Which of these essex towns is best: colchester, chelmsford or basildon?

Question

I want to move from London to Essex and was thinking about Colchester, Chelmsford or Basildon as they're all similar in size. However which is best and why?

Answer 1

Depends what you're after really....ease of commute to London, access to shops, clubs, whatever?

I used to live between colchester and chelmsford (about 15 years ago, so things may have changed!).

For ease of doing things like shopping, I used to go to Chelmsford, mainly because I knew it better. If I had visitors I would take them to Colchester because its a lovely old city with a bit of character (its also beautifully decorated at Christmas).  

I went to Basildon a couple of times, but not really my cup of tea....

Answer 2

well this might be a bit of a bias decision as i live closest to colchester but i think its definately between colchester and chelmsford.....they're the best......

I have only been to chelmsford about 4 times but its a great town, good nightlife, good transport access. Some great restaurants, a few nice pubs.

But if i were you i would chose colchester. Lovely town centre, i go there like every weekend as i live in harwich and i go on the bus. Lots of big shops available, as well as small shops specialising in certain areas of todays market. Odeon, great cinema. And i dont know if you know this but its the oldest recorded town, so there is a lot of history if you or your girlfriend, family etc are interested in that sort of thing. Theres quite a big theatre called "The Mercury Theatre" which is good if you are into that sort of thing.

Colchester is also good because it is half and hour (by car) away from Harwich, if you want to take a trip over to holland, which i have done many times, then you can. Harwich is a massive international port so its quite cheap as well.....you wont have to splash out too much. There are also some great schools in the area which have achieved outstanding results both primary and secondary if you are thinking that far ahead about starting a family etc.

Let me know your decision, when you chose the best answer, write it in the little comment bit at the bottom so i know. Thank you, good luck x

Answer 3

Basildon is a vile place to go nad is definitely not worth it. If you're thinking of moving to somewhere near Basildon then choose Southend instead. As someone who lives in Southend, I can tell you that the reputation is completely undeserved, and the boroughs such as Leigh are far nicer than you'd find anywhere in Basildon, and there's a good nightlife without all the crime- well, having lived here all my life, I've never had any trouble :]