Six of the best… commuter hotspots in Essex & Suffolk
With good transport links to London, Norwich and Cambridge, a range of excellent schools, beautiful countryside and outstanding coastline, both Essex and Suffolk provide an attractive offering to those choosing to commute to the city and make the most of property prices further afield.
During 2019, the average detached property price in London stood at £906,825, whilst in Essex and Suffolk they were £358,745 and £383,779 respectively. We take a look at six of the best places to live outside London but still within a 90-minute commute of the city.
Chelmsford, Essex – 27 mins to Liverpool Street
Chelmsford is particularly attractive to commuters given it’s proximity to London and having all the benefits of the capital on your doorstep but without the same price tag for property. Since it was granted city status in 2012, Chelmsford has continued to thrive and is home to numerous outstanding schools both in the private and state sector as well as the Essex campus of Anglia Ruskin University. Sitting alongside the usual high street mainstays such as John Lewis and The White Company are an abundance of independent retailers, designer boutiques and eateries, giving the retail experience an eclectic feel.
Maynetrees and Bank Chambers on New Street are two exciting conversion schemes facing the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral. On the market from £360,000, the apartments are located within Chelmsford’s Central Conservation Area. Maynetrees is a stunning grade II listed building, part of which dates back to 1591. The building in its current footprint has stood on the site since 1875 and some of the features have been carefully restored and are clearly evident in this exceptional property.
Within close proximity of the city centre and Admirals Park, School View Road is a delightful two bedroom Victorian cottage, tastefully presented and retaining many period features, on the market with a guide price of £325,000.
Kelvedon, Essex – 48 mins to Liverpool Street
Kelvedon enjoys all the benefits of a quiet, village location whilst being perfectly placed for commuting to London by either road or rail. Kelvedon is well-served by local amenities such as doctors, schools, pubs and restaurants and has a wide range of housing stock, from period, beamed cottages to detached modern homes and terraced houses, making it appealing to buyers across the board.
203 High Street, on the market for £385,000, is a 3-bedroom property on one of Kelvedon’s most sought after roads, in close proximity of the mainline railway station. The property has been extended over the years, finished to a high specification and benefits from off-road parking.
Set on a private road a short walk from the station is Saxon Place, an extremely well presented property with four bedrooms, double garage and landscaped rear garden, on the market for £775,000. For those looking to get one stop closer to the city, Spa Place is a six bedroom Georgian property, on the market for £850,000, it is close to Witham station and has good access to the A12 and the A120.
See all property on the market with our Witham branch
Colchester, Essex – 49 mins to Liverpool Street
Colchester is a bustling town steeped in history with a rich heritage and is home to numerous Roman ruins and Medieval buildings. Colchester is perfectly positioned for exploring the picturesque landscape of Constable Country – the surrounding villages and countryside which so inspired the artist.
On the market for £180,000, Propelair Way is a well-presented apartment ideally located within comfortable walking distance of the mainline station and town centre. Military Road, with a guide price of £280,000, is one of three new build townhouses in this development which is close to Colchester Town station as well as all the numerous shopping facilities, restaurants, bars and multiplex cinema.
An imposing four bedroom Victorian townhouse on The Avenue, one of Colchester’s finest roads, is within walking distance of the town centre and offers characterful accommodation over four floors with a guide price of £700,000.
See all property on the market with our Colchester branch
Manningtree, Essex – 58 mins to Liverpool Street
Manningtree lies between picturesque Dedham Vale and the banks of the River Stour estuary, surrounded by water meadows and rolling countryside. Described in The Times’ Best Places to Live in the UK 2019 as ‘commutable countryside that’s pretty as a picture’, Manningtree is traditionally known as England’s smallest town but it has as much substance as it does style, with a flourishing high street that is home to numerous independent shops and restaurants.
Ipswich Road in Brantham is an attractive 4 bedroom detached chalet bungalow offering around 1500 sq. ft. of accommodation and stunning farmland views with a guide price from £450,000. There is an Open House on Saturday 4th August between 11am and 12pm, by appointment only with the Manningtree office on 01206 397222.
One of Manningtree’s most desirable new developments, Lawford Green is an outstanding collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom bungalows, chalet-style bungalows and traditional two storey houses with prices starting from £330,000 and is a 0.9m walk from the station. In May 2019, Greater Anglia announced they were planning to expand the car park at Manningtree station which will provide an additional 226 spaces.
See all property on the market with our Manningtree branch
Ipswich, Suffolk – 64 mins to Liverpool St
Ipswich, Suffolk’s county town, provides urban living with plentiful opportunities for exploring the surrounding countryside and coastline. Rich in history and cultural heritage, Ipswich is home to over 650 listed buildings but is very much a town for modern-day living. The historic waterfront is home to University of Suffolk’s main campus and a wide selection of bars and restaurants. Just over a mile from the station, apartments at Anchor Street start from £215,000. Overlooking the marina, they are popular with those who live and work in the town as well as commuters.
Buyers with a budget close to Suffolk’s average detached property price can purchase a newly-built, traditional-style detached family home on Fountains Road in the Belstead area of town. Lying within easy walking distance of the railway station, it comes with four bedrooms, garage and considerable parking and is on the market for £345,000.
Those with a more substantial budget will find a wide variety of properties on offer in and around the town centre. Within walking distance of Ipswich Station and offered with no onward chain and a guide price of £615,000, is this attractive four bedroom home with south-facing rear garden on Ancaster Road.
See all property on the market with our Ipswich branch
Woodbridge, Suffolk – 87 mins to Liverpool St
Woodbridge is a vibrant market town on the River Deben, recently named in The Times’ Best Places to Live in the UK, offering all the benefits of countryside living but with the convenience of rail links into Liverpool Street. Located on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and also has a thriving town centre with an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and even a cinema.
On the market with a guide price of £350,000 and overlooking the Deben is a stunning three bedroom first floor apartment with allocated parking at Deben Wharf – a stone’s throw from the station. For those who prefer period features, a three bedroom Victorian residence, with a guide price of £425,000, on Gladstone Road has curb appeal and is within easy walking distance of the town centre and station.
Ideally positioned for access to the A12 and station as well as local amenities and schooling, an imposing 4 bedroom home on Ipswich Road is entered through a private gated drive with plenty of space for parking, offered for sale with a guide price of £850,000.
See all property on the market with our Woodbridge branch