Top Commuter Towns in Essex

Liverpool Street, pictured above

We’ve put together a list of the best and most desirable commuter towns in Essex.

Using information from Zoopla, we’ve found the most attractive spots for those looking to get away from London and find more space in the suburbs. All locations have direct links to the Liverpool and Fenchurch Street lines.

1. Shenfield

Rightmove: Hall Lane, Shenfield, Brentwood, Essex, CM15

Average House Value: £746,709

Travel Time to London: 29 minutes

Just outside of Brentwood, Shenfield is one of the most prized commuter towns in the county, offering a blazing fast commute of 29 minutes to Liverpool Street Station. Shenfield has many luxurious family homes and is serviced by a number of Good and Outstanding schools in and around Brentwood.

2. Ingatestone

Rightmove: Market Place, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4

Average House Value: £736,446

Travel Time to London: 34 minutes

Ingatestone is a small village of roughly 4,500 people just one stop after Shenfield and, not only is it one of the most attractive commuter towns in the country, it was ranked by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK in 2020.

Part of Ingatestone’s appeal is its historical buildings and property and locals enjoy landmarks such as the 900-year-old Church of St Edmund and Mary as well as the 16th Century Ingatestone Hall.

3. Roydon

Rightmove: Epping Road, Roydon, CM19

Average House Value: £629,441

Travel Time to London: 36 minutes

Roydon is a village in the district of Epping Forest, close to both Harlow and Hoddesdon with very good rail links into London. It’s Home to Roydon Marina Village which has a 315 berth marina. Local residents include David Gilmore and Ray Winston.

4. Billericay

Rightmove: Crown Road, BILLERICAY

Average House Value: £527,456

Travel Time to London: 30 minutes

Billericay is a small town in the borough of Basildon lying between the A12 and A127. Great rail and road links make it an excellent place for commuting into both London and Cambridge.

The bustling town centre, good schools and lots of places to visit make this a very popular village.

5. Brentwood

Rightmove: Shenfield, Brentwood

Average House Value: £523,395

Travel Time to London: 40 minutes

A small, well to do historical town with a vibrant high street and many good state and private schools. Good rail links and being close to the M25 makes it very popular with commuters.

A popular town with families wishing to live close to a town but with countryside activities and country parks on the doorstep.

6. West Horndon

Rightmove: Petresfield Way, West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex, CM13

Average House Value: £411,735

Travel Time to London: 32 minutes

West Horndon is a very small village in the borough of Brentwood. Its close proximity to the A13, A127 and M25 make it perfect for travelling around the country plus good rail links into London. Lakeside and Bluewater shopping centres are in easy reach.

7. Leigh-On-Sea

Rightmove: Woodfield Road, Leigh-on-sea, Essex

Average House Value: £390,844

Travel Time to London: 48 minutes

Leigh-on-sea is a small fishing village on the Thames Estuary in the borough of Southend-on-Sea.With excellent primary, secondary and grammar schools it is a very popular place with families. It has a great shopping area with lots of upmarket shops and restaurants plus the added attraction of “Old Leigh” with its great pubs and situated on the water’s edge.Very good rail links into London Fenchurch Street and close to the A13, A127 making it perfect for commuting into London.

8. Saffron Walden

Rightmove: Church Street, Saffron Walden

Average House Value: £448,048

Travel Time to London: 54 minutes

A charming town in North Essex that is, unfortunately, a little out of the way compared to other locations on the list. The flipside is that Saffron Walden is a beautiful place to live, complete with a castle and the largest church in the country; it’s also a short drive from Audley End.

FAQ: What Are the Benefits of Living in A Commuter Town?

Living in a commuter town offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a balance between the hustle and bustle of city life, alongside a quieter serene lifestyle. Additionally, proximity to urban centres allows for easy access to employment, cultural activities, and amenities while enjoying a more relaxed environment. The reduced urban congestion and noise also offer a higher quality of life. It also removes the stress of large commutes, and that time can be dedicated to relaxation or productivity. Overall, commuter towns offer the best of both worlds!

FAQ: Why Are There So Many Good Commuter Towns in Essex?

Essex is an ideal location for commuter towns due to its strategic proximity to London. Its excellent transportation links, including train services and major road networks, making daily commuting completely efficient. The county of Essex offers a diverse range of housing options, often more affordable than London's urban core. Commuters can enjoy a seamless transition between work in the city and a relaxed home environment, making Essex a sought-after choice for those seeking a balanced urban-suburban lifestyle.

"We've put together a list of the best and most desirable commuter towns to buy a property in Essex."