A nice area to live near Lakeside Essex??

[jackthecat]

Hi there

I am going to be moving jobs in a couple of weeks to work in Lakeside in Essex. Does anyone know the area well who could let me know a nice area to live that is easy to get to work plus fairly easy to get into London? Or is that too much of an ask?!
Does anyone know of any flat/house shares that would be available also or a good website to look on for the area - I don't really want to go through an agent as they are so expensive!
I'd REALLY appreciate any comments anyone has - thanks!!

[Postdog]

There's a site called spareroom.com.

Just try googling flatshares, rooms etc.

Can't really help with area - best bet is to see what's near on the map, and then see what is available in that area.

[Buenchico]

Don't even think of driving around the Lakeside area at peak times. It can be an absolute nightmare. The buses also get stuck in traffic, so the best way to get to work will be by train. Chafford Hundred rail station serves Lakeside. (You simply walk over a footbridge).

So it would make sense to live close to a rail station along the relevant line. Here's a map of the rail route:
http://www.c2c-online.co.uk/our_services/stati ons_and_route_map

Looking at that map, my suggestion would be to consider Upminster. It's a reasonably pleasant area. The rail station is only 9 minutes from Chafford Hundred and just 24 minutes from London's Fenchurch Street terminus. (District Line Underground services also operate from Upminster into central London).

You might find suitable accommodation listed in Loot:
http://www.loot.com/rs6/cl.asp?action=fsrlt&ad _id=&adroomtype=&atp=property&c1=11076&c2=&cc= &cpg=sf&do=&iss=&kyd=&mnp=&mxp=&ord=&pn=&prc=& ps=undefined&psc=&psc_dis=&pt=&ss_id=&subtap=s hare_lvl2&ukloc

Chris

[Lonnie]

I live in Wickford, about 15 mins drive from Lakeside, don't go there at all, for the reasons Chris has given, Upminster is approx the same difference in miles, but the other way.

Wickford is Quiet, no cinema, dance halls, Theatres etc, so for amusement, the young go to the neighbouring towns.

I'd recommend it. but then, I live here, and wouldn't move at all, wxcept perhaps to another country,