In the heart of Essex County lies the thriving town of Basildon known for its diverse populace, easy access to amenities, and outstanding quality of life. With vibrant green spaces dotted throughout town as well as excellent transport links to London and beyond, the town offers a plethora of advantages to its residents. If you’re wondering whether Basildon is a nice place to live, read on to get a feel for what living here is like.
Transport Links
Basildon is known for its excellent connectivity throughout Essex and beyond. Its primary train station - Basildon Railway Station - runs regular services to London, Southend, Westcliff, Colchester, Benfleet, Upminster, and West Ham. For residents based near the Pitsea and Laindon train stations, these also offer direct trains to London, making Basildon highly popular amongst London commuters. The town’s bus services connect to every part of Essex County including destinations such as Canvey Island, Southend, Billericay, and Chelmsford.
Accommodation
When it comes to housing, Basildon has a great selection of affordable properties for potential buyers. An average house here costs £320,000 (approx.) compared to £728,000 (approx.) in London. There are detached and semi-detached houses as well as terraced homes and flats. Living in Basildon, therefore, not only offers excellent connectivity but also good-quality housing at considerably lower prices.
Schools and Education
Basildon is quite popular among families with young children due to the number of good schools in the area. Lee Chapel Primary, Phoenix Primary, and Greensted Junior are among the top choices for primary schools with an Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’. Additionally, there are nine secondary schools in town ensuring that residents have a wide selection when it comes to education. Basildon College, for instance, has a vibrant campus and offers a range of qualifications, including vocational courses and modern apprenticeships.
Leisure Amenities
There is no end of leisure amenities in Basildon. Its high street is dotted with luxury brands and retail outlets, as well as smaller boutiques and independent cafes. Supermarket giants such as Asda are conveniently located in town, but you should also check out the Basildon Market which is teeming with all kinds of fresh produce every week.
Living in Basildon also comes with excellent recreational opportunities, be it at the Basildon Sporting Village - a sports hub with its own gymnasium and swimming pool - or the Festival Leisure Park packed with fun-filled activities such as pin-bowling, cinema, food stalls, and late night bars, all under one roof!
Local Events
Basildon has a warm community feel to it with a number of local events, fetes, and festivals running throughout the year. Summer events feature live entertainment, food stalls, and bars with Basildon Pride and Show Me Love Festival being the most popular ones. Besides, the popular eateries in town have a welcoming and unique vibe of their own so there are plenty of places to socialise. Firejacks, Jodhpur Indian Kitchen, and the Gun Pub are some local favourites.
Living in Basildon comes with a plethora of advantages from top-notch schools to fantastic recreational pursuits. Whether you’re a young professional looking for excellent transport links to London, or looking for a peaceful suburb to live in with your family, Basildon has something for everyone. If you’re based in the area or are considering a move, our self-storage facilities near Basildon could be of use to you.