THE STUNNING ESSEX AREAS NAMED AMONG THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE

Many people have chosen to live in Essex for a whole variety of reasons. Be it for its commuter value into London, lovely beaches, quaint villages or bustling cities, our county really has it all.

Three Essex areas, however, have been named among the best places to live not just in Essex - but in the entirety of the UK. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide has revealed the three Essex areas that people are running to live in, for a variety of reasons.

The Sunday Times’s expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. As always, the judges looked for thriving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices.

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One Essex town was named not just the best place to live in the East of England, but topped the whole list entirely. This area is Saffron Walden, famed for its market, independent businesses and relaxed lifestyle.

The Sunday Times judges said: “Saffron Walden was chosen for its knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, a rich cultural offering, and an exploding foodie scene. It also has convenient commuter links to both London and Cambridge.

"The genteel market town used to have a reputation for being stuffy, old-fashioned and expensive. While the property prices are still high, SW is enjoying a swish new lease of life. Incomers are bringing fresh ideas, cool independent shops and tasty places to eat with them. If the traditional high street is dying, Saffron Walden is reinventing it for the 21st century."

A popular yet wildly different area was named the best place to live in the East of England - and it is, of course, our county town (or city) of Chelmsford. Loved for its green spaces and brilliant commuter value into London, Chelmsford is one of those areas that just keeps developing.

The Sunday Times guide said: "The fast-growing city takes second place to Saffron Walden in the region but was highly praised by the Sunday Times judges as a perfect example of the modern commuter hub.

"Its schools are excellent and transport connections impeccable, with a new station due to open this year serving the new 3,600-home Beaulieu Park development, which was named the “Great Neighbourhood” of 2024 by the Academy of Urbanism."

A surprise entry to the ranking is a lesser-known Essex village, that is loved for its fantastic community spirit. Only an hour from Liverpool Street station by train, Wivenhoe blends the commuter and village life that everyone craves.

The village community spirit certainly shines every year with the annual Wivenhoe Town Regatta, which sees locals competing in the sailing, raft, and pram races. According to Muddy Stilettos, Wivenhoe is “such a loved area some residents refer to it as their Wivenhoe.”

The guide says of the village: "This pretty former fishing village is surrounded by countryside and has a creative and fiercely proud community. Its brightly coloured houses are home to artists, as well as writers, musicians and academics who work at the University of Essex.

"Although there’s plenty of Farrow & Ball on display, Wivenhoe hasn’t forgotten its bohemian, radical roots — earlier this year, plans to fell a historic oak tree were met with peaceful protests and sit-ins. The sense of community is strong too. Volunteers run a twice-monthly film club at the William Loveless Hall and serve a free Christmas meal to those who would otherwise be alone on December 25."

2025-03-21T07:38:09Z