The perfect balance between town and countryside
Essex has always been a popular place to live, thanks to its vibrant towns, long stretches of coast and pretty villages. But the past 18 months have prompted a surge in enquiries to our conveyancing solicitors Essex team as city dwellers with new working arrangements have been attracted to all that the county has to offer. Here are five of the top locations either to live in, or invest in.
Chelmsford
As the only city Essex has to offer, it is perfect for a fast-paced place to live, which is great for both young professionals and families alike. With excellent train services into London and a large public transport network, this is perfect for those who need to commute on a daily basis. If you are someone who needs to commute into the capital at any point during the week, there are direct lines to London Liverpool Street and other key locations, all whilst allowing you to enjoy the relaxation of Essex at the weekends.
Chelmsford also offers a wide range of leisure activities in the city centre, including ice skating, cinemas and trampolining, alongside more rural pursuits including hiking and water sport,s making it the best of both for those that like to keep busy without travelling to far from home.
For families, you’ll find that Chelmsford has two of the top grammar schools in the country at Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys.
If you’re interested in buying property here, the average cost of a property in Chelmsford is £474,632, according to Zoopla.
Saffron Walden
Recently voted the best place to live in 2025, Saffron Walden is a must for those looking for a little bit of everything. This pretty market town is located at the north of Essex, just 15 miles from Cambridge and close to the M11 and Duxford too. The town has beautiful architecture and boasts a lively coffee shop scene too, making it perfect for those searching for a relaxed homelife following a busy work week.
In addition to this, there are several major towns and cities easily accessible by road as well as connections to London and Cambridge made simple with access to the M11 as well as by train via the Audley End Train Station. For the families looking to move into the area, there are also several outstanding schools for children of all ages, making it the perfect place for them to grow old.
On the outskirts, you’ll find Audley End, an English Heritage home which hosts fantastic al fresco concerts and offers a miniature railway for families.
Currently, the average house price in Saffron Walden is £448,048.
Frinton on Sea
A seaside visit to Frinton on Sea is an absolute must, but if you choose to live here, then you’ve hit the jackpot. This is a quintessentially British town, with sandy beaches, yet without the tackiness of other coastal resorts. If you’re looking to live somewhere which is both beautiful and peaceful, then Frinton will be the perfect fit for you.
Although it is popular with retired people, you’ll also find a lot of families here due to the good schools in the area.
Choose to live here and you can expect to pay an average of £308,968 for a property.
Colchester
The former capital of England has many historic stories to tell, which are evident in the architecture and features you’ll see around Colchester. Alongside Colchester Castle and Colchester Zoo, the town also offers museums and galleries as well as scenic walks and cycling routes around the local area.
If you’re a hybrid worker or are back in the office, then Colchester is just a 49-minute train journey into the capital and has competitively priced season tickets in comparison to other Essex towns. With proximity to the A12, it’s just as easy to get to the beach, too.
Colchester is a surprisingly affordable town to live in, with the average price standing at just £265,805.
Felsted
Nestled between Braintree and Great Dunmow, south of the A120, Felsted has a bustling village life which centres around the local post office shop, pubs, restaurants and a new coffee and bookshop. Families will love the outstanding primary school and independent Felsted School, whilst there are excellent nursery and preschool settings in the village too.
Alongside picturesque walks and bike rides, Felsted residents enjoy only a 10-15 minute drive to Braintree or Dunmow, whilst you can get to Chelmsford, Bishops Stortford or Stansted in around 20 minutes.
The cost of living in Felsted is a little higher than in other areas, due to the beauty of the location, so you can expect a detached property to be around £621,967.
Maldon
As one of the oldest known towns in Essex, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, Maldon is known throughout the area for its rich history, including the famous Battle of Maldon in 991 AD, as well as the production of the world-renowned Maldon Sea Salt.
The Promenade Park, home to the iconic Maldon Mud Race, is perfect for riverside walks and offers plenty of green space, making it ideal for young families seeking outdoor entertainment.
Just around the corner, Madison Heights features a bustling arcade, bowling alley, roller skating rink, and more. Meanwhile, the Blackwater Leisure Centre provides a gym, fitness classes, and a full-sized swimming pool. This makes Maldon the perfect location for those seeking countryside charm and family-friendly activities.
The high street offers a mix of well-known retail chains alongside independent shops such as the Maldon Coffee Company and Maldon Books, making it a great destination for relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying a peaceful day of browsing and people-watching.
The cost of living in Maldon is slightly higher than in other parts of Essex, largely due to its scenic surroundings and growing popularity. As of 2025, the average price for a detached property is approximately £506,153.
Once you’ve found a property you would like to buy, Hook & Partners can offer our team of experienced conveyancers to support you through the purchase process. Contact us today.