Anyone live in Essex/Kent? What’s it like

[mumsqna]

Plan to move out london eventually so I’m trying to find out where I’ll buy my first house and send my kids to primary school.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Essex as I have family and friends there so I’m familiar with area. My only issue with it is the lack of independent schools, especially prep schools (I’m Nigeria, so sacrificing to give your children the best is a normal thing). They seem to only have all through private schools (Chigwell/Brentwood) and I don’t want to send my children to boarding school until they’re at least 16.

I like the looks of Kent (Dartford/Maidstone/Tonbridge/Sevenoaks) but I’ve never really been there and I don’t know anyone there so I’m a bit unsure. I plan to take trips down there to see what it’s like this year.

I’m just curious to see if anyone has the made the move and what your experiences have been like.

In the town you moved to:

• Do you have great schools?
• Is it easy to get African groceries/takeaways ?
• How’s your commute to London?

Where is Essex do you live? Any thoughts on Brentwood/Billericay?

Be careful and avoid Grays Essex https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news/2023/04/11/braverman-backed-pub-owner-boasted-his-golliwog-dolls-hung-like-lynching-victims/
Asadiq

Chelmsford has grammar schools, direct trains to London, shopping and nightlife. A lot of the surrounding areas are having new housing developments which will have bus routes in and the properties are cheaper than those closer to Londin so you get more for your money. It has better schools than Thurrock and less crime but depends on what your looking for. Tiptree is one such area where theres a couple of new developments surrounded by nice countryside too

Billericay/Shenfield are worthwhile consideration. Excellent commute to London and some of the best primary schools in Essex. This also includes state schools. Some state schools are beating private schools in recent SATS results. Lovely parks and community feel. Fantastic high street. Variation of stores where Superdrug even supplies black hair products. African food can be bought from neighbouring town, Basildon.

Billericay is worthwhile consideration. Black hair products can be purchased on high street via Superdrug. I’ve seen some hair products being sold in Waitrose too.

Excellent schools. State schools beating private schools with recent SATS results.

African food can be purchased from neighbouring town, Basildon.

Excellent commute to London.

Anyone in the Edenbridge/Westerham/Oxted area? I am thinking of moving there but when I visited it didn't seem very diverse at all.

I know I'm a bit late, but I wouldn't advise living in Dartford itself (although the Grammar schools are extremely diverse). I'm white and lived there for a few years recently. I have never witnessed/heard so much blatant racism in my whole life. It was shocking to me. It's a funny little town, many white families have been there for generations and generations - they all know everyone, it's very insular. I was welcomed because I had a connection to someone, but many people aren't.