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Situated in Essex, the historic market town of Braintree is an increasingly popular base for families and working professionals alike. With excellent transport links, a superb selection of activities, a friendly community, and peaceful countryside all around, it offers just the right mix of hustle and relaxation.
If you’re thinking about moving to Braintree but aren’t sure which area will suit you the most, you’re in the right place! We’ve done the research for you, curating a list of the best places to live in Braintree.
Braintree is a sought-after place to live for a number of reasons. Benefiting from its favourable position, the town enjoys convenient road and railway connections to the major neighbouring cities, including Colchester and Chelmsford. For those commuting to the capital, London Liverpool Street Station is also accessible in under an hour by train.
Moreover, families with children are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities – the town boasts a bustling traditional market, vibrant high street with shopping and eating out spots, plentiful green spaces dotted around, and picturesque villages to visit just a short drive away.
Braintree and its surrounding villages provide a diverse range of living places, from modern family-friendly developments to tranquil rural communities. To help you pick, here are the most desirable areas and streets, each with its own unique offerings:
Situated just south-west of Braintree, Great Notley is a modern village development ideal for self-contained community living. The area covers all of the day-to-day needs, including a Tesco superstore, post office, cafés, pubs, and schools. The presence of its very own football club and the large adjacent Great Notley Country Park boost the village’s appeal even further. However, Braintree’s amenities remain easily accessible by car or public transport.
Cressing is another village, conveniently located between Braintree and Witham. Known for serene surroundings and historic landmarks (notably the ancient Cressing Temple Barns), Cressing is perfect for those seeking a quieter, village-style setting within reach of Braintree’s facilities. Don’t let the rural character fool you, though, as the village boasts a dedicated Cressing train station connecting residents to London Liverpool Street station.
Sitting northside of Braintree, the suburban area of Bocking combines a village lifestyle with modern amenities seamlessly. It’s home to its own delightful attractions, such as the historical Bocking Windmill, St Mary’s Church, and Bocking Hall manor, alongside an assortment of shops and restaurants. The best thing about Bocking, however, is its community feel.
If you’re looking to reside somewhere more central to Braintree, the London Road is an excellent option. With schools and public transport within walking distance, as well as the nearby play areas at Marshall’s park, the London Road is particularly suited to busy families with children.
Panfield is an idyllic small village less than a 10-minute drive northwest from Braintree. Here you’ll find a highly-rated country pub, the John Barr Playground, a few local services, and the beautiful St Mary and St Christopher church. If you are seeking a peaceful setting with a close-knit community, Panfield could be the place for you.
Just south of Panfield, Rayne is a well-established village with a good selection of restaurants, local schools, a village hall, and an abundance of green spaces, including the nearby Oak Meadows Nature Reserve. The most popular way to explore Rayne’s historical heritage, dating back to Roman times, is by taking on the widely recognised Rayne Heritage Trail.
If you can see yourself living in Braintree or one of its surrounding villages, we’d love to be a part of this exciting move! As a local estate agent since 2004, we have an in-depth knowledge of the local area, helping newcomers find their dream homes in Braintree.
