An increasing number of Londoners are opting for a home move to the Home Counties, drawn in by the allure of expansive green landscapes, charming villages, and arguably, a higher quality of life. Are you considering joining this trend and making a house move to Essex?

Essex, widely recognized for its vast countryside, expansive woodlands, and natural beauty, is a county that consistently offers a high quality of life. It is also renowned for achieving some of the best education results in the country.

So, regardless of if you're moving to Essex to raise a family, escape from the inner-city way of life, or you're just looking to start fresh, Essex is a great place for you to call home.

As is expected with property prices in the South, a move to Essex can come at a considerable cost. Properties in 2021 sold for an average price of £408,678. Whilst this may seem lofty already, it's also seen a 6% rise compared to the previous year, according to Rightmove.

On average, semi-detached properties sell for £407,092, whilst terraced properties sell for £356,152. Are you looking for something with a bit more privacy? Detached properties sold for an average of £581,364.

Essex offers quite a vast amount of properties in different price brackets. For example, Ingatestone village, located between Brentwood and Chelmsford, has an average price of £760,000 and is one of the most expensive areas in Essex to live. Whereas, Clacton-on-Sea, which includes Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick, for a more affordable price of £210,000 on average.

What can I do in Chelmsford?

Chelmsford is one of the largest cities within Essex and has such a historic past, including settlements in the area dating from long before it was officially named Chelmsford. It’s very likely that ‘Caesaromagus’ originated in AD60 and was built to rival London!

With that in mind, Chelmsford has always been a thriving city with a vast array of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs for your evening entertainment. If you’re moving with children, or have a child-like streak, then there’s crazy golf, lots of open green spaces, a trampoline park and so much more.

For the sports lovers, there’s Chelmsford City FC, part of the National League South, Chelmsford Cricket Club and Chelmsford Chieftains, the local Ice Hockey team.

What is it like to live in Brentwood?

Brentwood is yet another historic hub in Essex, filled to the brim with bits to do! It’s so much more than the original home of ‘The Only Way is Essex’.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit if animals are your thing, and don’t forget that Old McDonald’s Farm is nearby too! Whilst we’re talking about the outdoors, there’s the Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Country Park, Weald Country Park and the awesome King George’s Playing Fields. For something a little different, there’s the Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre.

Being a hotspot for great food and drink also makes Brentwood a great place to call home.