May be moving to Essex in 1-10

My name is Connie. I am in process of possibly moving to Essex in 1-10 as a social worker. Any ideas about where to live that won't break the bank. I will have two dogs coming with me- am almost through the defra process.   

Would love some advice about housing-have a house to rent out here in Texas if this works out.

I need the most economical place to live fo rone person and two small doga.  Any advice-HELP?

Connie

Hello and welcome!  Do you mean 1-10 as in years, months, or January of 2010?  I think social workers are in high demand in the UK right now.  I'm not an Essex person, but some folks here are and I'm sure someone will be along with some advice.  Best of luck with your move.

I'm no longer in Essex but that was my landing location when I first arrived, and I can recommend Loughton (the "Lough-" is pronounced to rhyme with "how" or "now") and it's small sub-town Debden. They are on the Central Line tube which is just a forty minute direct journey into the heart of London.

It's on the Epping Forest border to London proper and has tube, buses and other services that are actually London governed ones -- it's in that border area of Essex that is also basically still kind of a contiguous extension of London in all but postcode.

Loughton can be a little pricey in the housing costs but is a lovely area and there are rental flats that may be affordable depending on your budget. Debden is more "downmarket" and like a bit of the East End demographically, but I loved it and found the little Broadway main street of shops an incredibly useful and friendly place to be while I was there. But for other reasons, I would live there again. It was a good place to be and the tube commute into the heart of London on an Oyster card was very reasonable should one have to do it on a daily basis for work.

Hope that helps with some info.

Welcome to UKY 

Hi, found out today I will be working in Basildon. I really need help with the area. I have two small dogs who will be with me. What is rent like there? Please suggest the safest, cheapest place. I am willing to rent a room so long as my dogs are welcome. Any advice is welcome. I will have a car so I can drive. Is it cheaper to live in some areas? Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I would ideally like a small apartment or home but that may not be possible.

Connie

I was offered a position in Basildon too!

Great, did you get your call today. I don't know where to live- have 2 small dogs. What is your circumstances. 

Am very excited

Connie

My husband is from Leigh on Sea in Essex and suggests not to live in Basildon, its a 1960's new build town and a bit souless.

He suggests Rayleigh, Leigh, West Cliff, Benfleet and the South End areas, all are easily communtable (transit or car). If you need further advise, please PM me and my husband will respond with more detail/suggestions.

My husband is from Leigh on Sea in Essex and suggests not to live in Basildon, its a 1960's new build town and a bit souless.

I've never been to Basildon myself, but from what I gather from my extensive studies of Depeche Mode, 'a bit souless' is right. Still, I'd like to make a pilgrimage there one day!

Sorry I don't have any advice to offer, Connie, as I'm not familiar with the area, but welcome to UKY and congratulations on your impending move!

I've never been to Basildon myself, but from what I gather from my extensive studies of Depeche Mode, 'a bit souless' is right. Still, I'd like to make a pilgrimage there one day!

I just have to say....huge Depeche Mode fan here!  

Connie,

I did get my call today. I'm freaked out right now. We're still deciding if it's best for my family right now.  Excited but freaked out. 

I just have to say....huge Depeche Mode fan here!  

We need to talk! I devoted a whole chapter of my Masters thesis to them, but I have no one around who likes them as much as I do any more.