Moving to Essex Wickford? Billericay?

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Hello. I'm moving to Essex and deciding where to buy. Just want good access to very good secondary and primary schools and good clubs for kids gymnastics for my 3 yr old Nd footie for my 11 yr old.

So far narrowed search to Wickford or billericay but I see u get more for your money in Wickford...
Anywhere else I need fo check out

I'm v nervous about the move.

Any advice. Budget is 400k need 3 beds 🛌🙄

Thank u so much

Billericay is nice if a little dull. Wickford is… less nice. Mayflower and Billericay schools both good schools, Anglo European in nearby Ingatestone good too (but living there would be out of your budget). The secondary in Wickford (I can’t remember the name off of the top of my head) is not particularly well regarded but living there would probably be close enough for the Billericay schools. Areas on the outskirts of Chelmsford are also nice and you’ll probably find somewhere in budget; Chelmsford has grammars if that’s a possibility.

If public transport links aren’t so important then Maldon is worth considering, there’s a lot of new housing being built there and it’s a really nice place.

Both on the same train line, my brother went to mayflower school and loved it, he did well. He has however moved to Wickford as it is cheaper, although they regularly get a taxi to Billericay for a night out.

My parents moved to Billericay in 2009 from surrey, have enjoyed living there, most people are friendly, there are some nice places to walk the dogs such as norsery, swan/cygnet wood, queens park is a nice open space. There are lots of foot paths about. Langdon Hills is a little further but nice area for a walk.

I can't comment on the football side of it, but have always seen people playing near barleylands

The only good thing I can think of in wickford is a top Turkish barber . The place has a seriously down beat vibe and the high street is grim . Billericay is fine . Agree with previous posters , maldon is nice if you don’t need transport . Chelmsford has lots going on and direct line to London in 40 min . Good luck with your move 🤞🙌

@GivenchyDahhling

Billericay is nice if a little dull. Wickford is… less nice. Mayflower and Billericay schools both good schools, Anglo European in nearby Ingatestone good too (but living there would be out of your budget). The secondary in Wickford (I can’t remember the name off of the top of my head) is not particularly well regarded but living there would probably be close enough for the Billericay schools. Areas on the outskirts of Chelmsford are also nice and you’ll probably find somewhere in budget; Chelmsford has grammars if that’s a possibility.

Ingatestone looks lovely. Do you know more about this area? Much smaller I see from B and Wick.. ? We are mixed greek/italianz so we'd fit in to Anglo European school

It's a really nice place, very village-y, and yes from the sounds of it Anglo would really suit you. I have a feeling that Anglo entrance criteria favours pupils who speak multiple languages at home, certainly when I get public transport at the end of the school day there are a lot of children who come in from London, so I don't think you would have to be in a particularly tight catchment to stand a chance of getting in.

The downside is it's very pricey - I don't think you would be able to get a 3 bed for your budget unfortunately. It's not quite as bad as Stock, which I think is the most expensive place to live in Essex and also nearby, but there are other nice areas all around Billericay, Brentwood and Chelmsford - generally getting more expensive as you get closer to London.

Did you ever move to Essex and how did you find it? We are considering Billericay.
Thank you