Is Chelmsford a diverse area?

[Chipmunk09]

Hi all,

Looking to get onto the property ladder. We are a young family - me, DH and DS (2). We are from an Asian/mixed background and have been renting in the Surrey area for a year.

Our experience hasn’t been great and we have encountered some racism unfortunately (remarks from neighbours and in shops etc we feel very unwelcome). There are probably more welcoming areas of Surrey, but where we are now is mostly white.

I was born and raised in Greenwich and love the diversity. I would love to buy a property there but it is just too expensive for our budget. I am looking for an area on the outskirts of London with a similar vibe, so DH and I can easily
commute into work.

My colleague recently moved to Chelmsford and absolutely loves it. She said it’s affordable, quiet, good for families, good schools etc. my only worry is diversity, given the bad experience we’ve had since living in our current area. I just worry for DS and don’t want him to feel alienated or experience the discrimination I have had to deal with.

Any thoughts welcome :)

Extremely diverse especially around the parts of the city with schools known to feed into the grammar schools. Property prices are on a par with what you are used to in Surrey so don't expect to bag a bargain unless you move to North Chelmsford which is really not diverse and where you are likely to encounter more problems.

Am I allowed to say that if you do move here please make the city your home and get involved in the community. It is a lovely place to live, the people are welcoming, the schools and opportunities are amazing and your children will thrive here but large areas are now being bought up by Londoners who have no ties to the area and no interest in the place other than to make it another London. It's not London.