: Identified as the second safest area in the county, making it a priority for families. Market Summary & Pricing Avg. House Price (Approx) Commute to London Key Appeal Billericay Safest town, high-end rural feel Chelmsford City amenities, new developments Saffron Walden Historic market town, top schools Basildon High affordability, coastal access Tilbury Fastest growing house prices Bellway - Beaulieu Grange
The following locations are currently ranked as the best places to live in Essex based on lifestyle, value, and connectivity: houses to buy in essex
: Ranked as the #1 place to live in Essex for 2026, this riverside town is praised for its independent businesses, quayside pubs, and scenic walking trails. : Identified as the second safest area in
: Offering historical character and strong education options (including top grammar schools), Colchester provides better value than closer-to-London hubs, with average prices around £286,071. : Offering historical character and strong education options
: Consistently ranked as the safest area in Essex , it offers a 31-minute commute to London Liverpool Street and average detached house prices of approximately £905,268.