Anyone know what Ingatestone is like?

[isitfridayyet1]

Currently weighing up options of where to move in Essex with our young family. We've seen a few houses in Ingatestone but I've been finding it hard to work out if this is the area for us! Seems to have good transport links and schools but can't really gage what the community is like.

Does anyone have experience of the area? Any feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks

Posh but nice enough, never heard any big complaints or issues!

It’s nice. Pretty. Ok small high street with quite a few independents, (and a co-op) including a great little deli/cafe. Good senior school, train Line about 30 mins to Liverpool St. Depends what you are looking for though. Hubby and I looked and decided it was too quiet for us. We moved to Chelmsford instead, next stop up the line which is a big town with loads going on for families and children, grammar schools, and John Lewis, but still on the edge of countryside. Also trains to ingatestone are half hourly whereas Chelmsford they’re every 10 mins.

I have lived in Ingatestone as a child and as an adult. It's one of those places where everyone knows everyone which I love but it can take adjusting to if you aren't used to it. Train links to London are good but often have weekend works on the rail line. All local schools are pretty well established and regarded but depending what end of ingatestone you may be catchment for Mountnessing school but again whilst different it's still considered a well rounded school. There is a lack of things to do for under school age in the village but short drives to surrounding towns means there is still lots to do. Loads of pubs, highly recommend the Starr and the community centre often has lots of things going on.

Thanks everyone! Your advice has been very helpful for us as we are looking for a quiet village with a friendly feel, there seems to be a good high street with independent stores and easy access to motorways. So along with the train service I think that all ticks quite a few boxes for us!