Living in Southend on Sea – A Guide to Life on the Essex Coast

Are you thinking of living in Southend on Sea?

This Essex seaside town has become increasingly popular for its natural coastal charm and its growing appeal to workers wanting a change of scenery from big-city life.

If you’re considering a move, read on for our comprehensive look at all Southend has to offer, from property prices to top local attractions.

1. Why Consider Moving to Southend?

Living by the sea can benefit your wellbeing in countless ways—fresh air, scenic views, and a calmer pace of life.

Southend on Sea, often referred to simply as Southend, offers these perks in abundance.

Since the pandemic, the trend for leaving crowded cities has only grown, and Southend continues to attract newcomers looking for space, value for money, and direct links to London.

2. Southend on Sea: An Overview

Southend sits to the north of the Thames estuary, around 20 miles from the capital. Historically, it was part of Prittlewell, a community centred on fishing and agriculture.

Its status changed with the rise of the 19th-century railway boom, which turned Southend into a favourite holiday spot.

Today, the town’s seven miles of beaches and the world’s longest pleasure pier continue to draw around six million tourists each year.

Locals benefit not only from this vibrant tourist economy but also from the quieter charms of living by the sea.

3. House Prices and Property Market

One major incentive for living in Southend on Sea is the varied housing stock. From contemporary flats to spacious semi-detached homes, you’ll find an array of options:

• Average House Price: Zoopla reports an average of £357,262 in January 2024.
• Flats: Typically around £195,501, making them a reasonable option for first-time buyers or those seeking a lower-maintenance property.
• Terraced Homes: Average about £316,454, suiting those wanting a balance between cost and space.
• Semi-Detached: Usually around £397,679, often appealing to families.
• Detached: At about £655,634, ideal if you desire extra room or a larger garden.

These values compare favourably to the average Essex property price of around £406,512 and are notably cheaper than most parts of London.

4. Cost of Living

Whether you enjoy exploring new restaurants or prefer cooking at home, Southend’s cost of living tends to beat the capital’s by a solid margin.

Groceries here are estimated to be around 10% cheaper than in London, and local produce is easy to come by.

While restaurants near tourist hot spots can be pricier, the town caters to a wide range of budgets, ensuring living in Southend on Sea won’t break the bank.

If you’d like more precise figures, Numbeo regularly tracks average local prices.

It’s a helpful tool for determining everything from daily essentials to average utility bills.

5. Dining Out in Southend

The presence of up to six million tourists annually means there’s no shortage of eateries in Southend.

Traditional fish and chips by the seaside remain a favourite, but the town also boasts diverse restaurants, from family-run cafés and British pubs to international cuisine.

TripAdvisor’s listings can help you filter by top-rated venues or certain dietary preferences. This variety ensures you’re never far from a memorable meal.

6. Working in Southend

Though roughly a fifth of Southend residents commute to London for work, there’s still a healthy local job market.

Tourism drives seasonal opportunities in hotels and amusement arcades, while retail, manufacturing, and public sector roles broaden your options.

The renewed interest in London Southend Airport has also created positions in aviation and logistics.

For flexible or part-time work, the booming tourist sector provides more than enough openings to go around.

7. Schools and Higher Education

For families living in Southend on Sea, education is a top priority.

Renowned grammar schools, such as Southend High School for Girls and Southend High School for Boys, have consistently scored “outstanding” Ofsted ratings.

The area’s primary education is equally robust, featuring infant and junior schools rated “outstanding” by inspectors.

As students move into further education, South Essex College provides a modern campus in the town centre, offering courses for ages 16 and beyond.

The nearby University of Essex campus adds to the region’s academic credentials, making higher education convenient for local residents.

8. Things to Do for Locals

While the seven miles of beaches and iconic pier are clear draws, living in Southend on Sea offers more than just coastal scenery.

Gunners Park, Priory Park, and Chalkwell Park present quiet natural escapes. Adventure Island, a free-admission amusement park opened in 1976, remains a hit with children and thrill-seekers alike.

Shoppers can explore the town’s two key centres—The Victoria and The Royal—or find bigger retail parks on the outskirts.

9. Transport Links

Southend’s location north of the Thames estuary means connections to both Essex and London are plentiful.

Trains from Southend Central or Southend Victoria reach major London stations in under an hour, particularly useful for city workers seeking a more tranquil home environment.

Major roads like the A127 ensure straightforward journeys to the M25 or other Essex towns, making day trips to areas such as Chelmsford or Basildon simple.

Ready to Start Living in Southend on Sea?

So, are you ready to take the plunge and move to this popular seaside town?

Whether it’s the commuter-friendly location, the scenic coastal ambience, or the thriving cultural scene that entices you, Southend on Sea may well be your ideal next step.

With a wide variety of property types, reputable schools, and a cost of living that undercuts many parts of the UK, the Essex coast can provide an appealing mix of convenience and charm.

GoodMove helps make your relocation to Southend on Sea simpler and less daunting.

From secure packing services to short-term and long-term storage solutions, we’ve refined the art of ensuring every item arrives in pristine condition.

Reach out to our friendly customer team for a tailored quote and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new life by the sea.