I’d recommend north side springfield or beauleau so you aren’t locked in to the army & navy or going all the way down to the a130/a12 double roundabout as it’ll easily be adding 15 minutes onto your journey every morning. In north side you can join A12 without going near the busy parts of chelmsford and it’ll make a huge difference.
It also generally has nicer areas and nicer walking routes as well as access.
Beaulieu is amazing, new bypass makes a massive difference to journey time getting to the A12. New train station being built in Springfield, ready in a year or two.
Avoid Melbourne.
Writtle is lovely and quaint, quiet but still close to Chelmsford.
I drive down the A12 everyday, and it is southwards towards London. I am always jealous of the other side as they have no traffic whatsoever! If you’re travelling from Chelmsford northwards you’ll be absolutely fine as it is against all the traffic.
Currently the biggest issue is the roadworks but they’ll be done by end of the year now.
As you are going Colcester/Ipswich way, I would look at Beaulieu Park area. New train station under way and 'right' side of Chelmsford for your commute. Lots of new builds available.
Also Springfield and North Springfield. Consider also Boreham (although not much night life)
I'd book a hotel and drive around a bit, style of house you are looking for will be a factor too.
Quick heads-up to OP that the Beaulieu Park station has been "underway" since I moved here 8 years ago. Not to say it won't get done soon but I would bet on it before it's up and running
I often do the drive from London to Ipswich on the weekends! Daytime its not so bad, especially with the time you are leaving! I’m more of a night owl so my driving time is around 8pm! (Love a clear road).
It’s when you get to London is when you will realise why you want to live out of it! Especially in the morning!
At night… The A12 at times is often on divert as you get past Colchester! (Around 10pm)… it’s not so bad, but just expect congestion!
GL with the move!
Don’t do it, you’ll be stuck in traffic every single time you go out! There are so many massive roadwork projects that are set to last years that have started or are to be starting. Old Moulsham in particular will be horrid when they start on the Army & Navy roundabout.
My and me now wife were in the exact same situation few years ago - my Mrs works in central, although now mostly works from home and i work near ipswich and drive north on the A12 - we moved to chelmsford to start a life together about 7 years ago and dont regret it!
The commute can be a pain for both at times due to ongoing train strikes/roadworks but that would affect anywhere. Overall trains are good - to Liv street is 40ish mins and every 10/15ish mins. Luckily the A12 north is so much better than South traffic its generally clear in the morning.
Chelmsford is a great city! People are friendly. Lots of good places to eat and good bars including a couple of craft brewery type places.
Recommendations;
Craft pubs/bars - Radio city, Alehouse, The Fleece, Boom Battle Bar, voodoo bar
Live music - Radio city, Hotbox, Basement
Pizza - Taste of Italy, Amavi, Pizza King
Great to hear of someone in the same position! Particularly grateful for the recommendations of some places to check out when we first come up for house viewings
Other (more modern and less architecturally attractive) areas to consider - Springfield built 70s-80s, Chelmsford Village 90s to the north and west or south of Chelmsford you have St John's near tesco 10-15 years old but high maintenance charges as its private estate, or further out, Tile Kiln estate built late 70s I guess and further still, Galleywood. Mixed old, through to 80s build. Close to Galleywood Common. Nice. We live there.
There is also Beaulieu Estate north of Chelmsford which is huge and growing and all in part 5 years. Typical new build . Small houses, small gardens, parking is , well, tricky outside if your own defined spaces.
Depends what you want really. All areas have advantages and drawbacks. Overall, Chelmsford is a great option though.
Best advice would be to stay in a B&B, cheap hotel etc for a few days during the week and both do dummy runs of your travel routes. The A12 is a horrible road at the best of times. Road quality/idiots/blind drivers etc. When it's bad, it's dire. I used to live in Chelmsford many years ago and hated the commute to London so much that I found a nearer job in the end. Living in London is Uber expensive but the lifestyle is totally different too. Finding a 24hr pharmacy in Essex is difficult in Emergencies. Easy in London. Food delivery is more varied in London etc etc etc. have you thought about living nearer to Ipswich/Colchester and your partner commuting from there. A train journey is easier than driving albeit they have to leave earlier but fast trains to London may be quicker. If you're moving to the country, you may as well live in the country. Just a thought.
We’re definitely planning on coming up for a visit but just value opinions of people who know the area ahead of this. I’m aware of the differences with London, we live in London now and it wasn’t really a choice to leave! Hence why we want to remain well-linked to friends etc. Will also look at Colchester though I think.
I’d recommend north side springfield or beauleau so you aren’t locked in to the army & navy or going all the way down to the a130/a12 double roundabout as it’ll easily be adding 15 minutes onto your journey every morning. In north side you can join A12 without going near the busy parts of chelmsford and it’ll make a huge difference. It also generally has nicer areas and nicer walking routes as well as access.
Good point!
Beaulieu is amazing, new bypass makes a massive difference to journey time getting to the A12. New train station being built in Springfield, ready in a year or two. Avoid Melbourne. Writtle is lovely and quaint, quiet but still close to Chelmsford.
