Brentwood Area Guide

Brentwood Local Area Guide

Brentwood blends small-town charm with modern amenities, making it an appealing choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With an abundance of green spaces, excellent schools, and easy access to London, the town offers a high quality of life for its residents. Our experienced estate agents in Brentwood have created this detailed area guide to help you discover everything you need to know about living in this popular part of Essex.

Where is Brentwood?

Brentwood is located in south-west Essex, approximately 20 miles north-east of central London. Ideally positioned for commuters, the town is served by the Elizabeth Line, providing direct rail services into central London, including Liverpool Street and Paddington. Road links are equally strong, with the A12 and M25 nearby, offering fast connections to London, Chelmsford, and beyond. The town’s convenient location makes it a popular base for those who work in the city but prefer a more peaceful lifestyle.

Is Brentwood a Nice Area to Live?

Brentwood is widely regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in Essex. The town combines the best of both worlds, offering a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with easy access to the bustling city of London. The picturesque high street, charming period homes, and an abundance of green spaces make Brentwood an ideal location for those looking to enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere whilst still being well-connected to the capital.

Whether you're looking for a safe and family-friendly environment or a convenient base for commuting, it is the perfect place to call home. At Balgores, we can help you identify suitable properties for sale in Brentwood, offering expert advice throughout your search.

Is Brentwood Safe?

Brentwood is considered a safe and family-friendly town, with a relatively low crime rate and an active local police presence. Neighbourhood watch schemes and community initiatives contribute to maintaining the town’s secure and peaceful environment. As with any area, it’s wise to research specific neighbourhoods before buying or renting a property, but overall, Brentwood generally enjoys a strong reputation for safety and quality of life.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Brentwood

Brentwood is a popular choice for families due to its excellent selection of primary and secondary schools. For younger children, St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Hogarth Primary School are good options, with both known for their strong academic results. For secondary education, Brentwood County High School and Shenfield High School are popular choices, offering a broad curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities.

Public Transport Links in Brentwood

Brentwood is very well-connected by public transport, making it a great option for those who travel often for work or leisure. The Elizabeth Line offers direct services into central London, with journey times to Liverpool Street of around 35 minutes. Shenfield station, just a short distance away, offers additional fast trains and services further afield. The town is also served by a reliable network of local buses connecting Brentwood to nearby towns like Romford, Chelmsford, and Billericay.

History of Brentwood

Brentwood has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, when it was a popular resting place for pilgrims on the way to Canterbury. The town grew around a Roman road and later became a key coaching stop between London and East Anglia. Over time, Brentwood evolved into a prosperous market town and, more recently, a commuter hub. Many historic buildings, such as Ingatestone Hall and the ruins of the Chapel of Thomas Becket, still stand as reminders of the town’s rich past.

Things to Do in Brentwood

Residents in Brentwood can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring scenic country parks and woodlands to shopping on the bustling high street. The town also offers great restaurants and pubs, family attractions, and cultural venues, making it easy to relax, socialise, and stay entertained throughout the year.

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Brentwood has an abundance of beautiful green spaces to explore. Weald Country Park is a great place to spend time outdoors, with 500 acres of woodlands, lakes, and meadows making it ideal for walking, cycling, or wildlife spotting. Thorndon Country Park is another popular choice, offering scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of space for outdoor activities.

Shopping

Brentwood’s bustling high street combines well-known high street brands with independent retailers, providing a fantastic shopping experience for residents. The Baytree Shopping Centre has a huge range of shops, offering everything from the latest fashions to homewares and technology, whilst charming Crown Street is renowned for its unique boutiques and cosy cafes. Brentwood also has weekly markets where you can find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and antiques, making it a great spot for discovering something special.

Restaurants, Bars, and Pubs

Brentwood is renowned for its lively and varied food and drink scene. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub, a stylish cocktail bar, or fine dining, you’ll find it here. Popular venues include Alec’s Restaurant for seafood and steak, the Spread Eagle for classic pub fare and craft beers, and the Sugar Hut, a chic bar and club featured on TV’s The Only Way Is Essex. The abundance of cafés and bistros along the high street offers everything from brunch to artisan coffee.

Entertainment

Brentwood offers entertainment options for all tastes. From the Brentwood Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances, including plays, live music, and comedy shows, to local cinemas for the latest blockbusters. Music lovers can visit the Brentwood Centre, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year. For a more relaxed evening, the town’s pubs and bars offer live music, quiz nights, and a lively atmosphere to enjoy.

What is Property in Brentwood Like?

Brentwood’s diverse property market ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re buying or renting in the town. Whether you’re seeking a period cottage perfect for your retirement years or a large, detached family home with a garden, you can expect to find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget. Brentwood’s housing stock includes properties built in various eras, from charming Victorian and Edwardian houses full of character to more modern homes and newly built developments.

Buying or Renting in Brentwood

Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upsize or downsize, you can expect to find properties to meet your needs in the town. There are also many properties to rent in Brentwood, making it an attractive option for those who want to enjoy the area's charm without committing to a long-term purchase.

Whilst prices are typically higher than in other parts of Essex due to the town’s strong reputation, it remains relatively affordable compared to central London. With a wide variety of property types available, from traditional family homes to modern flats, Brentwood is the ideal location for a wide range of buyers and renters.

Should I Move to Brentwood?

Moving to Brentwood offers an excellent balance of suburban tranquillity and urban amenities. With its combination of attractive green spaces, excellent schools, good transport links, and a thriving town centre, the town is a great choice for anyone seeking a high-quality lifestyle in Essex. Whether you're buying your first home or looking for your next rental property, Brentwood is well worth exploring as your next place to live.