Guide to Living in Shenfield

Considering a move to Shenfield? The area is popular for those seeking a quieter lifestyle beyond the London outskirts, or those after a family-friendly community with excellent schools and plenty of green spaces. In many ways, Shenfield offers the best of both worlds. But what’s it like to live there, and is Shenfield actually a nice place to live?

In this guide, we’ll look into everything you need to know about living in Shenfield, from the great transport links and vibrant community feel to the property market, schools, and local days out. If Shenfield is at the top of your list for possible new homes, read on to find out why so many people are opting to move there. 

Shenfield is a suburban town within the borough of Brentwood, Essex. It’s just 20 miles northeast of Central London, making it ideal for commuters. The Shenfield Station offers rail services, as well as sitting at the eastern end of the Jubilee line for quick underground access to London Liverpool Street in less than 20 minutes.

Those who travel by car are in luck too, as Shenfield is positioned to offer easy access to the M25 and A12. The great thing about Shenfield is that while it provides excellent connections and conveniently borders Brentwood’s high street and amenities, the town maintains its identity and peaceful lifestyle. So if you’re looking for a blend of tranquil peace and convenience, Shenfield ticks those boxes. 

Yes! Shenfield is consistently recommended and considered a desirable place to live in Essex. With leafy streets, a warm community and strong amenities, it offers a high quality of life that many people are seeking in this day and age, appealing to professionals, working families and even retirees. Let’s explore some of the reasons why Shenfield is such a nice place to live.

Something that stands out about Shenfield is the strong sense of community. The town has a close-knit vibe, where neighbours often know and look out for one another. Local events are frequent, and there’s always a good turnout. 

Crime rates in Shenfield are low compared to national averages, making it a safe and comfortable place to live. This goes a long way in appealing to families and older residents in particular. 

One of the standout features of Shenfield is its strong sense of community. The town has a friendly, close-knit atmosphere where neighbours know each other, and local events are well-attended. It's also considered a very safe place to live, with low crime rates compared to national averages, something families and older residents particularly value.

For a town located so close to London, you’ll be surprised by just how much green space it offers! Locals enjoy well-maintained parks, streets lined with shady trees, and easy access to countryside retreats. 

Enjoy walking trails in nearby parks like Thorndon Country Park and Hutton Country Park, both of which are only a short drive from Shenfield.

Shenfield boasts a small high street, but it’s very well-equipped, offering local conveniences and access to essentials. Along the high street, you’ll find a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and hair salons. 

Services like GP surgery, pharmacies and supermarkets are also easy to access in Shenfield.

There’s pretty much always something to do in Shenfield! From seasonal fairs to farmers markets and even charity fundraisers, the community makes a consistent effort to plan events that bring residents together all year long. 

For those who like to get involved, there are also plenty of local groups and clubs for sports, hobbies and plenty of ways to volunteer. This goes a long way in making people feel like they belong and that they are part of something.

For families considering a move to Shenfield, it will be helpful to know that there are plenty of local schools with strong reputations, straight from foundation years all the way through to sixth form. 

Best Primary Schools in and around Shenfield:

• Shenfield St Mary's Church of England Primary School - Outstanding

• Long Ridings Primary School - Good

Best Secondary Schools in and around Shenfield:

• Shenfield High School - Good

• St Martin's School - Good

Shenfield offers a wide variety of housing options, suitable for many different tastes, styles and budgets. Those seeking a modern apartment close to the tube station won’t be disappointed, and neither will those looking for a spacious family detached home on a quiet street. The types of properties available in Shenfield include:

• Period properties

• Contemporary new-build developments

• Large detached homes and family houses

• Smaller flats and maisonettes 

In terms of housing costs, Essex does sit above the Essex average, but that’s to be expected when you consider the desirability of the area and convenient London connections. As of 2025, housing prices can be described as follows:

• Detached homes often exceed £900,000

• Semi-detached properties average about £650,000

• Terraced homes fall between £500,000 and £600,000

• Apartments and flats range from £300,000 - £450,00

Those looking to rent in Shenfield can also expect to pay higher than average. Local professionals and families in Shenfield are willing to pay a premium for the lifestyle on offer, with an average of £1,400 - £1,700 in monthly rent. Larger family homes sit closer to £2,500 a month, depending on condition and location. 

Shenfield is proving a popular place for people to live. Whether you’re drawn to the area by its top-performing schools, transport links, or tranquil neighbourhoods, living in Shenfield offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a move to the area, our self-storage solutions can make the whole process smoother. If you’re upsizing, downsizing, or temporarily renting, self storage can offer a helpful temporary solution while you get yourself organised in a new home. We’re on hand to help you settle into Shenfield with less stress and more space. 

Want to discover areas to live in Essex? Dive into these 5 picturesque villages in Essex!