Grays - what is your opinion on the area?

[Gingka]

Hi everyone and thank you for stopping by.

I am trying to narrow down some areas within budget to buy our first house. Grays is within budget but the overwhelming majority of feedback is negative from an old discussion thread I found here.

Does anyone live here or has lived here? Would you mind sharing your experience? For context, we have lived in rough parts of Redbridge/Havering the past so not new to high crime areas if it makes sense. I’d like to break the cycle though 😂

Any suggestions or recommendations welcome. Thank you!!

Personally I wouldn't, better to move further down the train line if you can. It's a bit rough.

Thank you! Any recommendations on where along that train line? Thanks again

What's your budget and are you looking for a family home or flat? Schools?

Budget is not great which is the main issue to be honest. Looking at the low-mid 300s. House. LO not in school yet but primary school will be needed. Thank you!

Just bumping as its been a while since I lived in that area.
Could try other side of the river Dartford, Erith, Gravesend?
Not sure if any better? .
Estuary towns both sides of the Thames can be a be run down.
Just visit any area several times at different times to get a feel, check out schools on ofsted.
Good luck in finding your new home:)

I worked there about 8 yrs ago. It was horrible there. I actually felt unsafe. Deprived area. Was happy to to come away. Maybe it's different now though

Personally I would always be more inclined to go for a small property or flat in a really nice area than a bigger house in a run down area.

This 3 bed flat for example is in in a great location, good condition, walking distance to station (assuming you need that?) and in catchment for a very in demand primary school.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/87105915#/?channel=RES_BUY

Grays always had the reputation as being awful. I can’t imagine that it has improved.

From five years ago but still a useful source

https://www.reddit.com/r/Essex/comments/mu0j5w/looking_to_move_to_grays_from_east_london_is/

What area, if any, do you want to be able to connect to or commute to? London?

Thank you!!

I worked there for several years in the mid 80s, it was pretty rundown then and I can't imagine it's any better now. I was glad to move on even though I never lived there.
I see someone has recommended Leigh on Sea, much nicer.

No honestly.
Basildon is not great, but loads better.
Benfleet would be fine.
Upminster, loads better.
Chafford Hundred okay.

As above, Leigh westcliff chalkwell all loads better but more expensive tbh

Thank you! All on my list. Any specific part of Basildon?

I've lived in Thundersley and Benfleet, albeit many years ago, then they were both nice. Thundersley being nicer but further from a station.

Well Langdon hills is nice, or as near that way as affordable. There is a station at Laindon. Whitmore way, Gloucester park area is fine. Noak hill is you don't mind being a bit further out. DS lives in central Basildon which is fine for a young single person.