Hello Everyone.

In your honest opinion, is there anything wrong with Chelmsford or Colchester or Essex? I have found Chelmsford property to be the most affordable within 30 minutes of London. Nowhere else as close is as affordable.

Would you have a problem living in Essex? Would it be a better choice than Ashford for example?

Does anyone have any thoughts on this area to share please

Given where my parents live in Essex, Chelmsford and Colchester are both considered 'posh' by comparison.
I have a friend who lives in Colchester and likes it although the commute into London is a bit long. I was in Colchester last July for a funeral and thought it was a nice historic place. I haven't been to Chelmsford for years but sure it can't be too bad.
There are for sure places to avoid in Essex but I wouldn't have said the two C's were among them.
Brentwood is also not bad but probably more expensive.

Have a good look around on Googleearth - that's what I am currently doing for my next UK destination (remaining top secret).

If you have kids or plan on them, also check out the Ofsted reports for schools in the area you are thinking of buying.

Brilliant, thank you so much for getting back to me. Good to know it's a decent area

I wouldn't live in Essex by choice, but it's a good option when it comes to commuting into London. I know a few people who've lived in Chelmsford and they seemed quite happy with the area / amenities - e.g. a town centre that isn't just Pound stores.

What makes you not want to choose Essex?

I am an Essex girl, last summer I stayed with an old friend who has lived in Great Baddow most of her life and she seems happy, it all seems nice to me and has plenty going on and convenient for London and the coast.

Too many other places in the UK I like more......

It's personal choice - if I worked in London I'd consider living in Essex, but it's not in my top ten of places I'd like to live. Most of it is quite densely populated and expensive, with the nice villages being the most expensive, but that's not exactly surprising

@cxx

So if you could choose anywhere within 40 minute of London (by train) which area would be top of your list?

Not sure they meet the 40 minute criteria but St Albans, Aylesbury, Windsor, Guildford or Tunbridge Wells would be options, depending on the salary

Those are some great options all around.

Would you consider living in London itself in areas like Richmond, Greenwich, Wimbledon etc?

I'd consider Richmond and Greenwich (but can't say anything about Wimbledon as I've never been). They both have some nice parks, pubs, etc. but would probably prefer Greenwich as I love the market.

So would you prefer those inner London areas to Chelmsford too?

Yep, if I worked in London because whilst I have no problem spending hours commuting by car the thought of being packed into tubes / trains like a sardine fills me with horror , and also because I don't have kids / schools to worry about (Chelmsford / Essex has some excellent schools).

LOL. Makes sense