The 'family-friendly' Essex town named one of the country's best places to live
A town in Essex has been crowned one of the best places to live in the country.
The Daily Mail has shared the report by Garrington Property Finders, highlighting the top 21 places to live across England and Wales.
The annual report ranks 1,447 cities, towns and large villages of 5,000-plus residents.
It uses five criteria to help with the ranking, these being:
Natural beauty
Wellbeing
Heritage
Schools and jobs
Value for money
The top 21 places to live revealed - and third place features houses for just £150,000: How does YOUR home rank among 1,500 cities, towns and villages in England and Wales? https://t.co/vpIFRAHglH
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 7, 2025
The Mail notes how locations with a higher average property price perform better on Garrington's report.
For the full story, head to the Daily Mail website.
One place in Essex made the list, and that was Chigwell, and it even broke the top 10, ranking as the ninth best place to live.
It was described as an "attractive choice for those seeking a family-friendly environment with access to excellent schools, parks and central London".
Chigwell gained the most marks for house price quality and value, as well as natural environment.
The list reads: "Falling within London's commuter belt, it benefits from good transport links with a Central Line tube station stopping at Bank and Tottenham Court Road.
"One of the quaintest corners is Chigwell Village where you'll find plenty of period properties, shops, restaurants and green spaces."
Visit Epping Forest notes Charles Dickens' depiction of Chigwell, describing it as "the greatest place in the world".
Recommended reading:
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This south Essex village with a windmill is one of the best places to live in 2025
Essex town with 'rich culture' crowned the best place to live in the UK for 2025
It adds that the town boasts "elegant Georgian houses, pretty weather-boarded cottages, 12th-century St Mary Church, complete with an intact Norman doorway, and Chigwell School".
The website also recommends combining a visit to Chigwell with nearby Buckhurst Hill.
The nearby spot was a filming location for The Only Way is Essex.
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