Buying in Westcliff-on-Sea

nicholascala

Hi everyone

New to the forum here and wanted to get some advice on buying in Westcliff-on-Sea. From searches there has been some discussion on the topic here before but the threads are several years old now so wanted some more up to date information

We (myself, my wife and a 1 year old) are pretty much priced out of Leigh-on-Sea/Chalkwell so looking more at Westcliff. I know some people have reservations on the area but we love the big spacious houses and the potential they have once renovated. We are looking at a house specifically on Cotswold Road which looks lovely. I'm wondering if anyone had any specific experience of that road and the surrounding roads and if it's a good place to bring up a family (considering it's very close to Chalkwell) and also what catchment area you would be in for primary/secondary schools.

I can see new bars/cafes popping up which suggests the trendiness of Leigh is spilling over - not so fussed about that as we love walking so would walk through Chalkwell/Leigh on weekends etc anyway but just wanted some first hand experience of people who live/have lived in the area recently.

Thanks so much!

kasqueak

So you live around this area currently?
I’ve lived in Southend my whole life and over the years have known friends and family who live/have lived in all the surrounding areas. 

The old Victorian houses are lovely and can be amazing when renovated. A lot of the roads where you’re mentioning don’t have parking though so look into the that if it’s an issue. Can mean finding a space for you let alone visitors is difficult. The roads off London Road can also be busy with lots of cars as they’re links/rat runs to other parts of town and the seafront. 

I wouldn’t think that area is particularly ‘trendy’ but depends on your definition I guess. Hamlet court road has a few shops and cafes/bars. 

Lots of flats and lots of renters in Westcliff so could have high neighbour turnover. 

You can find out what schools are attached to the address here:

https://www.southend.gov.uk/downloads/file/3561/catchment-area-postcode-look-up-table

nicholascala

kasqueak said:

So you live around this area currently?
I’ve lived in Southend my whole life and over the years have known friends and family who live/have lived in all the surrounding areas. 

The old Victorian houses are lovely and can be amazing when renovated. A lot of the roads where you’re mentioning don’t have parking though so look into the that if it’s an issue. Can mean finding a space for you let alone visitors is difficult. The roads off London Road can also be busy with lots of cars as they’re links/rat runs to other parts of town and the seafront. 

I wouldn’t think that area is particularly ‘trendy’ but depends on your definition I guess. Hamlet court road has a few shops and cafes/bars. 

Lots of flats and lots of renters in Westcliff so could have high neighbour turnover. 

You can find out what schools are attached to the address here:

Thanks for the info kasqueak. We actually live in Chingford at the moment.

I think our main concern is the amount of renters in the area as you say, but wondered if in actuality it had become a problem for families living in the area. To be honest, being from London, I think we would be used to it anyway!