Which area do you buy? (Essex)

[phon]

Hi, which area and why do you like the area?
among Hornchurch, Gidea Park, Brentwood considering primary/secondary schooling too?

Hornchurch & Gidea Park are both in the London Borough of Havering.
Brentwood is in Essex.

H & GP have TFL red buses, with more regular services, plus there is the district line (H), crossrail (GP) and the C2C in Upminster too.
Gidea Park is generally seen as a bit more desirable, but parts of Hornchurch are very nice too - Ardleigh Green, for example, or the roads around/opposite Emerson Park station. South Hornchurch is a bit less attractive, and I find the Airfield estate too crowded and it feels a bit isolated (although lovely open spaces nearby might suit you).

Brentwood - depends on the area. I like the Warley Hill area, there's some lovely cottages and family homes, and it's near Thorndon Park. I wouldn't want to live in the town centre. Bare in mind that, if you are taking the train in to London, it'll cost more as you are outside Zone 6.

I don't have school aged children so can't really comment on the schools - but ofsted reports should be available?

If you are commuting from Brentwood you are better off being near Shenfield - as thats the fast train to Liverpool Street.

Thank you for your post;)
I'm interested in Brentwood but house price is quite higher than other area in Essex.
Do you know anything about north part of Brentwood and also just passed A12?
The area seems to have houses which are cheaper than other area in Brentwood.

Ironically about to post about 3 areas we may move to...we currently live in Shenfield. Schools are good (bar one) and you have the option of grammar schools if you want them in Chelmsford (lovely city) and back out in Southend. Primary schools are usually over subscribed - we had to wait several weeks for places when we moved here. Housing is exceptionally expensive but with. 20/25 minute commute into central london it's not surprising really. You'll pay more for housing in Shenfield than Brentwood than in Gidea Park. I don't really know much about Gidea Park is except that it has has a much more urban feel to it. Can't really help with Hornchurch.

Chelmsford traffic can be horrendous!

I would choose Brentwood - the schools are nicer and the general feel of the area is slightly nicer. The high street is a bit rubbish, but they all are nowadays. If you need to, you can get into Stratford from Shenfield station in 15 minutes.

Commuting out of London, most people take the fast train to Shenfield and then get the TfL rail (Crossrail) one stop back to Brentwood.

You could also look at Upminster - similar feel as Brentwood but you benefit from a severe reduction in train prices as you're in zone 6. The C2C trains are very quick into West Ham, Stratford or Fenchurch Street.