Southend on Sea

[oldboiler]

I like the look of the area around Southchurch park as there's lots of nice period properties. Anyone got experience of the area?

[minibmw2010]

There's a programme about Southend on the TV tonight, Ch4 9pm. I wouldn't ..

[oldboiler]

Thanks! Didnt see it but i will track it down on 4od.

[noisytoys]

The southchurch park area is home to the notorious Kursaal estate. I really wouldn't!! If you are looking for a house by a park try Chalkwell

[gallicgirl]

Depends on the road in southend.
It's odd in that one road like Woodgrange Drive can be fine but the next road can be a bit dodgy.

If you want period try Milton conservation area.

[oldboiler]

Thanks. The road is Shaftesbury Avenue if you know it. Overlooks the park and seafront is just behind so seems more family friendly than conservation area as not so close to town centre (but that may not be the case if the kursaal estate is so close.)

[gallicgirl]

Don't know it specifically but looking at a map it seems it will be okay. Basically the closer you are to Thorpe Bay, the better.

Have you checked the neighbourhood police website to see what type of crime there is?

Also what age are your kids? Some of the schools around Southend can be crowded.

[oldboiler]

Crime is pretty low according to websites (lower than where I am now in London). DS still a baby so schools not a priority now but will be in 4 years if we stay there.

[PastaBeeandCheese]

If you can't afford Leigh on Sea or Thorpe Bay then I'd say that was a very good choice of area in Southend.

You'll get a lot of house for your money compared to London and you're very close to Southend East on the Fenchurch Street line. Not that far from Southend Victoria if you want Liverpool Street.

[PastaBeeandCheese]

Ps Kursaal estate is far, far better managed than some of the 'dodgier' estates I lived near in London so everything is relative.

[oldboiler]

Thanks. Going to take another look at the area tomorrow and see a few more places in thorpe bay to see if the increased property prices are worth it

[PastaBeeandCheese]

Have you looked at Leigh oldboiler?

[gallicgirl]

Hadleigh is nice

cough

Want a flat?

:)

[oldboiler]

Not so keen on leigh - parking looks a nightmare and it all seems very towie along the broadway which isn't my scene!

[gallicgirl]

Parking is bad everywhere, particularly on sunny days when half of East London comes to the beach.

Leigh is lovely.

[bebopanddoowop]

Southchurch is ok, I personally think it's a bit nothing-ey. Don't worry about the Kursaal it not as bad as people say, and you'd only get problems living on it as any council flats.

We nearly bought in Southchurch, but went for Westcliff in the end and I'm really glad. My husbands from Southend and I'm not but am enjoying it. His parents live in Thorpe Bay and although it's 'nice' I think it's snobby and boring. Westcliff you are in walking distance to leigh and Southend so perfect and has loads of lovely period properties, good luck!

[oldboiler]

Thanks - I had been warned off westcliff by quite a few ppl who said it was bedsit land but if that isn't the case I will certainly take a look!

[bebopanddoowop]

A lot of the terraces have been turned into bedsits but some are still original and beautiful - the roads round here can really change from one end to the other so worth looking up each one

[fussychica]

Used to live in the area. Thorpe Bay or Leigh would be my preference though I liked living in Thundersley/Benfleet better though few period properties there.

[WireCat]

Thorpe Bay or Leigh or Chalkwell if you want Southend.

West Leigh Primary school is very good & lots of the children go on to the grammar schools from there.

Westcliff...some areas are nice. Others not so, so be careful. My sister lives on a nice street. Street behind her is awful.

[Spickle]

Have never lived in Southend, however, my understanding is that Leigh (near golf course and overlooking the estuary) is very nice, ie Marine Parade and Eastwood Road. Areas in Westcliff around the Westcliff grammar schools also nice, but bedsit land seems to be in the locality of Electric Avenue and parallel roads, parking very bad there. Also Chalkwell Park is very nice. Lots of period properties in these areas. Don't know much about Southchurch Park but I have grown up thinking the other areas I have mentioned were nicer, though Southchurch Park may be up and coming nowadays (am Essex born).

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

If you are looking at Leigh, Chalkwell or Westcliff, I'd advise looking north of the London Road - prices drop when you do that.

I used to live in Chalkwell, and the dses went to Chalkwell Hall Schools - and I would recommend the school very highly.

Southend does have selective Grammar Schools - Southend High School for Boys and Southend High School for Girls, and Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls - all 4 excellent schools.

[oldboiler]

Thanks for all your advice. I've just been to see a house right on the seafront (Eastern Esplande) about 4 mins walk from a swanky looking bar called Ocean Beach. Anyone know if the seafront is noisy to live on as I really love the house and the views!

[bebopanddoowop]

I would LOVE to live on the seafront, you definitely pay a premium there but if you have the views that's why! If it has ample parking that's good because street parking is a nightmare. Also if you've never lived on a seafront before your property will require more maintaining than slightly inland. Even though it's just the estuary salt air and wind can affect the house's facings! It can be busy especially in the summer but it's more of a daytime thing. It's not too near the 'genting club' is it? That's the only thing I'd avoid like the plague. Also any property round here when you have the survey will tell you your risks on a flood and how near you are to a flood plane. Obviously on the seafront there will be risks but just read it carefully to know which is likely or not (it's much more risky in shoebury) just so you're not caught out. They spend millions on flood defences and the sea wall so should be fine but you know what surveys are like!

[oldboiler]

Thanks for all your advice. I've just been to see a house right on the seafront (Eastern Esplande) about 4 mins walk from a swanky looking bar called Ocean Beach. Anyone know if the seafront is noisy to live on as I really love the house and the views!

[oldboiler]

Thanks for that - very useful advice. Just looked on map where the getting club is and is quite a way from looking at the map - its the opposite side of the pier to the house. The house does have parking and a garage at the back. Very exciting as houses in that location don't come up often so I'm told so a bit worried it'll go for over the asking price and the house is almost 500k so is right at the top of our budget!