Where shall I raise a family? - Maldon?

[Travelbug1981]

Ladies, would you be able to help me? I am looking to move house and need advice. My new office is Chelmsford. But I am from Berkshire so don't know where to start!!! We are looking for pretty areas with a rural feel but not completely disconnected. obviously important to find a good area to raise a family with good schools and support network. Equally an area where there is a community spirit. I'm exploring areas like Maldon, I like that we could taxi/walk to dinner or town etc.....Please can anyone make suggestions, good and bad so I know where to start considering and where to avoid. Much appreciated xx

Maldon is nice, I live here! Lovely park, some good restaurants and shops, nice vibe around the quay in the summertime. A couple of nice pubs along the quay too, lovely to sit there with a gin on a summers evening.

Travel between Maldon and Chelmsford is 20-30 mins. As you say, everything is within walking distance so good for nights out.

A couple of good primary schools, some not so good. One private primary.

There is only one secondary - Plume Academy which seems to be improving, it hasn't had a great reputation in the past. Reasonable bus links to Chelmsford and Colchester for commuting. Nearest train station is Hatfield Peverel, takes about 40 mins to Liverpool Street.

There are good clubs for children, lots of activities and a recently refurbished leisure centre.

I'm happy to answer any questions 🙂

Danbury is nice , I used to live there and commute to London . Decent bus service into Chelmsford which has good schools .

Thanks ladies all good to know! Heybridge I've been told is not as nice as other areas, is this right?

My SIL lives in a beautiful house in Heybridge down a very nice road . I'm not sure what the town is like though . Would you be able to come down and have a scout around ?

Yes I plan to! We ruled out bury st Edmonds as too far. So we need a new search. I will def look at all the areas you've all suggested thanks so much