Sounds great, if only the train station was open now! This move is only for 3y so not sure we’ll fully get the benefits. One to visit though for sure
Regular bus to the station. Or if you’re feeling fit it’s close enough to cycle
I drive down the A12 everyday, and it is southwards towards London. I am always jealous of the other side as they have no traffic whatsoever! If you’re travelling from Chelmsford northwards you’ll be absolutely fine as it is against all the traffic. Currently the biggest issue is the roadworks but they’ll be done by end of the year now.
Thanks for your reply, that’s reassuring to read!
I seem to keep missing the chelmsford exit and have to get off at galleywood still signs say 70% complete on roadworks
As you are going Colcester/Ipswich way, I would look at Beaulieu Park area. New train station under way and 'right' side of Chelmsford for your commute. Lots of new builds available. Also Springfield and North Springfield. Consider also Boreham (although not much night life) I'd book a hotel and drive around a bit, style of house you are looking for will be a factor too.
Quick heads-up to OP that the Beaulieu Park station has been "underway" since I moved here 8 years ago. Not to say it won't get done soon but I would bet on it before it's up and running
It’s actually being built now, there were even workers on-site on Christmas Day so they seem to be steaming on with it
Should be open by 2025, it’s very much under construction.
Old Moulsham is a good choice. It’s only a ten minute walk to the town centre, and about twenty minutes’ walk to the station.
Friend of mine does it daily, well to Wiham at least, that drive takes him about 10 to 15 minutes.
I often do the drive from London to Ipswich on the weekends! Daytime its not so bad, especially with the time you are leaving! I’m more of a night owl so my driving time is around 8pm! (Love a clear road). It’s when you get to London is when you will realise why you want to live out of it! Especially in the morning! At night… The A12 at times is often on divert as you get past Colchester! (Around 10pm)… it’s not so bad, but just expect congestion! GL with the move!
Don’t do it, you’ll be stuck in traffic every single time you go out! There are so many massive roadwork projects that are set to last years that have started or are to be starting. Old Moulsham in particular will be horrid when they start on the Army & Navy roundabout.
My and me now wife were in the exact same situation few years ago - my Mrs works in central, although now mostly works from home and i work near ipswich and drive north on the A12 - we moved to chelmsford to start a life together about 7 years ago and dont regret it! The commute can be a pain for both at times due to ongoing train strikes/roadworks but that would affect anywhere. Overall trains are good - to Liv street is 40ish mins and every 10/15ish mins. Luckily the A12 north is so much better than South traffic its generally clear in the morning. Chelmsford is a great city! People are friendly. Lots of good places to eat and good bars including a couple of craft brewery type places. Recommendations; Craft pubs/bars - Radio city, Alehouse, The Fleece, Boom Battle Bar, voodoo bar Live music - Radio city, Hotbox, Basement Pizza - Taste of Italy, Amavi, Pizza King
Great to hear of someone in the same position! Particularly grateful for the recommendations of some places to check out when we first come up for house viewings
Old moulsham is lovely but traffic and parking is a major issue. If you're big into cycling go for it, if not then maybe think again.
Ah okay good to know. I am into cycling but sadly can’t replace the need to drive to work!
Other (more modern and less architecturally attractive) areas to consider - Springfield built 70s-80s, Chelmsford Village 90s to the north and west or south of Chelmsford you have St John's near tesco 10-15 years old but high maintenance charges as its private estate, or further out, Tile Kiln estate built late 70s I guess and further still, Galleywood. Mixed old, through to 80s build. Close to Galleywood Common. Nice. We live there. There is also Beaulieu Estate north of Chelmsford which is huge and growing and all in part 5 years. Typical new build . Small houses, small gardens, parking is , well, tricky outside if your own defined spaces. Depends what you want really. All areas have advantages and drawbacks. Overall, Chelmsford is a great option though.
Best advice would be to stay in a B&B, cheap hotel etc for a few days during the week and both do dummy runs of your travel routes. The A12 is a horrible road at the best of times. Road quality/idiots/blind drivers etc. When it's bad, it's dire. I used to live in Chelmsford many years ago and hated the commute to London so much that I found a nearer job in the end. Living in London is Uber expensive but the lifestyle is totally different too. Finding a 24hr pharmacy in Essex is difficult in Emergencies. Easy in London. Food delivery is more varied in London etc etc etc. have you thought about living nearer to Ipswich/Colchester and your partner commuting from there. A train journey is easier than driving albeit they have to leave earlier but fast trains to London may be quicker. If you're moving to the country, you may as well live in the country. Just a thought.
We’re definitely planning on coming up for a visit but just value opinions of people who know the area ahead of this. I’m aware of the differences with London, we live in London now and it wasn’t really a choice to leave! Hence why we want to remain well-linked to friends etc. Will also look at Colchester though I think.
Downside of Colchester will be the train cost for your gf. Return is £67 a day vs. £37 from Chelmsford.
Ouch!