acres of countryside at Dunton Hills Nature Trail.
For indoor entertainment, the Festival Leisure Park, known locally as ‘Bas Vegas,’ offers a 12-screen cinema, a health and fitness club, bowling alleys, and a variety of restaurants.
Basildon’s location also allows easy access to the seaside town of Southend-on-Sea, just 11 miles away, providing additional recreational opportunities.
For a more detailed look at what Southend-on-Sea has to offer, you can read our full in-depth article HERE.
Excellent Transport Links
The residents of Basildon have an extremely wide range of options for things to do nearby.
There are excellent rail connections in and around the town!
Basildon station is one of three train stations available to local residents, along with Pitsea and Laindon.
Locals can reach London Fenchurch Street, Shoeburyness, and Southend Central from Basildon.
You can commute to London in just 35 minutes!
Having excellent road links to London is another benefit of living in Basildon.
Both the A127 and A13 service Basildon, linking the town to London.
Both roads also provide convenient access to the M25, making longer journeys easy.
Living in Basildon is a great choice for those who often travel abroad.
It takes just 24 minutes to reach Southend Airport, offering flights to a range of European destinations!
London Stanstead is the best option for those travelling further afield.
Basildon is only 40 minutes away from the airport, which provides flights to over 150 destinations!
Job Opportunities in Basildon
It has historically been difficult to work in Basildon but there is no doubt that this narrative has changed in the town in recent years!
Basildon’s economy is on the rise, supported by ambitious development plans and a diverse range of job opportunities.
Major employers include the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, which is the largest automotive design facility in the UK, and other significant companies like First Data Corporation and Olympus KeyMed also provide excellent employment opportunities in Basildon.
The town’s location within Essex also provides access to employment opportunities in nearby towns and cities, as well as in the capital, making it a convenient base for professionals in various industries.
Schools & Education
Students attending both primary and secondary schools in Basildon are very well accounted for.
New families with young children living in Basildon will find that the town has an excellent choice of primary, secondary schools and even day nurseries to choose from.
The best three as rated by the SchoolGuide.co.uk consist of Lee Chapel Primary School, the Phoenix Primary School and St Anne Line Catholic Junior School.
Another highly regarded school in the area is Great Berry Primary, which received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
There are 9 secondary schools which serve students living in Basildon and the surrounding areas.
The town is also home to three colleges.
These consist of South Essex College, New Campus Basildon and PROCAT (formerly Prospects College).
Basildon offers residents a great choice of schools, guaranteeing that children living in the area are given the best choices possible.
An easy commute to the wider Essex area and London also ensures university students are given ample choice.
A Strong Community and Vibrant Lifestyle
Basildon’s strong sense of community is evident in its numerous local events, festivals, and community projects.
Whether it’s joining a local club, participating in community initiatives, or enjoying the town’s many social gatherings, residents can easily connect with one another and build lasting relationships in your new home.
The town also offers a variety of dining and shopping options, with the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Basildon Market providing a mix of high-street brands and local traders.
Ready to Start Living in Basildon?
Are you thinking of moving to Basildon?
Whether you want to make the most of the transport links, find a great deal on a new home, or enjoy a day out exploring the Essex countryside, Basildon offers something for everyone.
Living in Basildon presents a great area with a range of outstanding property types, meaning there is certainly a home for you.
GoodMove will make your move to Basildon a smooth and simple process.
We take great delight in certifying your move runs efficiently and effortlessly, helping you to arrive at your new home in no time at all.
As well as our competitively priced removals package, we can also provide extra services such as short-term or long-term storage should you need it.
GoodMove cover all areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex and our friendly estimators can call round at a convenient time for you and strategically plan your move to perfection.
During these exceptional times, GoodMove are also offering a new video survey service.
Using our new technology, we can gather all the information required to assist with your move, from the comfort of your home!
Video surveys will help you save valuable time and go a long way to maintaining the best safety levels.
To find out more about how we could get your dream move to Basildon or any other location underway do not hesitate to call us on the number listed above.
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