So tell me about life in Essex?

[FestiveFuzz]

So I've reached a point where I'm fed up with my current job and wanting to spread my wings a little. I've seen my ideal job being advertised but it's based in Essex and my only knowledge of Essex is what I've seen on a few episodes of TOWIE (I know, I know, I'm sorry!).

The job in question is based in Chelmsford and would be a step in the right direction for achieving my end goal of moving to Norfolk in the next few years (company has offices there).

So locals where would you recommend living in/near Chelmsford? And places to avoid? How much can I expect to pay to rent a 1-2 bed house/flat?

And is there likely to be a decent livery yard nearby that does grass livery/assisted DIY for an 8yo cob gelding? If so, how much can I expect to pay?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm literally clueless about the area so would rather go on recommendations than aimlessly Google everything.

Cookies and hot choc for all that got this far.

 

[Summer pudding]

Lots of really picturesque villages all round Chelmsford....and lots of big and small yards so it depends where you live. Look at the Easters, Dumow, Felstead..that side of Chelmsford. Turnout can be limited because of clay soil. There are a couple of hunts..try Essex perhaps. Great aim to end up in Norwich, lovely part of the world and fab city (with a John Lewis). Btw John Lewis is supposed to be coming to Chelmsford soon. Fab, very big tack shop - Ingatestone Saddlery has everything.

 

[Clodagh]

As SP says the north side of Chelmsford is really nice. We are at Dunmow and round here it is about £750pcm for a two bedroom house. £400ish for one bedroom.
South of Chelmsford is not generally so nice, sorry people from that side.
Can't help you on livery prices but full bar riding is £100 pw at 2 local yards.
Pm me if you have any specific questiond, I am from Gt Leighs originally and went to school in Chelmsford. If you want to live in town Broomfield side is nice, which is handy for yards in Writtle, Walthams and Rodings.

 

[Alec Swan]

As a child I lived for a while at Ingatestone Hall. Formative years, and I loved it. I went to a boarding school at Gosfield (they now have GIRLS there too!), again formative years and I was in SO much trouble, it was constant and with barely a break. Halsted was OK, and there was such a pretty girl called Caroline who's parents kept the Pub there.

That's about the limit of my Essex experience!

Alec.