Why Move to Essex

Why move to Essex: For some, that might be a scary prospect. The mere mention of Essex often brings a flood of stereotypes to mind.

“Where are you from?” is usually a simple question, but for many of the 1.5 million residents of Essex, the answer is often carefully vague—”the South East” or “near London”—to avoid the assumptions that come with the name.

The Essex accent, frequently imitated and mocked, is known for its speed, volume, and relaxed approach to grammar. But no stereotype is more infamous—or more unfair—than that of the “Essex girl.” She is portrayed as loud and vulgar, with a reputation for indiscretion. With bleached-blonde hair, surgically enhanced curves, impossibly high heels, and a love of fake tan that gives her skin an unmistakable orange glow, she has become a caricature—one that many Essex women are eager to shake off.

Living in Essex: What to Expect

Life in Essex is full of variety. The county blends culture, history, and modern living, offering something for everyone. If you enjoy the outdoors, Essex boasts over 350 miles of stunning coastline, with picturesque beaches, beautiful estuaries, and thriving nature reserves. The countryside is equally appealing, with rolling fields, ancient woodlands, and charming villages providing a peaceful retreat from city life.

For those who prefer urban living, Essex has bustling towns and cities such as Chelmsford, Colchester, and Brentwood. Each offers excellent shops, restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife. The county has a strong community spirit, with events, festivals, and local markets throughout the year. Whether you want an active lifestyle or a quiet retreat, Essex offers the perfect balance.

Housing in Essex: Exploring Your Options

Essex provides a wide range of housing options to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Whether you are looking for a period cottage in Saffron Walden, a modern apartment in Chelmsford, or a coastal home in Southend-on-Sea, there are plenty of choices.

The property market remains diverse and is more affordable than London, making Essex a great option for first-time buyers and growing families. As of 2024, the average house price in Essex is approximately £385,000, significantly lower than the £530,000 average in Surrey. This affordability, combined with a strong rental market, makes the county an attractive option for both buyers and investors.

For those interested in new-build properties, Essex is seeing significant development in key areas such as Chelmsford, Braintree, and Basildon. Many new homes come with attractive incentives, including government-backed Help to Buy schemes and first-time buyer discounts.

Education in Essex: Outstanding Schools and Universities

Families moving to Essex will find a wide range of excellent schools. The county is home to some of the UK’s top-rated grammar schools, including Colchester Royal Grammar School and Chelmsford County High School for Girls, both of which have exceptional academic results.

There are also many outstanding primary and secondary schools, providing high-quality education for children of all ages. For those considering higher education, The University of Essex in Colchester offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, consistently ranking among the best for student satisfaction.

Why Move to Essex | Employment Opportunities in Essex

Essex is not just a commuter base for London; it also has a strong local economy. While many residents use fast rail links to the capital, the county itself offers job opportunities in various sectors.

Chelmsford, Basildon, and Colchester are key business hubs, with companies in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The Ford Motor Company in Dunton employs thousands of workers, while the ports of Harwich and Tilbury remain vital economic contributors.

The rise of remote and hybrid working has encouraged more professionals to live in Essex while keeping jobs based in London. This makes the county even more appealing for those seeking a better work-life balance.

Transportation: Connectivity and Convenience

One of Essex’s biggest advantages is its excellent transport network. With well-connected roads, rail links, and airports, travelling is easy. The county benefits from:

Frequent train services: Towns like Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Shenfield offer direct rail links to London Liverpool Street, with journey times as short as 25 minutes.
Well-connected roadways: The M25, A12, A13, and M11 make commuting to London and other areas straightforward.
International travel options: London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport provide flights to numerous European destinations, making travel convenient for business and leisure.

For those relying on public transport, Essex offers an extensive bus network connecting towns, villages, and shopping centres, making daily travel simple.

Mortgage Brokers in Essex: Helping You Secure Your Dream Home

Buying a property is a major financial commitment, and finding the right mortgage can be challenging. Essex has many experienced mortgage brokers who help buyers secure the best available deals. Whether you are a first-time buyer, self-employed, or looking to remortgage, local brokers can offer access to competitive rates and tailored mortgage solutions.

Why Move to Essex | Leisure and Entertainment in Essex

Essex has a wide range of activities and attractions for residents to enjoy. Those who love the outdoors can explore Epping Forest or Dedham Vale, the latter of which inspired John Constable’s famous paintings.

Beach lovers can relax at Frinton-on-Sea, while families can enjoy a day out at Adventure Island in Southend. If shopping is your passion, Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and Freeport Braintree outlet village offer a vast selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Food lovers will enjoy Essex’s vibrant dining scene, from traditional pubs serving Sunday roasts to fine-dining restaurants and seafood eateries. Leigh-on-Sea is particularly known for its fresh shellfish, best enjoyed straight from the historic cockle sheds.

Why Essex is the Perfect Place to Call Home

With its high quality of life, strong economy, and excellent transport links, Essex is an exceptional place to live. Whether you are drawn to the countryside, the coast, or lively town centres, there is something for everyone.

The county offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, outstanding education, career opportunities, and leisure activities. This makes it an ideal destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

If you are thinking about moving to Essex and need advice on securing the right mortgage, our previous mortgage guides provide useful information to help you make informed decisions. Essex truly has it all—why not make it your new home?

If you’re based in Essex and looking for a later life mortgage or equity release, we’re here to help.