Ongar Area Guide

Ongar Local Area Guide

To look first at its location, Ongar is situated towards the centre of Essex, sandwiched between the popular areas of Epping Forest to the West and Chelmsford to the East. This affords Ongar a blend of modern convenience and the historical charm that makes certain parts of rural Essex so coveted and high in demand. Estate agents in Ongar often meet prospective buyers who are drawn to the proximity of London and Essex’s larger towns, while giving homeowners the space that’s earned with a countryside view.

Where is Ongar?

With regard to other towns in Essex, Ongar is remarkably small. However, its history and popularity today make it a mainstay on any map of the county.

To the West lies Epping Forest, Colliers Hatch, and several other small towns and villages, while to the right sits High Ongar and a series of other villages until you reach Chelmsford. London is just 21 miles away from Ongar, meaning it’s super convenient for commuters – accessible by car or connecting trains and bus routes.

Is Ongar a Nice Place to Live?

Now to the crux of the property market: is Ongar somewhere you should consider as a prospective buyer?

Given its location in Essex and its surrounding blend of towns and villages and rural countryside, Ongar is a great place to live if you are seeking out a slower pace of life. It plays a unique and interesting role in the history of the area and is bordered on all sides by architecture and villages of note – including Greenstead Church which is said to be the oldest wooden church in the world.

It’s also community-focused, with a great emphasis on supporting local neighbours and businesses alike. Suffice it to say, there’s a reason why any and all properties for sale in Ongar are often met with high demand.

Is Ongar Safe?

As with any area, be it a town, city, or village, safety is in the hands of the residents. Because Ongar is located in one of the more rural parts of Essex, home to lots of families and residents who have lived in Ongar for most of their lives, it is considered a safe and welcoming place to be.

Rural crime is more likely to plague the area than violence, with criminals targeting local farms and stealing machinery. The residents of Ongar operate safety precautions and neighbourhood watch schemes to minimise these issues.

Primary and Secondary Schools in Ongar

Ongar is an incredibly small community in Essex, and as such is home to only three main schools. These are the Ongar Academy, Ongar Primary School, and Chipping Ongar Primary School.

Because of the limited spaces available at these schools, those who live outside of the core Ongar community may have to explore other schools.

Public Transport Links in Ongar

We’ve already touched on the location of Ongar in relation to nearby Essex towns as well as the main city of London. But how do you get around when you live in Ongar’s rural countryside?

Ongar used to have its own train station, and while this has been out of main service for years now, it does run a tourist and historical route around the local area. In terms of getting in and out of the Parish town, the best route around Ongar is by car or bus. Residents will also find the walking routes to be particularly good in Ongar.

History of Ongar

History is where Ongar really comes into its own.

Chipping Ongar is home to around 100 listed buildings, with Ongar as a Parish being formed in 1965 to bring together the communities of Chipping Ongar, Greenstead, and Shelley. Interestingly, because of its plethora of listed buildings, Chipping Ongar has been named as a conservation area – something which is of particular interest to prospective buyers who are keen to source a property which is safe from potential local development and a chance to surrounding infrastructure.

Dr David Livingstone, explorer and missionary, was known to have lived in Ongar for a portion of his life in the 19th century – with a plaque now visible outside the Livingstone Cottages citing his life and home. The original writer of the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star also lived in Ongar.

Things to do in Ongar

You might be wondering what there is to do in a Parish which is so rich with history but so far out in terms of its location…

Best Parks and Green Spaces

Ongar owes much of its popularity and desirability to its outside space and surroundings. Residents who move to Ongar will not be short of green space, with The Cripsey Brook Nature Reserve and Great Stony Park both popular stopping points and destinations for those seeking a little time outside with nature during their day.

Shopping

Despite not being considered a retail haven, Ongar has all you need for day-to-day life – and is well located with regards to Chelmsford or even London, should you wish to splash the cash and head out for a day of retail therapy.

Restaurants, Bars and Pubs

One of the best things about Ongar is how welcoming and relaxed the community is – as you will find when visiting local pubs, bars, and eateries.

The King’s Head, The Stag, and The Two Brewers are all pubs worth visiting for a relaxed pint at the end of the day, or you can opt for something a little more niche and choose a cheeseboard from the aptly named Cheesemonger restaurant.

The Cock Pub and Kitchen is one of the higher-grade restaurants in Ongar, classing itself as a fine dining establishment. Or why not try Smith’s of Ongar which is famous for its fish.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Ongar revolves around its historical prominence and its outside green spaces.

There are some destinations that are designed to entice a younger audience, for example, the Krazy Kidz Café which hosts kids' parties and celebrations. Or you can look around Mulberry House which markets itself as a wedding venue.

However, for the most part, it’s the town’s history and rural charm that draws attention.

What Is Property in Ongar Like?

As far as property goes, Ongar is considered somewhere that’s both desirable and expensive to live. While like with any destination in Essex or beyond, Ongar has flats, apartments, and retirement properties available at budget-friendly prices, many of its properties are considered on the higher end of the market and make the most of the surrounding land with expansive plots and gardens.

Our estate agents in Ongar are well-positioned to help you find your dream home – you just need to get in touch!

Buying or Renting in Ongar

With Ongar so well connected to London, Chelmsford, and countless smaller Essex towns and villages in the middle of the county, this is the perfect place to buy or rent – particularly if you are looking to slow down or exercise more of a balance in your home life.

Our agents manage several properties to rent in Ongar and would be happy to talk you through the local market and availability.

Should I Move to Ongar?

If you love the excitement of being able to travel to and from the city in a day but want to know you’ll enjoy peace and a real community sense when you get home, then Ongar is an excellent place for you to call home. And with properties both for sale and available to rent, suiting all preferences and budgets, we’re here to make the move as easy as possible for you.