Where in Essex? Leigh on Sea or Saffron Walden?

[BeansOnToastWithCheese]

I'm pregnant and so me and DP are making the traditional move from the London flat to the home counties. I think we've narrowed it down to Leigh on Sea or Saffron Walden - we can't agree. Or have I missed somewhere great?

Any wise mumsnetters around who've made the move from London to either of these, or somewhere else east who can share their experience?

Our budget is around £600k (we could go a bit higher for the perfect place) and we'd like 3 bedrooms as a minimum. We want to be within walking distance of a town centre, and I'd like to go somewhere it's relatively easy to make new friends. We both commute into east London a few days a week.

Saffron Waldon doesn’t have a station. You would probably need to drive to Audley End. I’m sure some people cycle or even walk, but it’s along lanes so I’m not sure how safe I would feel doing that in winter when dark.

Saffron Walden is absolutely lovely. Gorgeous countryside, great independent shops, lots to do for families. You’ll easily make friends here and the schools are very good. It’s expensive, because everyone wants to live there.

If you can get to Audley End easily, I'd say Saffron Walden every time.

Saffron Walden sounds nice

They are completely different - SW is a smallish fairly quaint market town and Leigh is part of Southend, which is a busy seaside town. You need to go to Southend at the weekend in the summer and see if you still like it! That said, the commute in to east London would be much easier as you can go in to Fenchurch St.

Thanks all - I think I need to look into the costs of running a second car for the run to the station from SF, as well as the difference in commuting costs. DH is originally from Southend (well, Westcliff) and we've both agreed that Southend proper isn't for us, but I hadn't really thought about how busy Leigh might get in the summer too.

It looks like houses in SF are slightly cheaper than Leigh, but if we've got to run a second car and pay increased commuting costs it might not be worth it, financially...

Saffron Walden remains a lovely old town despite a few new estates being built around it. 2 supermarkets, Waitrose or Aldi. Lots of nice villages around too but you said you wanted to walk to town. Depending on what you are really looking for 20 min away and just over the border into Hertfordshire is Bishop's Stortford with a bigger range of shops, 4 supermarkets, restaurants, cinema, bowling etc. And a faster train into Liverpool Street. However there is an awful lot of building of new estates going on at the moment. Another alternative could be the large village of Stansted Mountfitchet 2 miles from the amenities of Stortford, and has a station and 3 primary schools and restaurants and just a few basic shops.

I think Saffron Walden has managed to retain its quaintness and is lovely if you are happy to drive out to the station.

Just remembered there is Tesco at Saffron Walden too!

One possible advantage of Leigh depending on how important commuting into London is for you - that part of Essex has two independent train lines. If the line from Leigh into Fenchurch St is down, you can go into Southend and get a train from Southend Victoria to Liverpool St.

One disadvantage of Leigh compared to SF - Leigh (and that part of (SE Essex) is literally a dead end. The only way out really is the road or train westwards into London. You can't go north, south or east. Look at a map. SF has a few more options available.

Good point @FreedomDrops - we both really like walking and there isn't as much variety in countryside around really. And some of the interesting walks seem to need a low tide.

I would say Leigh for definite. Water activities, a bit arty, busy but independent type high street, good schools, reasonably diverse, easy commute. Less suburban in a way. Used to win the best place to live in the UK quite regularly.

Also your DH must know Leigh quite well so would know where to buy. No expensive mistakes!

I’ve waited to move to Leigh on sea for years. It was cheap 5 years ago. But not now. It’s lovely. And the beaches at chalkwell are gorgeous. The cycle way by the sea is outstanding. Southend is now a city and there’s so much going on. It’s a real family place with lots to do. I dragged my feet but if I had a young family I would move out of London immediately. The people of Leigh are also very friendly. Gd luck

Leigh is nice but depending on where you are, the parking can be dire!

Where do you mean when you say SF?

I thin

Sorry if I missed this- but after the move- are you still planning on both commuting to East London several times a week? Which station do you need to get to? Will you still do this AFTER mat leave? Are there options to work closer to either Leigh-On-Sea or SW?

I've did a similar move but farther north up the coast. Train commute was bearable in the summer, but dire and dark in the colder, winter months. Having to also find a park at a station- then commute would be even harder.

The influx of 'tourists' during the summer in Leigh would potentially be a concern for me. Along with whether there is more traffic locally getting to Southend town itself or the airport in the summer months.

I've moved to Westcliff which is near Leigh on Sea, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Loads going on, people are friendly and easy commute into London. Leigh is lovely and I would definitely have moved there if we could've afforded it!

You can go north south east and west from Los you just have to leave Los first what a ridiculous statement! Easy access to everywhere. Kent Cambridge Brighton Norfolk Suffolk etc all within a n hour or so drive all major London airports within 90 minutes or less one of the most reliable train lines in the Country. Busy in summer but adds to atmosphere its not Cornwall and never gridlocked like that and it's usually just day trippers from London who clear off home at end of day but if you choose Los get somewhere with drive or parking space as you can end up parking a road or two away from your house if not.