How it rates
Southend-on-Sea is famous for its Victorian pier, the longest in the world, its Blue Flag beaches and its number of centenarians, the highest in the UK. But there is more: the Essex town is one of the 26 vying to become a city in 2012. The local council has approved a £300 million proposed plan for regeneration to counteract the effects of the recession, although Southend has suffered less than some surrounding locations. London Southend airport, owned by Stobart, the trucking group, has already made a successful bid for enhanced status with a new control tower and runway. In April 2012 easyJet will be launching new services to a number of destinations, including Barcelona, Berlin and Milan. A new station links up with trains to Liverpool Street via East London. The journey to Stratford will be only 40 minutes, making this the most convenient hub for European visitors to the London Olympics.
What’s new?
The iconic Palace Hotel, built in 1904, has been restored as The Park Inn Palace, with shops and luxury apartments that are available for rent. Bovis is offering five-bedroom detached houses for £349,980 on its Pegasus development, a mile from Southend Victoria station.
Smartest streets
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Clifftown Parade and the surrounding conservation areas. A two-bedroom flat in this neighbourhood will set you back about £250,000; a three-bedroom maisonette is closer to £425,000. This compares to about £180,000 for a three-bedroom house in the Westcliff-on-Sea area. Houses in Prittlewell Square fetch about £550,000. Thorpe Bay and and Leigh-on-Sea are also a popular choice.
Schools
The choices include Westcliff High School, a co-ed grammar, and the Roman Catholic St Bernard’s High School (girls) and St Thomas More High School (boys); Eastwood School, a comprehensive, is praised for its sports facililities.
Working life
HM Revenue & Customs and Southend Borough Council are the major employers. But there are also jobs in tourism and a thriving small independent business community. Magnum Boots, maker of Hi-Tec footwear, and RBS are also local employers. With the City just under an hour away by train, London is an easy commute.
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Going out
For an evening out head to the lively bars of Leigh-on-Sea or the seafood restaurants and cobbled streets of Old Leigh. The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre host touring productions. There are several artistic and literary festivals and an air show.
Downside
Some regret the loss of Victorian heritage that has resulted from modernisation.
Upside
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The good transport links and those endless beaches.