Facts & Information about Living in Southend, Essex

By Benjamin Lawrence, Director and Founder | Kwester | 26th March 2025

SO WHAT’S THE PROPERTY LANGUAGE IN ESSEX ALL ABOUT?

If you’re considering a move to Essex, act quickly, as rental properties are in high demand!

The property market in Essex is thriving because the county boasts some of the most diverse environments in England, all within close proximity to London. People truly enjoy living in Essex! Check out our offerings through Kwester for Southend-on-Sea and Westcliff-on-Sea properties.

Shoeburyness features an impressive Garrison housing development, complete with its own beach and cricket green. Thorpe Bay, with its golf course and stunning seaside homes, transitions beautifully into Southend-on-Sea, known for its lively atmosphere and coastal charm. It's surprising to find a location near the sea that also hosts an award-winning park with a café open year-round. Living between park and sea is a dream, and a direct 50-minute train link to London is just a 10-minute walk away. Relocating to Southend-on-Sea offers numerous opportunities for work and leisure.

The region is home to some of the highest-performing Grammar Schools in the country, including Southend High School for Boys and Girls, as well as Westcliff High School for Boys and Girls. Information related to Southend-on-Sea schools reflects their position at the top of performance rankings.

Just a twenty-minute stroll from Southend’s longest pier, you’ll find Westcliff-on-Sea and Chalkwell. This area is filled with tennis clubs, parks, and peaceful beaches. The Crowstone, situated a little offshore, marks the limit of the Port of London’s jurisdiction. This historic monolith has stood since 1837, serving as a reminder of the area’s maritime heritage.

Westcliff-on-Sea offers a mix of Victorian and more contemporary homes, along with the convenience of the rail station, providing quick access to London.

A short distance along the estuary lies Leigh-on-Sea, often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Essex. This town has evolved from a quaint fishing village into a trendy destination featuring boutiques and restaurants while retaining its original charm with unique festivals and seafood stalls. The local primary schools have an excellent reputation, and Leigh Broadway offers a variety of shops. Residents can enjoy living atop green cliffs with breathtaking sea views. The housing options reflect a vibrant mix, mirroring the community's spirit.

Heading north from the coast, you’ll discover Belfairs Woods and Nature Reserve, encompassing over 200 acres of ancient woodland. It’s a haven for outdoor activities such as horse riding, tennis, golf, and family-friendly play areas, all while being home to a variety of wildlife.

To the west of Belfairs, you find Hadleigh, known for its shopping center and historic castle, established in 1215. This picturesque area offers breathtaking views of the coast, with properties to match.

Further west lies the village of Thundersley, a scenic locale surrounded by woods and commons—only 35 miles from London. With one of the highest proportions of owner-occupied homes in the UK, this area boasts a good mix of schools, including Southend High School for Girls.

Notably, Southend London Airport is conveniently located nearby, allowing residents to access various destinations across the British Isles and Europe, with links even reaching the U.S. through Ireland.

To the east of Rochford is Stambridge, home to a primary school and potential new housing developments. This area is also known for Stambridge fisheries, where anglers can catch Carp, Bream, Tench, and Roach. Neighboring Paglesham features beautiful detached houses set against lush fields by the River Crouch, with several countryside pubs in the vicinity.

North of Rochford, you’ll encounter the villages of Ashingdon and Hockley. Ashingdon’s housing stock is primarily new, while Hockley has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Hockley Woods is a large wooded area providing both natural beauty and recreational opportunities, while the town is just 30 minutes by train to London.

Adjacent to Hockley is the charming village of Hawkwell, noted in the Domesday Book as Hacuuella. This area includes both suburban developments and woodlands, leading you towards Rayleigh.

Rayleigh is a historic market town with Saxon origins, known for its pretty high street that merges old and new properties. It boasts six primary schools and two secondary schools, along with notable landmarks like the beautifully renovated Dutch Cottage, one of the oldest council houses in the UK.

Traveling back toward Rochford, you’ll come across Canewdon, a quaint village with its own school and folklore linked to witches and ghosts. Situated on one of the highest hills along the Essex coast, the area has seen farming since prehistoric and Roman times.

Continuing for a mile, you’ll reach Wallasea Island, located between the River Crouch and the River Roach, surrounded by rich wildlife habitats. The RSPB is actively conserving this area to prevent further erosion of its salt banks, making it an excellent spot for visitors, and there’s a nearby campsite for those interested in a longer stay.

To the south of the River Roach are the tranquil villages of Great Wakering, Little Wakering, and Barling. Great Wakering’s village church dates back to Norman times and is linked to the Ministry of Defence, governing Foulness Island, accessible via bridges. These villages are steeped in history and provide peaceful environments, surrounded by scenic fields and marshes, perfect for country walks.

With rental prices ranging from £600 to £5,000, this small corner of Essex is rich in diversity within a 5-mile radius of Southend-on-Sea. It can offer green spaces, historical surroundings, an array of shops, and vibrant entertainment options, all while being conveniently located near the sea and well-connected to London.

The property rental landscape in this part of Essex is thriving!

With so much to offer, Kwester is the innovative property management solution in town, dedicated to helping clients find their ideal rental homes in this beautiful area. Look for our blue branding as you explore the rental market in Essex—where your ideal living space awaits!