Family-Friendly Areas to Buy a Home in Essex
Finding the perfect place to raise a family is one of life’s biggest decisions. For those looking at the South East, Essex consistently stands out. Combining the benefits of countryside life, superb commuter links and a wealth of high-quality schools, the county offers a compelling blend for family living.
If you are searching for best family areas Essex, you’ll be looking for more than just a house; you’re looking for community, excellent amenities, green spaces, and a sound investment for your future. Below, we explore some of the top towns and cities in Essex that tick all these boxes, along with a guide to property prices to help inform your search.
Spotlight on the Best Family Areas in Essex
Essex is diverse, offering everything from bustling city life to quaint, quiet villages. We’ve highlighted a few key areas renowned for their family appeal:
- Chelmsford: The City Option
As Essex’s main city, Chelmsford offers a vibrant urban life with excellent family facilities.
- Family Appeal: It boasts a strong selection of schools, including two of the top grammar schools in the country (Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys). The city centre offers a wide array of leisure activities like ice skating and cinemas, while nearby Hylands Park provides acres of green space.
- Commuting: Superb-fast rail links mean you can be at London Liverpool Street in as little as 35 minutes, making it highly desirable for commuting parents.
- Property Guide: Chelmsford offers a diverse market.
- The average house price in Chelmsford in 2025 was £410,527 just below the average Essex house price at £425,724 according to Rightmove.co.uk (https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/essex.html.)
- Brentwood: Suburban Comfort and Connectivity
Located just outside the M25 corridor, Brentwood is a highly sought-after area, often considered a premium choice for families moving out of London – and birthplace of the infamous “The Only Way is Essex – TOWIE” TV programme.
- Family Appeal: Known for its highly-rated primary and secondary schools and excellent amenities, Brentwood provides a secure, suburban environment. It offers beautiful countryside surroundings and a sophisticated high street.
- Commuting: Fantastic connectivity via the mainline train station (including Elizabeth Line services from Shenfield nearby) and easy access to the M25 motorway.
- Property Guide: Due to its desirability and prime location, property prices here are generally higher.
- Average Price (Overall): According to the Office for National Statistics the average house price in Brentwood was £503,000 whilst for First Time Buyer the entry point was £363,000.
- Rental wise average rents were £1,580 per month, so an attractive market for buy to let landlords. (https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E07000068/)
- Saffron Walden: Historic Charm and Top Schools
Nestled in the north-west of the county, this picturesque market town is ideal for those seeking a more rural and historical setting.
- Family Appeal: It’s famous for its excellent educational facilities, including Saffron Walden County High School which is 2024 was given an “Outstanding” rating by Ofsted. The town maintains a thriving community atmosphere with independent shops and a popular local market. The beautiful Audley End House & Gardens is on its doorstep.
- Commuting: The nearest station is Audley End, offering services to London Liverpool Street in under an hour.
- Property Guide: Saffron Walden commands a higher price tag reflective of its charm and quality of life.
- Average Price (Overall): According to HM Land Registry figures the average house price in Saffron Walden was £480,750. (https://www.propertysolvers.co.uk/homeowners-hub/uk-house-prices/saffron-walden/#:~:text=The%20average%20house%20price%20in,over%20the%20last%2012%20months.)
- Colchester: History, Affordability, and Growth
As Britain’s oldest recorded town (now a city), Colchester is a thriving hub that offers great value compared to many other commuter towns.
- Family Appeal: Rich in history with a modern twist, Colchester offers good schools, Colchester Zoo, and plenty of cultural and green spaces. It benefits from a strong community feel, partly due to the presence of the University of Essex.
- Commuting: A direct train journey to London Liverpool Street takes approximately 49 minutes.
- Property Guide: This area is often noted for its competitive pricing, especially compared to the south of the county.
- Average Price (Overall): Given its more varied housing stock average house prices are £298,000 with the average price for First Time Buyers being £250,000. (https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E07000071/)
Customising Your Family Move
When choosing among the best family areas Essex, it’s crucial to match the area to your specific family needs:
- The Commuter Family: Look towards Brentwood or Chelmsford for the quickest and most frequent links into London.
- The Nature-Loving Family: Areas like Epping (with direct access to Epping Forest) or charming rural spots near Braintree or Colchester will provide ample space for outdoor activities.
- The Value-Conscious Family: Areas like Colchester or Braintree often offer a lower entry point into the market while still providing excellent family amenities and schools.
A Note on Pricing
It is important to remember that all property price guides are approximate averages and can fluctuate significantly based on house type, size, condition, and precise location within the town. Always consult with a local property expert for the most up-to-date and specific figures for the properties you are interested in.
Getting Started
Essex truly offers a high quality of life for families, blending excellent schooling and strong communities with the convenience of London accessibility.
We hope this overview of the best family areas Essex gives you a strong starting point for your property journey, whether you’re considering the vibrant city of Chelmsford or the charming streets of Saffron Walden
