What’s it like living in Southend-on-Sea, Essex?
Southend-on-Sea, a bustling Essex coastal town, offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. With its iconic pier, stunning coastline and excellent transport links to London and Basildon, it’s no wonder that many choose to make Southend their home. More affordable housing prices compared to other Essex hotspots add to its appeal.
Transport Connections:
- Rail: Southend Victoria and Southend Central stations offer frequent services to London (Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street) and surrounding areas.
- Road: The A127 and A13 connect Southend to Basildon, Romford and major motorways.
- Bus: An extensive bus network provides local and regional connections.
- Air: London Southend Airport offers domestic and international flights.
Education Options:
- Primary and Secondary: Southend boasts numerous schools with ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ Ofsted ratings.
- Further Education: South Essex College has a campus in Southend, offering a range of courses and apprenticeships.
- Early Years: There are plenty of playgroups, classes and day nurseries for young children.
Where is the best place to live in Southend-on-Sea, Essex?
Leigh-on-Sea: Charming Leigh-on-Sea tops our list. This coastal town’s waterfront buzzes with boutiques, restaurants and galleries, making it a desirable location. Find a diverse range of properties, from cozy cottages to modern waterfront apartments.
Thorpe Bay: For luxury living, Thorpe Bay delivers. This prestigious area is known for its elegant homes, many with manicured gardens and sea views. Discover impressive Victorian villas alongside striking waterfront mansions. Stroll the promenade and dine at exclusive restaurants in this upscale haven.
Westcliff-on-Sea: Close to Southend’s bustling centre, Westcliff-on-Sea offers vibrancy and easy access to amenities. Shops, cafes and iconic venues like the Palace Theatre are steps away. Expect a mix of properties, including Victorian terraces and modern apartments, appealing to professionals, families and retirees alike.
Shoeburyness: Three miles east lies Shoeburyness (also called Shoebury), offering relaxed living ideal for young families and retirees. Its quaint streets and friendly atmosphere create a village feel, while Southend’s amenities are within easy reach. Find various homes, from cozy cottages to modern apartments with sea views.
Flood Risk in Southend-on-Sea: What Homebuyers Need to Know
Considering buying a home in Southend-on-Sea? While the seaside location offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential flood risks as climate change impacts increase.
Areas of Concern:
- Coastal Flooding: Seafront areas like Old Leigh, Southchurch, Thorpe Bay and Shoeburyness are particularly vulnerable. Severe flooding could damage homes and businesses.
- Rainfall Flooding: Heavy rainfall can also cause flooding in Southend. Surface flooding on roads is already a concern for residents.
Understanding the Risk:
- Projections: While predictions can vary, some models suggest that parts of Southend could be at risk of being underwater by 2050.
- Council’s Response: Southend Council acknowledges the heightened risks and claims to be upgrading coastal defences.
- Be Informed: Before purchasing a property, carefully research its specific flood risk.
Resources for Homebuyers:
- Environment Agency Flood Maps: (https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) Check the flood risk for specific properties you’re considering.
- Southend Council: Research their climate change adaptation plans on their website.
- Insurance: Understand how flood risk might affect your insurance rates and coverage options.
While flood risks should be carefully considered, they shouldn’t automatically deter you from buying property in Southend-on-Sea. By getting informed, selecting a property wisely and taking precautions such as flood insurance, you can enjoy the advantages of living in this coastal town while mitigating potential risks.
Crime Rates in Southend-on-Sea
While Southend-on-Sea has a attractive seaside location, it’s important to consider crime rates when making a move. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Higher Than Average: Southend-on-Sea has a crime rate of 122 crimes per 1,000 people, exceeding both Essex’s average (84 per 1,000) and the national average.
- Ranking: It’s considered one of the top 20 most dangerous cities within Essex and ranks 685th highest in crime among all locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Further Research:
- To get a more nuanced understanding of crime rates, it’s wise to explore specific neighbourhoods within Southend-on-Sea. Some areas may be statistically safer than others.
- Resources like crime maps from local police forces can provide valuable insights.
Crime rates are just one factor to consider when choosing a place to live. Southend-on-Sea might still offer many advantages that outweigh this concern. However, being aware of the statistics allows you to make a considered decision that best suits your needs and priorities.

