M25, A12, M11: Essex's best commuter towns for driving into London easily

Essex is right on the border of London, making it a great option for people looking to commute into the big city for work. Ringed by the M25, and with the A12 and M11 intersecting the London Orbital Motorway to the east and the west respectively, Essex has many towns and villages perfect for people looking to drive into the capital.

For those who don’t want to fork out for London prices, or who might be wanting to live somewhere a bit more spacious, Essex is the place.

We’ve put together a list of some of Essex’s best towns and villages which are very close to these key roads into London, making them perfect for commuters. Several of the places mentioned are close to multiple major roads as well, making them even better options.

M25

Chafford Hundred

Chafford Hundred is an area north-west of the town of Grays, in Thurrock. With a train station and prime location right next to the M25 and the Dartford Crossing, it’s a great location for anyone looking to commute into London either by train or by car.

As well as this, Chafford Hundred is very close to Lakeside Shopping Centre, and has several primary schools and a secondary school. The area is the perfect option for a family looking to settle down with parents still working in London.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chafford Hundred is £359,243, with the majority of houses sold being flats. Detached houses sold on average for £513,557.

Stapleford Abbotts

This village in Epping Forest is an absolutely stunning location, and perfect for commuters as it sits within the M25 motorway. Mostly rural, there are lots of green fields and open space, making it a great alternative to the smog-filled air of the busy city of London.

The village is full of 20th century housing, and even has a Grade II listed church, St Mary’s. There’s a local pub and a primary school, and whilst public transport in the village isn’t the best, it’s very close to Romford for those who would prefer to commute via train than the M25.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Stapleford Abbotts is £790,455. Detached houses sold on average for £860,625.

A12

Brentwood

The large town of Brentwood has been put on the map by The Only Way is Essex, but it is much more than nightclubs and parties – it’s also great to get into London. It’s located at the intersection between the A12 and the M25, making it an easy drive into the capital.

There are plenty of suburbs at the edges of the town, including Warley and Pilgrim’s Hatch, which are good options for those looking for somewhere quieter, or perhaps a family home.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Brentwood is £543,975. Detached houses sold on average for £860,681.

Romford

Another large town tucked between the M25 and the A12, Romford is a great option for anyone looking for somewhere just outside of London to live, with easy access into the city via both car and train. It has also expanded to include suburban enclaves including Rush Green, and there are lots of green spaces and parks for young families to go to at weekends.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Brentwood is £417,768 . Terraced houses sold on average for £400,554.

M11

Chigwell

Chigwell is well-known for its good schools, making it a great place to think about bringing up a family, whilst also being able to travel into and out of London with ease. There are two train stations – Chigwell and Grange Hill – and the town is located right on the M11, making it really easy for those who prefer to drive to head south into London.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chigwell is £564,202 . Terraced houses sold on average for £497,029.

Loughton

The town of Loughton in west Essex is right on the border of London, making it a great option for commuters via the M11. Home to the acting school East 15, there are also several primary schools, three secondary schools and an independent prep school.

According to Rightmove, the average house price in Loughton is £632,534 . Terraced houses sold on average for £497,640.