Possible family move to Southend area 2016?

Essexmove23

uk_american wrote: »

I live in Chelmsford city centre, my boyfriend owns a house in Springfield. I bought a buy to let in Springfield in December partially due to the Ofsted ratings of the local primaries, plus you have KEGS and Chelmsford High School for Girls with Outstanding Ofsted ratings for the higher levels.

Depending on what part of Springfield, the 56 bus runs around every 20 min (doesn't run late Fri/Sat nights if you're trying to get back from a night out in London on the later trains). The 55 is an express during the morning commute hours, it gets you in to the train station in around 12 min, depending on what part of Springfield you're coming from. My boyfriend cycles, he does the roads but casual cyclists take the side streets/paths behind the Uni. I'm not a keen cyclist but I will do that route.

One other point, a new train station is planned for this area. Granted, it's always a matter of funding etc. but current info has it opening in 2021.
http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/beaulieustation

This is partially the reason I went ahead with my house purchase. The current commute to the train station is 1.9 miles, but if/when the new station opens, it will be 1.2 miles, so a bit more palatable.

Can I ask are you familiar with Moulsham or Moulsham Lodge area nr springfield? friend who lives nearby said its also a nice part of chelmsford similar to springfield and kind of affordable.... any views?

AndyBSG

Essexmove23 wrote: »

Can I ask are you familiar with Moulsham or Moulsham Lodge area nr springfield? friend who lives nearby said its also a nice part of chelmsford similar to springfield and kind of affordable.... any views?

Moulsham Lodge is pretty much next to Baddow where I live.

It's closer to the Town Centre/Train Station so almost within walking distance in terms of commuting depending on exactly where in Moulsham Lodge(Chelmsford station has excellent cycling storage facilities so whenever i'm commuting to the Big Smoke I simply cycle to the station)

It's a little more residentially built up than Baddow with most houses being Terraced or Semi detached but all reasonable sizes and prices for Chelmsford.

Only drawback is that if you want to get onto the A12/A130 for commuting purposes you are at the mercy of the Army & Navy roundabout which is a nightmare for traffic during rush hour!

I personally prefer Baddow as it feels a little more rural even though they are right next to each other but Moulsham Lodge is a nice enough area.

jonny_power

I'm Leigh born and bred. If I was looking to move back I'd be looking at Rayleigh, or maybe Hadleigh. Good schools, decent transport links and access, enough shops and stuff to do in the towns without necessarily going into Southend. Leigh is great but expensive, and I think most places along the c2c line are overpriced (including the bad bits).

If the train isn't essential then you can get some more affordable houses towards Eastwood but still have access to Leigh - near Blenheim park for example.

Essexmove23

Thanks for these replies! On moulsham and Leigh..

Leigh is great...pricey without doubt I would need to be in walking short cycle distance to train pref CTC line...where does Leigh area end and Eastwood begin? And what's old Leigh just the bit with cockle shed, pubs and paddling pool area part?
Hear nice things on both...would I be right thinking nearest train to Eastwood is Rayleigh?
We need more day trips!!

Essexmove23

Thanks a lot!! Think for us initially looked like for good school Springfield or moulsham looked better option may relook at Baddow however... Cheers for tips and advice...

jonny_power

Essexmove23 wrote: »

Thanks for these replies! On moulsham and Leigh..

Leigh is great...pricey without doubt I would need to be in walking short cycle distance to train pref CTC line...where does Leigh area end and Eastwood begin? And what's old Leigh just the bit with cockle shed, pubs and paddling pool area part?
Hear nice things on both...would I be right thinking nearest train to Eastwood is Rayleigh?
We need more day trips!!

I think traditionally Eastwood is north of the A127, but in reality the areas near Eastwood Road North/Bridgwater Drive etc are Eastwood/Westcliff although many use the LoS address!

It wouldn't take long to cycle from there to LoS station, but having Belton Way to tackle on the way home wouldn't be fun. Less fun is Essex Way down to Belfleet station.

Old Leigh is just the bit at the bottom of the hill by the estuary, so the cockle sheds and pubs along from the station. It's a nice place for a walk and a drink but gets rammed during the bank holidays with daytrippers.

Essexmove23

Is Belton way grim or just uphill struggle on bike? Essex way to Benfleet bad?
Going next weekend to investigate LOS see if we can afford anywhere or like streets.... Think Chalkwell parts too pricey. Cheers again. Will check out Blenheim area.

AndyBSG

jonny_power wrote: »

It wouldn't take long to cycle from there to LoS station, but having Belton Way to tackle on the way home wouldn't be fun. Less fun is Essex Way down to Belfleet station.

Essex way down to Benfleet station would be GREAT fun... I think it's the return bike ride back up Essex Way that wouldn't be so much fun

For the OP, Essex Way is a very steep hill leading straight to Benfleet station about a mile long. As someone who cycles 100 miles a week I can manage it but I wouldn't want to face it as part of a daily commute!

jonny_power

AndyBSG wrote: »

Essex way down to Benfleet station would be GREAT fun... I think it's the return bike ride back up Essex Way that wouldn't be so much fun

For the OP, Essex Way is a very steep hill leading straight to Benfleet station about a mile long. As someone who cycles 100 miles a week I can manage it but I wouldn't want to face it as part of a daily commute!

Indeed, EW wouldn't be fun on a commute.

Belton Way wouldn't be a big issue because at least you're getting hot and sweaty coming home - it's about half a mile. Essex Way is much worse. Also Crown Hill for Rayleigh isn't fun either, thinking about it!

Essexmove23

Andy bsg, are you familiar with Broomfield? I know its north Chelmsford nr or even bordering Melbourne which initially put me off as everone says thats the badlands.....but some parts seem nice?