Braintree

Detached and semi-detached homes dominate the market at 29.3 per cent and 34.7 per cent of the housing stock respectively, while 67.8 per cent of households own their homes. The median age is 43.4 years. The affordability ratio is 9.2, based on median earnings of £37,704. About 55 per cent of neighbourhoods in England are more deprived than Braintree. Crime stands at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, with violent crime the largest category at 428 incidents. Schools comprise 52 primary and 8 secondary institutions; 30 of 33 rated schools are good or better by Ofsted. Transport links include 9 rail stations, with Braintree Rail Station offering a 61-minute commute to London Liverpool Street. Air quality is low for nitrogen dioxide and moderate for particulate matter. Broadband coverage reaches 95.6 per cent for superfast speeds. The area has 66 supermarkets and 198 greenspaces.