Essex has been one of the most popular destinations for Londoners seeking more space, better value for money and a higher quality of life for decades. With fast rail links into the City and Liverpool Street, large family homes at a fraction of London prices and a diverse range of towns each with its own distinct character, Essex offers a compelling alternative for families, professionals and first-time buyers alike.
Why so many Londoners choose Essex
The financial argument is compelling. A budget of £500,000 that buys a two-bedroom flat in Zone 2 London will buy a four or five-bedroom detached house in many parts of Essex. The quality of life difference is equally striking - space, green areas, coastal proximity and a slower pace of life are consistently cited by London leavers as the primary reasons for their move.
Commute times are a key consideration for those moving to Essex for work. Many towns in southwest Essex are within 30 to 45 minutes of London Liverpool Street on a fast service, making them genuinely practical for London-based workers who are willing to commute.
The best towns in Essex for London movers
Chelmsford
Essex's county town and city, Chelmsford is consistently ranked among the best places to live in England. Fast trains to London Liverpool Street take as little as 33 minutes. The city has excellent schools, a vibrant high street, strong property values and a genuine community feel. Popular with families and professionals, Chelmsford consistently commands premium prices for Essex - but still represents exceptional value against equivalent London properties.
Brentwood
One of the most affluent towns in Essex, Brentwood sits just inside the M25 and offers direct trains to London Liverpool Street in around 35 minutes. The high street is well served with independent shops and restaurants and the town has an excellent selection of state and independent schools. Property prices are among the highest in Essex but still dramatically below London equivalents.
Rayleigh and Wickford
In the Rochford district of south Essex, Rayleigh and Wickford offer excellent commuter access to London Fenchurch Street via the c2c line, with journey times of around 40 to 50 minutes. Property prices are more affordable than the north Essex commuter towns and the area has good schools and amenities. Popular with families relocating from East London.
Colchester
England's oldest recorded town offers a different proposition - slower pace, lower prices, and a rich cultural heritage. Fast trains to London Liverpool Street take around 50 minutes. Colchester is popular with remote workers who need occasional access to London and families who prioritise space and value over commute time.
Grays and Thurrock
The most affordable part of Essex for those relocating from London, Thurrock has seen significant regeneration investment and offers fast c2c connections to London Fenchurch Street in around 30 minutes. Popular with first-time buyers and young families making their first step out of London.
We move families from London to all parts of Essex every week. Our team knows the access routes, parking considerations and local characteristics of every major town and village in the county.
What to expect on moving day from London to Essex
A typical London to Essex move takes between four and eight hours depending on the volume of belongings, the specific London location and the destination in Essex. Access in London - particularly in Zone 2 and Zone 3 areas - can be challenging. Parking suspensions may be required at the London end of the move. Relokates handles parking suspension applications as part of our London removal service.
At the Essex end, most properties offer much easier access than London - driveways, private parking and quieter roads make loading and unloading significantly faster than in a central London street.
Moving from London to Essex?
Relokates covers all 120+ Essex locations. Fixed price, fully insured, seven days a week.
Essex Removal Service ✆ 07359 724844