Essex

[LivelyCub]

I was hoping for a bit of advice. I am looking to move somewhere around Essex or Kent or even as far afield as Sussex. I have between £110-£160k and need to go somewhere that has links to London (preferably Liverpool St). I don't mind small towns, I'm single and in my mid-twenties and well educated. To be honest I don't want to be utterly surrounded by chavs (/people who want to go out, get trollied and fight every weekend) but if there is an area which looks to be up and coming (gentrified with lower house prices) I wouldn't stick my nose up - but I don't want to be afraid to leave my home! Let me know what you think thank you!

I should add, I need direct links to London and a station within walking distance!

Colchester (not suburbs or estates)
Wivenhoe?

Thanks Branleuse, I was looking at Colchester but on ILiveHere there are a lot of comments saying the area is becoming more run down, has an infrastructure which can't support the recent growth in housing and the city centre is a no go at night with people fighting/behaving like general louts. I note that ILiveHere seems to be a creative writing outlet for some people to be condescending, but I've read very similar reviews of Colchester on here too

How frequently will you be travelling to London? If it's not a daily commute, how about Norwich? because its lovely and I want to move there
For Kent, apparently Margate is up and coming.
Alternatively, you could consider shared ownership closer to London?

Colchester is not run down or a no go area centre. A lot of shops have moved out due to shopping moving to the edges of town but a lot of money is being spent on the town, it just takes time. And it's a busy university town with lots of bars but if you are sensible then of course it's not a no go. There's a lot of new housing going up which is a problem but otherwise it's fine and a good train route into London.

Colchester is a perfectly nice place, not run down at all. It's not super posh either, it's just normal. It does have a reputation for some lively night-life, but I believe that's due to it being a garrison town.

Norwich is lovely, but a long way from London. How often will you need to commute? I'm not sure about house prices, but somewhere like Witham might be better - a bit soulless but basically a pleasant small Essex town. I would suggest looking along the Liv St to Norwich/Clacton/Ipswich line and check house prices, then go and visit.

ILiveHere is mostly people with a huge grudge and as you say, wanting an outlet for their creativity. It's amusing, but not a reason to not move somewhere it it suits you.

ive lived in colchester for years, and I cant comment on most of the nightlife as its not my scene, but its actually got quite a thriving creative scene these days, and its got the usual shops, some great parks, train to london liverpool street in 45/60 mins (depending on if you get the train with all the stops or the direct one), or can go the other direction to Norwich in about a hour too
It is a garrison town, but ive never had any issues with that, but its also a student town too as it has essex uni. I quite like it.

something like this www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-70728725.html is town centre in a really nice bit of the centre too, heading towards lexden and in budget