Discover Chelmsford: Your Ideal Home in the Heart of Essex

If you’re on the lookout for somewhere to live that isn’t as expensive or busy as London and want a new area to call home – with affordable house prices – read on.

It’s no surprise that you can save a fortune by adding a 30-minute daily commute to your working day. And with an increase in the number of employers who allow you to work from home for some of the week, there’s less need to go to work in the capital every day unless you enjoy the lifestyle – and can afford the costs.

Chelmsford, which gained city status in 2012, is a prime example of a location that offers both affordability and a vibrant lifestyle. As Essex’s only city, it boasts unique appeal with its safety, amenities, and overall ‘livability’.

The idea of a commuter belt is not new, so the question is do you look to the North, South, East or West of London? If you haven’t got family ties in any direction, it comes down to lifestyle and property prices.

Introducing … the city of Chelmsford!

If history is your thing and you’d really like to live in the traditional heart of England, there really is only one choice.

Anyone who watched the Channel 4 sitcom Chelmsford 123 will know that British Roman civilisation practically began in Essex’s county town. And by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the town had changed its name to Ceolmaer’s Ford, before definitely becoming Chelmsford in 1189. So it’s not a new town, though it is a new city – city status was awarded by the Queen in 2012.

Chelmsford City Council has played a significant role in the city’s development and enhancement, investing in urban improvements and transforming local landmarks like the Hylands Estate.

Close to London – but not too close

Chelmsford is a mere 30 miles from London, and it is very well served by public transport.

It is on the Great Eastern Mainline, with trains (currently run by Greater Anglia) to London Liverpool Street in the City taking about 35 minutes, and to Colchester (20 minutes), Ipswich (40 minutes) and Norwich (80 mins).

And reassuringly close to the countryside

The countryside around Chelmsford offers a real slice of rural Essex, making it difficult to imagine that one of the world’s great cities is just 30 miles away.

Characterised by a gently undulating landscape and a patchwork of fields, it is dotted with ancient woodlands that give way to fields of crops. The area is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and streams, notably the River Chelmer which gives its name to the city of Chelmsford.

As a result, there are plenty of scenic walks, and it can be a rich habitat for local wildlife. Picturesque villages with medieval churches and traditional village greens punctuate the landscape, offering glimpses into the region’s long history and resulting rural charm.

Key areas to explore outside the city are Hanningfield Reservoir surrounded by woodland, which is a popular spot for bird watching and peaceful walks, while Danbury Country Park offers a mix of ancient woodland, lakes, and meadows. The extensive grounds of Hylands Park, with its Grade II* listed house, showcase both manicured gardens and natural parkland.

So whether you’re looking for manicured countryside or something more adventurous, there’s plenty to float your boat around Chelmsford.

Chelmsford: A city with its own thriving economy

Chelmsford has a strong local economy, so you don’t have to commute to London to get a decent job, or to find businesses to work with. The Chelmsford Club and BNI Chelmsford are great places to hook up with local commerce.

As Essex’s county town, Chelmsford serves as a hub for local government and associated services too. It also has a busy retail sector, with popular shopping centres and a vibrant high street.

The Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford campus not only contributes to a skilled workforce, but also fosters innovation and research. Historically, the city has always had a strong representation in the technology and engineering sectors, it was an early pioneer of radio technology through Marconi.

Financial and professional services also play a significant role in Chelmsford’s prosperity, with many firms such as the insurer MS Amlin, hi-tech component manufacturer e2v and corporate finance specialist Grant Thornton choosing the Essex city as a significant base.

Added to the surrounding agricultural areas, this economic diversity helps to maintain Chelmsford’s resilience and continued growth, making it one of the most prosperous cities in Essex.

Education, education, and more education

Chelmsford has a thriving educational landscape for students of all ages. The city is home to several primary schools that have been rated as outstanding, including Tyrells, Barnes Farm and Newlands Spring.

At the secondary level, Chelmsford is also home to some outstanding grammar schools, King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) standing out as well as Chelmsford County High School for Girls maintaining the city’s exceptional reputation for academic excellence in the public sector.

When it comes to private education, one of Henry VIII’s old homes, New Hall, has been a private boarding school since 1947. Chelmsford also offers diverse educational paths, with Chelmsford College providing a range of vocational courses and A-levels.

Special educational needs are addressed at schools like Columbus School and College.

And further down the educational route there is Writtle University College, specialising in agriculture and horticulture and, of course, Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, both contribute greatly to the city’s reputation as an educational hub.

This diverse range of high-quality educational institutions for the entire educational journey makes Chelmsford a popular location for families who are keen on promoting their children’s education.

At home in Chelmsford

The city’s property market is diverse, with everything from charming period properties in the city centre to modern apartments in its newly developed areas.

Popular residential areas like Moulsham, Springfield, and Great Baddow offer a mix of housing types, from Victorian terraces to spacious family homes with gardens.

For those who are looking for a more rural lifestyle, villages surrounding Chelmsford such as Writtle, Danbury, and Stock provide beautiful countryside settings while still offering easy access to amenities of a bustling city.

You can also check out new build developments on Chelmsford Council’s website.

When looking for your home in Chelmsford, it’s best to work with local estate agents who have more of an in-depth knowledge of the area and can provide insights into different neighbourhoods. How close are the schools? What transport links do you need? Is commuting to London easy?

It is also a good idea to have your local Chelmsford conveyancing solicitor onside early in the process of moving house. Like estate agents, they can be very useful when it comes to arming you with local knowledge.

The Chelmsford property market can be competitive, particularly for family homes in desirable school catchment areas, so being prepared to move quickly when the right property becomes available is key.

You may also need to explore the local rental market, which offers a good selection of properties, allowing newcomers to get a feel for different areas before committing to a purchase.

Whether you’re looking for a starter home, a ‘forever home’, or a retirement property, Chelmsford’s varied housing stock and continual development means that there is something for everyone.

Chelmsford: Come see for yourself

If this has sparked your interest in the Chelmsford area, come see for yourself. You don’t have to go through the expense of living in London to be able to enjoy access to the capital. If you’re looking for a forever home town, Chelmsford might just be it.

This article was produced by Cunningtons Solicitors Chelmsford branch, they offer property solicitor help for your move, family law advice for any bumps in the road, and Wills & probate services to add security to your life.