Colchester has always had a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to quality of life and popularity among house buyers. On the one hand, many people love its traditional outlook and good value homes, while others claim Colchester is a little dull. Here is the full lowdown on living and working in Colchester, Essex, and what you can expect from property in the town.
Colchester Introduction
Colchester is one of the most important towns in Essex and has many of the county’s cultural amenities. It is actually the oldest-recorded settlement in England and has developed a great deal since the early days. And did you know that Colchester is reported to be the home of the best-loved nursery rhymes in the UK? Humpty Dumpty, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Old King Cole are all reputed to have been created in the town. To bring things more up to date, here are some facts and information about this lively Essex town.
Colchester Transport Links
In the past, Colchester was known for a rather more negative association – traffic congestion. Fortunately, great strides have been made to ease traffic problems in the town and there are Park and Ride schemes and discounts for public transport to discourage people from bringing cars into the town centre. There are two rail stations, one of which is connected to London, and you are also well connected to the south by the link-up to the M25.
Culture, Eating and Drinking
Colchester has the full selection of high street stores but also some interesting independent shops, too. Coffee houses, restaurants and bars cater to all tastes, including the true delicacy of Colchester – oysters.
There are many different museums in Colchester that will interest all the family, including the Hollytrees Museum, the Castle Museum, Minories Art Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and the Tymperleys Clock Museum. An Arts Centre in the town is the venue for live music and shows, and there are the usual multiplex cinemas on the outskirts of town.
Property in Colchester
Property for sale in Colchester ranges from modest one-bedroom flats or studios in converted houses, to large and grand mansions with a million-pound price mark. Of course, there are also many family homes available through agents such as www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk in different parts of the town, close to local schools. North Colchester is one of the most popular parts of the town and it attracts young professionals as well as families due to its proximity to the city centre and also to the hospital and the railway station. East Colchester is near to Essex University and is popular with students. The south of Colchester is not so well linked with roads so it is a little quieter than the other main areas in the town. If you are looking to buy in Colchester there are a number of different options available and it is worth searching all areas to see if there is something that meets your criteria.
