Which one is best? Brentwood, Billericay or Upminster

[Manuca]

Hi all,

We have just accepted am offer in our house in Chigwell and are now on the hunt for our next home. Priority is good schools and our budget is max 500k. We had 2 places in mind Brentwood and Billericay even though my daily commute would be around 1,5 hours each way (work in London Bridge). Then a friend sugested Upminster, Hornchurch, Cranham. I don't know the area so would really appreciate anyone's input.
Where would be best to live, raise kids and have good quality state education?

Thanks in advance

My Brentwood to London Bridge (north side) commute is an hour. Just straight to Liverpool St and a 15 min walk down Bishopsgate. Billericay is a change I think? Some parts of Upminster and Hornchurch are ok but not as nice as Brentwood or Billericay. Upminster and Hornchurch high streets are not nice! From either of those could get District Line into Monument though so pretty easy journey but it does get pretty packed.

Brentwood schools are great, Upminster have Coopers which is rated good and Hornchurch has Frances Bardsley girls school which is rated good, I don’t know much about Billaricay schools though, sorry!

Billericay is a lovely place to live

Firstly it has a great community vibe and feel and ppl are nice and friendly there.

I don't have young children but I know many that have moved to Billericay catchment area for the schools alone and there is a private school called St Johns

I did commute from there and it was a quick journey you can either get of at Stratford change straight onto the central line really quick into central London or into Liverpool St the only thing I would say was it was always hard to get a seat in the mornings on certain trains but things might change after lockdown with more ppl working from home

If you would like more info there is a F/B Group called the Billericay Discussion Page it's worth asking ppl on there for more info

I don't live there anymore but I would not hesitate to move back there .

Crossrail will be coming to Brentwood. So more trains in the evening I suggest than the alternatives. If evenings out in London from time to time are something you do or would like to do, worth considering.

Hello @Manuca
I will be in your same position soon (hopefully) am searching in same areas although I want to be somewhere between Brentwood and Chelmsford.
May I ask which agency you are using?
I'd love to stay in touch on here or privately as I am v confused and want to are the best decision for my family too.
The very Best
Lisa

Hi Lisa @italianplaygroup

We have chosen Brentwood because of commute and Elizabeth Line.

From my research most schools are great so good advantage when looking for houses.

In terms of agencies we basically looked on rightmove the houses of interest and sent emails to them. They always contact you back and add you and your preferences on their client portfolio.
Then they keep sending emails of new houses based on your preferences.

Please pm me if you need anything.
And good luck!

Manuela