Frinton-on-Sea has been named as one of the best places to live in Essex and the country.
We look at some of the best places to live across the UK as well as the best spots in the county.
There were 10 places across Essex which were described as being the best, including the destination of immaculate swathes of blonde beach and upmarket seaside town, Frinton.
The much-loved town has grown a great reputation and is a popular spot for tourists looking to get a sense of the north Essex coast.
The top 10 places to live in Essex according research
- Chelmsford
- Saffron Walden
- Maldon
- Leigh
- Frinton
- Wivenhoe
- Stock
- Coggeshall
- Buckhurst Hill
- Mersea
Why was Frinton named in the top 10?
Being recognised for its butterscotch sands, sweeping esplanade and pastel beach huts, the pretty coastal resort is full of charm.
Frinton first became popular with London holiday makers in the 20s, when its high street was dubbed the Bond Street of East Anglia.
These days it is a hub of indie boutiques, chic bistros and cool bars, with great properties and a thriving arts and culture scene.
Places to eat in the town
Where to shop
The culture
Frinton is famed for its Summer Theatre, founded in 1934.
The oldest surviving ‘weekly’ summer repertory theatre company in England, it runs eight productions a year during July and August.
There’s also a pretty cool art gallery, The Driftwood Gallery at Photovogue, a contemporary, open space exhibiting a wonderful range of quirky work.
Nearby attractions
The huge greensward in Frinton is perfect for family picnics, but if you want to range wider, hit the coastal trail that weaves to Walton-on-the-Naze.
It’s an easy, picturesque trail and you can explore Hamford Water Nature Reserve en route.
Children will also get a love the famous pier at nearby Clacton, winner of best family attraction.
There are rides, 10-pin bowling, soft play, arcades – what more can you ask?
Average house prices
Depending on location, a home in Frinton-on-Sea will set you back on average £396,762.
The majority of houses bought during the last year were detached, selling for an average of £535,750.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £347,389, with flats fetching £231,666.
Neighbouring town is the happiest
What is just as noteworthy is the neighbouring Clacton-on-Sea has been named among the happiest places to live also has some of the cheapest homes in the county. Often known as one of Essex’s typical holiday destinations, Clacton-On-Sea attracts tourists from all over England, perfect for families looking for a fun family holiday.
House prices in Clacton-On-Sea have an overall average of £251,112 over the last year, reports Rightmove, which is well below the Essex house price average. Overall, the historical sold prices in Clacton-On-Sea over the last year were similar to the previous year and 6% down on the 2022 peak of £267,083.
Despite cheap house prices, great commuter links and a bustling seaside, Clacton has received a lot of criticisim as being the worst seaside town in Essex, according to a recent study by Which?. Many locals did not agree – and flocked to defend the town.
