01 Jul Reasons to move to Colchester
Colchester is known as the oldest town in Britain, once the capital of Roman England. During its long history it was settled in the Iron Age, destroyed by Boudicca, invaded by Vikings, Saxons and Normans, and again during the English Civil War. During the Victorian period it became a prosperous town, with a new railway and home to a military garrison. This year it has gained city status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. So, what is it about this city that continues to draw people to it? And if you’re planning on buying a home, why should Colchester be the place you choose to move to?
Plenty to do for families in Colchester
With so much history, it’s not surprising that Colchester has plenty of historical landmarks, all of which make it a beautiful and fascinating place to explore. Families will enjoy the castle, one of England’s most important heritage sites, and the Roman circus.
There’s also the beautiful Castle Park to explore, with a Roman wall, Victorian Bandstand, cafes, miniature golf course, boating lake and play areas for children. There’s also the amazing new sports park, with 76 acres of sporting facilities including a cycle track and plenty of outdoor pitches. And we mustn’t forget Colchester Zoo, one of the top zoos in the country.
Commuting from Colchester
One of the advantages of Essex is that it’s full of beautiful rural villages and countryside to enjoy, but still offers easy access to London for commuters. Colchester is no exception, with an easy 50 minute train ride from Colchester station to Liverpool Street Station. The city is also close to the A12 and M11, making it a simple journey to the coast or the Midlands.
Cost of living in Colchester
Colchester may be an ancient capital, but the house prices are certainly lower than those you’ll find in London today. The average house price in April was £306,500, with a terraced property setting you back around £326,800, while a detached was about £523,300.
Compare this to London where the average house cost a record £540,400 this month, while the national average is around £289,000, and you’ll agree that Colchester is a great option as a place to live, whether you are a commuter or work closer to home.
Schools in Colchester
When it comes to schools you’ll find Colchester has plenty of great options, with a large majority of the 55 schools in the town rated as Good to Outstanding.
For older children this includes 14 great secondary schools, including Colchester Royal Grammar School. Colchester Institute and the University of Essex both offer further education for young adults.
Shopping and entertainment for everyone
Finally, when it comes to living in Colchester, the shopping and entertainment are both excellent reasons to move here. The city has a beautiful shopping centre in the Lion Walk, where you can enjoy the picturesque setting as much as the shops. And this is just a short step away from Culver Square, where you’ll find all the high street brands you expect.
Colchester is famous for its oysters, farmed at the nearby Mersea Island and holds an annual Colchester Medieval Fayre & Oyster Market. But if seafood isn’t top for your tastebuds, there are an array of options, from cafes and fast food to Michelin recommended restaurants.
We certainly think there are plenty of reasons to move to Colchester. But we know that moving house can be a stressful time. Using a self-storage unit as a place to keep your furniture and belongings safe while you settle into a new home, decorate and decide where everything should go, is a great way to remove the stress and give you time to enjoy your new city life.
If you’d like to find out about our flexible storage contracts and special offers, give us a call today. As your local self-storage company, we want to be the first to welcome you to your new home.