Life In Britain’s First City: 9 Reasons To Move To Colchester

Located in the eastern part of Essex, Colchester proudly holds the title of Britain’s First City.

Rich in history yet brimming with modern amenities, living in Colchester offers an enticing blend of the past and the present.

If you’re considering a move, this city provides convenient access to both the countryside and the coast while immersing you in a vibrant cultural heritage.

From its ancient Roman walls to its thriving contemporary art scene, Colchester caters to a diverse range of lifestyles and interests.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a dynamic place to live, Colchester warmly invites you to become part of its story.

Discover why a move to Colchester could be the perfect next chapter in your life.

1. A Rich Historical Heritage

Living in Colchester means immersing yourself in over two millennia of history, dating back to its origins as Camulodunum, the capital of Roman Britain.

The city’s storied past is evident in landmarks like the majestic Colchester Castle, the largest Norman keep in Europe, built atop the foundations of a Roman temple.

The Colchester Castle Museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artefacts, narrating the city’s evolution through the ages.

The well-preserved Roman walls and the Balkerne Gate, the oldest Roman gateway in Britain, offer tangible connections to the ancient world.

By living in Colchester, history becomes part of your everyday life, providing endless opportunities to explore and learn.

2. Thriving Cultural Scene

Colchester’s historical charm is perfectly balanced by its bustling arts and culture offerings.

If you move to Colchester, you’ll have access to the Firstsite Gallery, an award-winning contemporary art space showcasing innovative exhibitions and hosting community events.

The Mercury Theatre offers diverse performances, from classic plays to cutting-edge productions.

Music lovers can enjoy live performances at venues like the Colchester Arts Centre, set in a converted church, hosting an eclectic mix of music, comedy, and spoken word events.

Annual events such as the Colchester Food and Drink Festival and the Roman River Music Festival add a layer of community spirit, bringing locals together to socialise and enjoy time with family and friends.

For newcomers, it’s an excellent way to start making new connections.

3. Excellent Educational Opportunities

For families and students, living in Colchester means access to exceptional educational facilities.

The city is home to the University of Essex, renowned for its research excellence and diverse student body, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The university’s beautiful campus in Wivenhoe Park is a hub of academic and cultural activity.

Additionally, Colchester boasts a selection of highly-rated primary and secondary schools, such as Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls, consistently ranked among the top in the country.

Quality education is a cornerstone of living in Colchester, making it an ideal place for families and lifelong learners.

4. Proximity to London and Excellent Transport Links

One of the significant advantages of living in Colchester is its excellent connectivity.

With the mainline railway station, you can reach London Liverpool Street in under an hour, making it an attractive option for commuters seeking a balance between city work and suburban living.

The city is also well-connected by road via the A12, providing easy access to London, Ipswich, and the wider East Anglia region.

Public transport within Colchester is reliable, and the town is investing in sustainable travel options, including extensive cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly initiatives.

A move to Colchester offers the convenience of city life without the hustle and bustle of London.

5. Affordable Cost of Living

Life in Colchester comes with the benefit of a more affordable cost of living compared to London and many of the UK’s larger cities.

Housing options are diverse, ranging from modern apartments in the city centre to charming period houses in suburban areas.

The property market is attractive, with reasonable prices for both buyers and renters.

The average sold price for a property in Colchester in the last 12 months is £297,191 compared to London’s £689,245!

Lower living costs extend to everyday expenses, including dining, entertainment, and transportation.

This affordability allows residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without the financial strain often associated with big-city living.

For more information, check out Numbeo, the cost-of-living calculator.

Living in Colchester is an excellent choice for those looking to stretch their budget further while still enjoying ample amenities.

6. Beautiful Green Spaces and Countryside

If you enjoy spending time amid nature and beautiful scenery, a move to Colchester won’t disappoint.

The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and offers ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Castle Park, located in the city centre, provides a tranquil setting with beautifully maintained gardens, a boating lake, and play areas.

High Woods Country Park offers over 300 acres of woodland, meadows, and lakes, perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

The nearby Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famously depicted in John Constable’s paintings, offers stunning countryside ideal for weekend excursions.

Moving to Colchester provides nature enthusiasts with a gateway to some of England’s most idyllic rural settings.

7. Health & Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important at any age, and living in Colchester provides plenty of opportunities to do just that.

The city is home to numerous fitness centres and leisure facilities, such as Colchester Leisure World, offering state-of-the-art gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, and sports courts.

Whether you’re into weight training, swimming, group fitness, or racket sports, there’s something for everyone.

Outdoor spaces like High Woods Country Park and Castle Park provide scenic trails for walking, running, and cycling amidst nature.

The city’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles is evident in its extensive network of cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly streets, encouraging residents to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.

For those interested in team sports or community fitness, Colchester hosts numerous clubs and organisations.

You can join local football teams, rugby clubs like the Colchester Rugby Club, or participate in classes at specialised studios such as Abbey Fields CrossFit.

The city also has several yoga and Pilates studios, including The Tree Room, offering classes for all skill levels.

Healthcare facilities in Colchester are of high quality, ensuring locals have access to excellent medical services.

The Colchester General Hospital, part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, offers comprehensive healthcare services.

Numerous clinics and wellness centres throughout the city provide specialised treatments, preventative care, and holistic therapies.

Living in Colchester means having easy access to amenities and initiatives that support a balanced lifestyle, making it easier for residents to stay active, eat well, and take care of their overall health.

8. Shopping and Dining Experiences

Living in Colchester offers a delightful mix of shopping and dining options waiting to be discovered.

The city centre features a blend of high-street retailers and independent boutiques, particularly in the quaint streets of the Dutch Quarter.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre and Culver Square provide convenient shopping destinations.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine.

Popular spots include the George Hotel for a classic dining experience and the North Hill Noodle Bar for Asian-inspired dishes.

The varied food scene ensures there’s always somewhere new to explore when you fancy eating out.

9. Close to Coastal Escapes

One of the perks of living in Colchester is its proximity to the Essex coastline, perfect for seaside outings.

Just a short drive away is Mersea Island, known for its beautiful beaches and famous oysters.

Enjoy a day by the sea, indulge in fresh seafood at the Company Shed, or partake in water sports activities.

The coastal town of Clacton-on-Sea enchants with its traditional seaside allure, featuring a historic pier, lively amusements, and expansive sandy beaches.

Living in Colchester allows you to effortlessly transition from the vibrancy of city life to the tranquillity of coastal relaxation, affording you the opportunity to enjoy the very best of both worlds.

How Can I Make the Move to Colchester?

With its strategic location, affordable living, and welcoming atmosphere, Colchester stands out as a destination that offers both opportunity and quality of life.

No wonder so many people would like to move to this amazing location.

To make a relocation happen, you need to use a reputable removal Company such as GoodMove Moving & Storage.

For almost 25 years, GoodMove has been assisting the Colchester community with relocations, whether within or outside the city.

We have a unique and intimate knowledge of each neighbourhood so we can provide you with the best possible removal experience.

Our prices are reasonable, and our staff are fully trained ensuring your belongings are well looked after throughout the removal process.

Check us out on Trustpilot and see for yourself what other residents have said about our tip-top service.

In addition to a full house removal, we offer long or short-term storage if you require it.

It’s simple, just call the office or book a virtual survey, alternatively, you can fill out a quick quote form and a member of our customer services team will be in touch shortly.

Go ahead, give us a call and let GoodMove Moving & Storage take the strain out of your relocation!