Best places to commute from in Essex
Essex’s 14 areas ranked by fastest train to the city — best commuter areas. Every figure from OpenStreetMap + National Rail timetable (ATOC/RDG, GTFS), 2026. Indicative, not a valuation.
| # | Area | Fastest train to the city (min) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brentwood | 23 min |
| 2 | Harlow | 31 min |
| 3 | Basildon | 32 min |
| 4 | Epping Forest | 32 min |
| 5 | Chelmsford | 32 min |
| 6 | Castle Point | 37 min |
| 7 | Thurrock | 40 min |
| 8 | Uttlesford | 46 min |
| 9 | Colchester | 47 min |
| 10 | Rochford | 51 min |
| 11 | Southend-on-Sea | 56 min |
| 12 | Maldon | 60 min |
| 13 | Braintree | 61 min |
| 14 | Tendring | 82 min |
Source: OpenStreetMap + National Rail timetable (ATOC/RDG, GTFS) · 2026. Ranked lowest first.
Other Essex rankings
House prices5-year house-price growthPrice per square metreAffordability (price vs local earnings)Crime rateSchools rated Good or OutstandingGigabit broadband availabilityCouncil tax (Band D)Deprivation (IMD decile, 10 = least deprived)Air quality — NO₂Air quality — PM2.5Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age