The ultimate destination for those looking for a quick and easy commute into central London, Chelmsford is a vibrant and bustling city in Essex that provides the perfect base for young professionals and families alike.
Now a major employment and commuter destination, Chelmsford is not only well connected but it is also known for its outstanding schools, expansive range of properties, vibrant nightlife and quirky history.
There’s a wide variety of housing available in Chelmsford, including everything from 1920s detached family homes and Victorian terraces, right through to Grade II listed buildings.
If you’re moving or renting in Chelmsford, you’re in the right place. Here’s our guide to moving to Chelmsford.
Average house prices in Chelmsford
For those looking to buy in Chelmsford, prices vary significantly, with average house prices coming in at £402,155 in 2023 – up from £390,000 in 2019.
For example, you can expect to pay around £433,276 for a semi-detached home (up from £350,000 4 years prior), £226,035 for a flat (down compared to 2019’s figure of £250,000) or £371,280 for a terraced property, an increase from £300,000 in 2019.
House rental prices in Chelmsford
Average house rental prices in Chelmsford currently stand at £3,152 pcm, while renting a flat will cost approximately £1,838 pcm, although this does of course vary depending on the size and quality of property you’re looking to rent.
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay £1,388 pcm for a one-bedroom property, £2,105 pcm for a two-bedroom property and £5,015 pcm for a five-bedroom property.
Areas nearby
There are lots of towns and villages dotted in and around Chelmsford, adding to its desirable appeal. These include East Hanningfield, Tillingham, Battlesbridge, Bickacre, Great Leighs and Hanfield Peveral.
With fascinating histories, beautiful homes and plenty of amenities, all of these areas are great places to live.
Transport links in Chelmsford
Chelmsford, the vibrant capital of Essex, offers a variety of transportation options to explore its bustling streets, historical landmarks, and scenic surroundings.
Chelmsford by car
Driving is a convenient option for those who value flexibility and exploring beyond the city centre. Chelmsford has a well-developed road network, including the A12 and A117, with the M11 and M25 not too far away. On-street parking is available throughout the city, as are multi-story car parks.
Chelmsford by bus
For a budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative, Chelmsford’s extensive bus network provides efficient connections throughout the city and surrounding villages. FirstGroup and Arriva operate regular services, connecting key areas like the city centre, bus and rail stations and outer suburbs. Multi-day tickets and PlusBus passes offer cost-effective options for frequent travellers.
Chelmsford by rail
Direct trains from Chelmsford Railway Station whisk you to London Liverpool Street Station in about 39 minutes, making it a popular choice for commuters and day trips. Additional services connect Chelmsford to Colchester, Ipswich, and Cambridge, offering convenient access to regional destinations. Be sure to check timetables and book tickets in advance, especially during peak periods.
Additional ways to explore Chelmsford
For shorter trips within the city, consider cycling or walking. Chelmsford boasts a dedicated network of cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, making it a pleasant and healthy way to explore. Taxis are readily available for late-night travel or convenient door-to-door service.
Transport to London
Beyond Chelmsford Railway Station, National Express coaches offer an alternative option for reaching London, with journey times of around 1 hour 30 minutes. These coaches depart from Chelmsford Bus Station and drop you off at various locations in the city, including Victoria Coach Station and Stratford City Bus Station.
Transport to airports
For air travel, London Stansted Airport is the closest option, located approximately 20 miles from Chelmsford. Regular buses and taxis connect the airport with Chelmsford city centre, making it a convenient gateway for international flights. Alternatively, London Heathrow Airport lies around 40 miles away, accessible by train or coach with a slightly longer travel time.
Schools in Chelmsford
Chelmsford is home to lots of highly rated schools, including King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford County High School for Girl and New Hall School.
Highly regarded primary schools include Perryfields Junior School, Writtle Junior School and Barnes Farm Junior School and popular secondary schools in the area include The Sandon School, New Hall School and The Boswells School.
Things to do in Chelmsford
There are plenty of things to see and do in Chelmsford, especially for young professionals and growing families.
Boasting two indoor shopping centres, regular markets and plenty of restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Popular restaurants in the area include Prezzo, Zizzi, Vita Bella and Lek’s Thai Food which is highly regarded as one of Chelmsford’s highly rated restaurants.
There’s also plenty of green spaces dotted in and around Chelmsford including Hylands Park and the RHS Hyde Hall Gardens. In fact, there are more than 20 parks throughout the area. Ideal for playing sport, picnics, days out with the family and cycling, it’s never been easier to enjoy the great outdoors!
Shopping in Chelmsford
The High Chelmer Shopping Centre serves as Chelmsford’s central retail hub, providing a range of stores under one roof. From fashion and beauty to electronics and homeware, this shopping centre caters to various needs and preferences. Outside, Chelmsford’s bustling high street is a vibrant hub for shopping enthusiasts. Lined with well-known brands, department stores and popular fashion retailers, the high street ensures that residents can easily access a variety of everyday essentials and the latest trends.
For those seeking a more contemporary shopping experience, Bond Street adds modern flair to Chelmsford’s retail offering. This stylish shopping destination boasts a curated mix of high-end fashion, lifestyle stores, and exquisite dining options. Chelmsford’s Moulsham Street provides a charming contrast to the mainstream, offering a collection of independent boutiques, quirky stores, and local businesses. Here, shoppers can discover unique finds, handmade crafts, and personalised service that adds a distinctive touch to the overall retail experience.
Is Chelmsford a nice place to live?
Yes! Chelmsford is a nice place to live and work. The fact that it has been named as one of the top three places to live in Essex is certainly testament to this. With its welcoming community spirit, fantastic choice of outstanding schools, local shops and fascinating history and culture, it’s no wonder that Chelmsford was granted city status in 2012.
If you’re moving to Chelmsford to live, settle down and work, we’re here for you. We have a variety of flexible storage solutions that are helpful and convenient during a house move. Whether you want immediate short-term storage, or long-term storage for those items that don’t have a place in your home at the moment, get in touch to see how we can help!
What is the population of Chelmsford?
Official data shows there are 181,500 people living in Chelmsford, as of the 2021 census.
What is the average age in Chelmsford?
The average Chelmsford resident is aged 41 – just slightly older than the English average of 40. Between the 2011 and 2021 censuses, there were 25.4% more 65-74-year-olds living in Chelmsford, while the number of people aged 20-24 dropped by 7.8%.
If you’re moving to Chelmsford to live, settle down and work, we’re here for you. We have a variety of flexible storage solutions that are helpful and convenient during a house move. Whether you want immediate short-term storage, or long-term storage for those items that don’t have a place in your home at the moment, get in touch to see how we can help!
