Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying a home. Whether you’re upsizing for a growing family, relocating for work, or looking for better transport links, the right location plays a major role in shaping your day-to-day life. So how do you decide where to live? This guide walks you through what to consider when finding your ideal area – especially if you’re buying a new build home.
Start with Your Lifestyle
Before diving into property listings, take a step back and think about your lifestyle. Your daily routine, habits, and personal priorities will help shape your decision. Are you looking for a quiet, residential setting? Do you value proximity to shops, restaurants and community spaces? If you’re working from home, strong broadband and peaceful surroundings might be important. On the other hand, if you have a young family, school catchments, parks, and nurseries may top the list. Understanding how you live now, and how you want to live in future, can guide your property search in the right direction.
Be Close to Friends and Family
Another factor that’s often overlooked is proximity to your support network. Being close to friends or family can be especially valuable for young families, older residents, or anyone who enjoys a sense of community. Whether it’s for babysitting, help with pets, or simply having loved ones nearby for social time, living close to people you care about adds a layer of comfort that can’t be found in property specs.
Driving and Road Access
If you drive to work or regularly travel by car, road connections will be a big part of your decision. Being near key roads like the A13 or A127 can significantly reduce travel times. Basildon is well placed for this – just a mile from the A127 and close to both the A13 and M25, it offers strong regional and commuter connectivity. Whether you’re heading to central London or across Essex, convenient road links make life easier and more efficient.
Public Transport and Rail Links
If you rely on public transport, living near a well-serviced station is crucial. Basildon benefits from rail stations at Laindon, Basildon, and Billericay, with direct services to Fenchurch Street, Stratford and Liverpool Street. Crossrail services are also accessible from Brentwood and Shenfield. There are regular bus routes into nearby towns such as Billericay, Basildon and Chelmsford, helping you stay mobile even without a car.
In relation to access to major commuting networks, Basildon could be considered one of the best places to live in Essex.
Local Services and Day-to-Day Essentials
When deciding how to choose where to live, don’t overlook what’s nearby. Schools, healthcare facilities, supermarkets, parks, leisure centres, and entertainment options all have a direct impact on your day-to-day living experience. Families might prioritise proximity to nurseries or Ofsted-rated schools, while others may value access to GP surgeries, gyms, or local shopping hubs.
When viewing new build developments, it’s also worth checking what’s planned in the wider area. Will there be green spaces, playgrounds, or new retail options? These amenities can shape the long-term appeal and resale value of your home. Choosing a well-connected, service-rich area ensures your home supports your lifestyle from day one.
Lifestyle Perks – Food and Leisure
Having cafés, bakeries or restaurants within walking distance can be a huge benefit – giving you the option to socialise, grab a bite, or enjoy a night out without needing to travel far. A thriving local food scene adds life to a neighbourhood and can make weekends more enjoyable without needing to head into a nearby city.
And for many, being close to the sea is a real advantage. It offers opportunities for weekend walks, scenic views, fresh air, and a general sense of calm. In Essex, coastal living doesn’t mean remote – towns like Southend-on-Sea and other nearby areas allow you to enjoy the seaside while remaining connected to transport and local services.
Compare New Builds and Older Homes
One key decision when buying is whether to go for a brand-new home or an older property. Older homes might offer character, but they often need renovation and can be less energy efficient. In contrast, new build homes are typically built to modern standards, offering better insulation, lower running costs, and fewer repairs early on. You also get a blank canvas to personalise, from choosing finishes to landscaping your garden.
If you’re buying a new build home in Essex, developments like New Century Road in Basildon provide energy efficient, move-in-ready options for families. Plus, new homes are often part of well-planned communities with access to key transport links and schools.
Think Long-Term
It’s easy to fall in love with a property, but thinking ahead is important. Consider the future of the area, is there planned investment or development? What will your commute, lifestyle, or family needs look like in five or ten years? Choosing a home in a growing area with strong transport links and rising demand, like parts of Essex, can be a smart move.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the perfect location, but by thinking about your lifestyle, access needs, local amenities and the difference between new builds and older homes, you’ll be well on your way to making the right choice.
If you’re looking at new homes in Essex, locations like Basildon, Billericay and Brentwood combine connectivity with convenience. With developments like New Century Road offering high-spec family homes just a mile from the A127 and close to fast rail links, it’s a great example of how a location can offer the best of both worlds. To find out more about our development of four family homes in Laindon, Basildon click here