Essex was historically one of the seven English kingdoms, or heptarchy, united under one government in the ninth century. Although the county boasts a rich and fascinating history, its location and facilities also make it a great place to live now. People looking to establish their own little kingdom by finding the perfect place to raise their family will certainly have lots of reasons to choose this area.
Although the recent success of reality TV programme The Only Way is Essex has brought some additional publicity for the county, not many people who live there would agree with the stereotypes it portrays. There may be plenty of sunbed salons and nail bars in certain Essex towns, but in reality the county is much more diverse and has plenty more to offer.
To the dismay of some residents, the common perception of Essex is often defined by the relatively small area that overlaps with east London. However, get to know the county a bit better and you’ll see why so many people are proud to call it home.
After Cornwall, Essex is the English county with the longest stretch of coastline and only Devon has more roads that are officially designated as country lanes. Here are a few more reasons why Essex could be the perfect place to put down some roots.
Best of both worlds
If you’d like to live in a fairly rural area but value close proximity to the bright lights of the city, then Essex should be ideal. It is a big county and large parts of it are rural, with swathes of open countryside and small villages. However, London can be reached in less than an hour by train from many of its towns.
For work purposes, this close connection means that many people can enjoy a home life in Essex and commute to their jobs in London, without having to spend hours travelling each day. You’ll also have access to all of the capital’s best cultural attractions, without the overcrowding, traffic and high prices that come along with living in London.
Transport links
As well as its excellent links with London and the south-east, Essex is particularly well connected to the rest of the world. The county boasts not one, but two international airports – London Stansted and London Southend. With the two hubs offering flights to a variety of foreign destinations with carriers such as easyJet, Thomson Airways and Ryanair, you’ll never have to travel far to embark on a family holiday or business trip.
Historic charm
Essex’s proximity to mainland Europe means it has been influenced by many cultures over the centuries. Even people with little more than a passing interest in history will find plenty to enjoy in the county, from the Roman remains in Colchester to the stunning Norman architecture of Waltham Abbey.
Colchester, a popular destination for people moving to Essex, is often referred to as Britain’s oldest town. It was the first capital of Roman Britain and the walls and streets of the town still carry a strong reminder of the civilisation. Elsewhere in Essex, evidence of Roman settlements has been discovered in towns such as Chelmsford, Braintree and Great Dunmow.
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