Living in Chigwell – Essex Golden Triangle Area Guide

Considering living in Chigwell?

Chigwell offers a blend of suburban charm, convenient transport links, and excellent local amenities, making it a desirable choice for anyone moving to Essex.

Positioned within Essex’s prestigious ‘Golden Triangle’, Chigwell has become increasingly popular among London commuters and families looking for a welcoming community.

Whether you’re attracted by Chigwell’s leafy residential areas, top-rated schools, or its vibrant local lifestyle, our guide covers everything you need to know about living in Chigwell.

1. Property Market in Chigwell

Chigwell is well known for its diverse property market, offering homes suited to all tastes and budgets, from elegant period houses to sleek modern apartments.

The area’s appeal, driven by great commuter links and safe neighbourhoods, often translates into premium pricing.

Detached homes in Chigwell are especially sought after, with many offering generous gardens and private driveways, particularly in streets such as Manor Road and Stradbroke Drive. According to Zoopla, detached properties currently fetch around £1,260,000 on average.

For those seeking more affordable yet spacious family homes, semi-detached houses in areas like Grange Hill and Hainault Road are popular, averaging £700,000.

Young professionals are drawn to stylish apartments close to Chigwell Underground Station, ideal for commuting to central London. These properties typically range between £350,000 and £500,000.

Explore the latest property prices in Chigwell via Rightmove’s dedicated Chigwell listings page.

2. Best Schools in Chigwell

Chigwell’s excellent schools make it an attractive destination for families. Several primary schools in the area have received favourable Ofsted ratings:

• Chigwell Primary Academy – rated ‘Good’
• Limes Farm Junior School – rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted with an A+ rating from Snobe.

Secondary education is equally impressive, with West Hatch High School and the independent Chigwell School both considered top options.

For detailed reviews and performance data, visit Snobe’s guide to Chigwell schools.

3. Cost of Living in Chigwell

While living in Chigwell can be expensive due to its proximity to London, careful budgeting can help manage your finances comfortably.

Simple steps to reduce your living costs in Chigwell include:

• Transferring credit card balances to 0% interest cards (MoneySuperMarket)
• Comparing broadband, phone, and energy tariffs regularly to ensure you’re on the best deals (Money Saving Expert)
• Using cashback schemes and loyalty cards for everyday purchases
• Choosing budget-friendly supermarkets in the area, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland, all easily accessible locally.

Practical advice on cutting household costs is also readily available from Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website.

4. Transport Links in Chigwell

One of Chigwell’s key attractions is its excellent connectivity to London and the wider Essex region.

The town boasts three Underground stations—Chigwell, Grange Hill, and Hainault—each situated on the Central Line in Zone 4. Commuters can reach Liverpool Street Station in approximately 30 minutes, making Chigwell an ideal commuter town.

Local buses operated by Transport for London (TfL) link Chigwell seamlessly with surrounding towns like Woodford and Ilford, ensuring easy local travel.

For drivers, the M11 and A12 run adjacent to Chigwell, providing convenient access to the M25 motorway and beyond.

5. Employment Opportunities in Chigwell

Although many Chigwell residents commute into London, there are ample local employment opportunities.

Chigwell’s High Road is the town’s commercial heart, hosting retail stores, beauty salons, restaurants, and local estate agencies like Fine & Country, Douglas Allen, and Bairstow Eves. These businesses frequently offer job opportunities for locals.

You can browse current vacancies within a five-mile radius on Indeed, making it straightforward to find suitable local employment.

6. Leisure and Lifestyle in Chigwell

Chigwell offers a varied lifestyle with plenty of leisure options:

• Fox Burrow Farm: A popular local attraction for families, where visitors can interact with farm animals.
• Westfield Stratford City: Only a short drive away, this expansive shopping centre offers over 250 retail outlets, 65 restaurants, a luxury cinema, and leisure activities suitable for all ages.
• Hainault Forest Country Park: Ideal for nature lovers, offering scenic walks, cycling trails, and outdoor adventures.

Check TripAdvisor’s recommendations for more ideas on things to do in Chigwell.

7. Community Spirit in Chigwell

Chigwell residents frequently highlight the strong community atmosphere in the area.

The town has numerous local events and clubs, from fitness and sports groups at David Lloyd Chigwell to regular community events, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home quickly.

8. Future Developments in Chigwell

Chigwell continues to evolve, with several new housing developments and regeneration projects underway or planned.

This includes developments in and around Grange Hill, bringing new housing options and local amenities that enhance the town’s appeal for buyers and renters alike.

Stay updated on local planning and developments via the Epping Forest District Council website.

9. Healthcare Facilities

Good healthcare is accessible, with multiple GP surgeries in Chigwell and nearby hospitals including King George Hospital, ensuring residents have excellent medical care available.

10. Sports and Recreation Facilities

Chigwell is home to several high-quality sports facilities, such as the popular Chigwell Golf Club and numerous local sports teams for adults and children, adding to its family-friendly appeal.

Ready to Start Living in Chigwell?

Chigwell combines the charm of a rural Essex village with the convenience of being close to London, offering a high quality of life for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

At GoodMove, we make relocating to Chigwell simple and stress-free. We provide competitively priced removals packages and additional services, including secure storage solutions. Our dedicated estimators can assist with planning every step of your move, even conducting virtual surveys from the comfort of your home.

For more information, contact our friendly team today by completing our quick quote form or call us on the number listed above. We’ll help you settle comfortably into your new life in Chigwell!