Moving to Essex? Here Are The 9 Best Places to Relocate

The allure of moving to Essex has captured the hearts of many, with thousands of people looking to make the move to this wonderful county every year!

As areas like Greater London become increasingly unaffordable, more people are looking towards the countryside and the spacious living it offers.

Families, professionals, and nature enthusiasts alike are taking the leap and relocating to Essex – a home county that offers residents easy access to either urban or rural lifestyle depending on their preference.

With so many wonderful areas to choose from, deciding where to settle can be a challenge.

Here’s a comprehensive area guide from a local Essex removals company to help you find your perfect spot.

With years of experience moving people across the region, we are certainly more than qualified to discuss all of the wonderful locations on offer to buyers who are thinking of moving to Essex!

For the Family

Relocating with a family is no small feat.

You want to ensure there are high-quality local schools, plenty of entertainment options, and family-friendly activities for the weekends.

Colchester

Steeped in rich history, Colchester was once a fortress of the Roman Empire and holds the title of Britain’s first city.

Despite its historical roots, Colchester keeps pace with modern times, offering family amenities like the renowned Colchester Zoo and the impressive Firstsite Art Gallery.

The town strikes the perfect balance between a high standard of living, excellent education, and a commutable distance to London.

With an extraordinary selection of state and private schools rated ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, your children will receive top-tier education here.

For a more detailed look at life in Colchester, head over to our article which explores 12 top reasons to consider moving the UK’s oldest town!

Saffron Walden

Nestled in the Uttlesford district, Saffron Walden is a picturesque market town that exudes charm.

The tight-knit community is welcoming, making you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

The town boasts a mix of shops, from big-name brands to quaint corner stores.

Education is a strong suit here, with primary and secondary schools highly rated by Ofsted – you can check out the top competing schools on Locrating.

With its laid-back atmosphere, regular festivals, and beautiful countryside surroundings, it’s an ideal place to raise a family.

Manningtree

Recently rated as the 7th best place to live in the East of England by The Sunday Times, Manningtree is a hidden gem.

It’s one of the most affordable areas to buy a starter home, with properties in Manningtree averaging £342,373.

The town is brimming with activities for all ages, featuring a beautiful beach for summer days and a nature reserve perfect for year-round exploration.

For the Commuters

Many choose to move to Essex for the perfect balance between peaceful countryside living and proximity to London the county provides.

It’s an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle, without sacrificing convenience.

This trend has increased massively since the pandemic, when an increasing number of people looked to move out of the capital choosing Essex as their new home.

If you are a commuter considering moving to Essex keep the two towns below in mind!

Purfleet

For commuters, Purfleet offers the best of both worlds for those thinking of commuting to the capital.

With an average journey time of just 33 minutes from Purfleet Station to Liverpool Street Station, you’re close enough to the city for work but far enough to enjoy tranquillity.

Purfleet is home to the renowned Lakeside Shopping Centre, a nature reserve, and a collection of historic buildings.

The town’s name even has royal connections, linked to Queen Elizabeth I as she watched her fleet depart to engage the Spanish Armada.

Basildon

Basildon is a large commuter town that continues to expand, incorporating smaller towns like Pitsea.

With an average commute time of under 35 minutes to London, it’s perfect for professionals.

Housing prices are attractive, with the average house costing £320,769 and flats averaging £187,525, according to Zoopla as of October 2024.

Basildon offers a good selection of shops and is undergoing extensive development, making it an increasingly popular choice.

If the town sounds like a good fit for you, you may want to check out our full living in Basildon guide HERE.

For the Nature and History Lovers

If you are someone who likes to know about the history of the place you call home, moving to Essex would be a great choice for you, with a rich history to explore across the whole county!

Essex also boasts a stunning variety of wildlife and landscapes, with over 70% of the county being rural.

In fact, the county is home to more than 20 vineyards, and it enjoys one of the driest climates in the UK.

It’s no surprise that nature and history enthusiasts are drawn to this area.

Castle Hedingham

This charming village formed around the 900-year-old Hedingham Castle, offering a deep dive into history.

Castle Hedingham is surrounded by miles of countryside, perfect for long walks and outdoor activities.

Living here places you within arm’s reach of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), providing breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful environment.

Dedham

Located north of Colchester, Dedham is a quaint town immortalised in John Constable’s paintings.

The Dedham Vale landscape remains as picturesque today as it was centuries ago.

It’s the perfect distance from both Colchester and London, offering freedom from city constraints without feeling isolated.

While housing prices are on the higher side, averaging £641,500 as of October 2024, the exceptional quality of life makes it a worthwhile investment.

For the Best of Both Worlds

Chelmsford

Named the best place to live in the East of England by The Sunday Times in 2020, Chelmsford continues to shine all these years later!

Granted city status during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, it offers an abundance of green spaces like Hylands Park and excellent shopping opportunities on Bond Street.

First-time buyers can find one-bedroom homes averaging around £211,000.

With trains to London Liverpool Street taking approximately 35 minutes and average house prices at £390,189, Chelmsford is both convenient and desirable.

The city has been continually growing and improving, making it an attractive option for those moving to Essex.

Brentwood

Brentwood is another excellent choice for those seeking the best of both worlds. Situated just 20 miles northeast of London, it offers a manageable commute of around 35 minutes by train to London Liverpool Street.

Brentwood combines a vibrant town centre with the tranquillity of nearby woodlands and countryside.

The area is known for its high-performing schools, boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Housing prices in Brentwood average at £525,554, reflecting its desirability, but the quality of life here makes it a compelling option.

With ongoing developments and a strong community spirit, Brentwood offers a harmonious blend of urban and rural living.

Read our full moving to Brentwood guide for an in-depth look at the area!

Ready to Move?

If you’re considering moving to Essex, let GoodMove make the process seamless.

Put your feet up and allow us to take the stress out of your relocation.

We provide a fast, convenient, and efficient house removals service tailored to you and your family.

With over 35 years of experience handling removals throughout the UK from our offices and warehouses in Colchester, Essex, we’re well-equipped to assist you.

Our customer-driven approach has earned us critical acclaim, and our testimonials on Reference Line speak volumes about the quality of service we deliver.

We also offer flexible self-storage options, either as part of a bespoke removals package or as a standalone service.

To find out how GoodMove’s removals service can work for you, don’t hesitate to contact us on the number listed above or use our quick quote form.