A Guide to Living in Essex

Essex is a county in the East of England and is one of the most populous counties in the country. It has a population of 1.4 million people, making it an attractive place for prospective home buyers to invest their money and enjoy all that Essex has to offer. Below we’ll take a look at what you should know about Essex before deciding where to put down roots!

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Best places to live in Essex

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

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Where is Essex?

The county of Essex is located to the East of London. It borders Suffolk and Cambridgeshire in the South West, Hertfordshire in the North West and Kent along its Northern border.

Areas in Essex

The county contains many different types of areas – some are large towns while others are smaller villages or rural communities that offer peace and quiet away from city life.

Some popular places include:

Chelmsford – The county’s largest town and its administrative centre, Chelmsford is a vibrant and growing community with excellent schools, shopping and leisure facilities.

Basildon – Located in the East of Essex, Basildon is one of the county’s fastest-growing towns thanks to its convenient location and modern amenities. With transport links to London and the coastal resorts, Basildon is a great place for commuters to live.

Southend-on-Sea – With its beautiful seafront location on the Thames Estuary, Southend is popular with Londoners looking to move out of city life but still want quick access via train or road.

Colchester – Situated in the North of Essex, Colchester is a historic town with plenty to see and do. With two universities and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants, it’s no wonder Colchester is one of the county’s most popular places to live.

Clacton-on-Sea – A seaside resort on the coast, Clacton is a popular choice for holidaymakers and those looking to retire because of the proximity to the coast and countryside.

Universities in Essex

Essex is home to a few universities which draw students from all over the country – these include:

The University of Essex – With over 13,000 students and nearly 600 international ones, the University of Essex is a popular choice for those looking to study in an informal environment and specialises in social sciences.

The University of Essex is located on the outskirts of Colchester which has a vibrant social scene with plenty to do for students.

Writtle University College – Located in Chelmsford, Writtle is the only agricultural university in Essex and offers courses such as land management, forestry and agriculture.

The Colchester Institute – a popular choice for students looking to study in the creative industry, the Colchester Institute offers courses in fashion, design, marketing and more.

Top Schools in Essex

There are many good schools in Essex catering for children of all ages. In addition to state schools, there are also many prestigious private schools located throughout the county.

Some of the standout institutions include:

King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys – a top independent school that is part of a network of more than 30 King Edwards throughout the country, this grammar school has been established since 1551

The Thurstable School – recognised by The Good Schools Guide as one of the best state schools in England, this selective boys’ school is less than 8 miles south of Colchester.

Colchester County High School for Girls – Another top state school, this selective girls’ grammar boasts high academic standards and impressive examination results.

Population of Essex

The population of Essex was estimated at just under two million people as of 2016. This number is expected to grow steadily over the next few years making now a great time for prospective homeowners to consider buying property in the area.

Featured developments in Essex

Reviews in Essex

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Overall modern and decent but gets too hot

Verified Resident

Review Date Oct 2024

The location of the flats is in a convenient area as it’s located in close proximity to Brentwood train station. However the only problem is the traffic can get quite noisy as it’s located on a main road. I don’t hear too much noise however coming from the trains. In terms of local shops, restaurants…etc, it’s okay and its not too far from the main high street. However as Brentwood is a relatively small town there’s not too many options.

Please review your development:

Overall I like the modern feel and design of the flats. I’ve been living in my flat for just over 3 years and I haven’t had many problems, however the lift tends to break down quite frequently. The building is managed pretty well and it gets cleaned regularly now. My main issue is with the temperature of the flat in the summer months. It can get extremely hot especially for flats facing the side of the Sun. It makes it quite uncomfortable to live in from around May-September time, and opening the windows doesn’t make much difference. This is the main disadvantage which is making me consider moving to another place, due to health problems it has caused.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The main thing I wish I knew was how hot the flat could get making it uncomfortable to live in for a proportion of the year. The other thing is the noise and pollution coming from the traffic on the main road, which is worse when windows are opened.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I have only had one issue with my dishwasher not working due to poor installation when I moved in. This was responded to quickly.

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Comfy and cozy

Verified Resident

Review Date Oct 2024

Well it’s too nearby to the station and all local shops and quite happening! The insides are clean and well maintained.

Cons:traffic noise

Please review your development:

The development is in prime location and the architecture is beautiful from inside.
Quite clean and cozy and it’s a perfect fit for families of all age groups.
There’s almost no to little intervention from anyone and you can have your perfect stay!
Beautifully built!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I could have found it earlier. It’s perfect

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Quite quick resolution. Whenever we raise a complaint it’s taken care of within 1-2 days mostly.

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User submitted image of Ewing House, CM14

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Good building

Verified Resident

Review Date Oct 2024

The property is in the best location as it is just a minute walk from the station. Apartments are airy and spacious. Supermarket is just in the same building on ground floor, the only problem i’ve faced is that Lifts of the apartment are often out of order but if there is any other problem inside the house, they fix it in quick time so, overall it is a good building

Please review your development:

Everything about the building is good and well maintained. If I talk about the design it is good enough as well.the management team really works for the residents as soon as possible. Facilities are also good as market and public transportaion can be easily found nearby.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is no TV holder or cabinet to keep the TV, that is the only problem i face

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very nicely and quickly. The problem is solved really quick

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Comfortable Living with Convenient Access

Verified Resident

Review Date Oct 2024

One thing I wish I had known before moving into Ewing House is the extent of noise from nearby traffic, especially during peak hours. While the location is convenient, it can sometimes be a bit louder than expected. Additionally, understanding the parking situation in advance would have been helpful, as finding a space can be challenging during busy times. Overall, being aware of these aspects would have helped set more accurate expectations for living there.

Development Review of Brentwood Station Area
Brentwood Station offers a blend of convenience and community spirit. Its excellent transport links to London make it an ideal spot for commuters, while local amenities, including shops and cafes, cater to daily needs. The area boasts green spaces, enhancing the suburban charm.

However, the rising cost of living and traffic congestion can be drawbacks. Additionally, noise from the station might disturb some residents, and the limited nightlife options may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it’s a pleasant area, particularly for families and professionals, but potential residents should weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Please review your development:

Review of Ewing House, Brentwood
Ewing House in Brentwood is a well-located development that combines modern living with convenience. Its proximity to Brentwood Station makes it ideal for commuters, while local shops and amenities are easily accessible. The design of the building is contemporary, offering comfortable living spaces.

However, some residents may find the cost of living to be on the higher side. Additionally, while the area is generally quiet, noise from nearby traffic can occasionally be an issue. Overall, Ewing House is a solid choice for those seeking a blend of accessibility and modern comfort in a vibrant community.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management at Ewing House has generally been responsive to issues raised by residents. They typically address maintenance requests promptly, and communication channels are clear, allowing for easy reporting of problems. When issues arise, such as noise complaints or maintenance concerns, management tends to follow up to ensure resolutions are satisfactory. Overall, their proactive approach helps maintain a positive living environment.

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