With a little rural edge to this not-so-rural village, Great Baddow has a population of around 13,000, which means it's probably one of the largest villages in the entire country.
That said, it does manage to retain a sense of community and a village-type vibe despite being so close to the bright lights and bigger populace of Chelmsford, which is evident in the range of local clubs, societies and events.
Great Baddow has the usual range of shops for a small country town or village including a butcher, baker, supermarket, bookmaker, newsagent and post office.
Evening entertainment is provided by a handful of pubs, and a similar number of takeaways can aid the sobering-up process afterwards. Of course, should a bigger night out be called for, there are several clubs in next-door neighbour Chelmsford.
Although there is a wide range of property styles and sizes in Great Baddow the vast majority are family-sized, and come in period, post-war, and new-build forms.
There are some flats around such as those above the recently refurbished Vineyards shopping precinct which are clearly very cose to the shops, and also to bus routes.
The ex-local authority Meadgate area comprises mainly flats and terraced houses which are usually good value for money and can be a good starting point for first-time buyers or those with lower budgets.
In contrast, some of the most sought-after residential parts include the generously proportioned properties in Tabors Avenue, Chelmerton Avenue and Dorset due to their location close to both Chelmsford and the village schools.
Buyers: There is an attraction for first time buyers in Great Baddow. This is often due to the closeness of Chelmsford, the county town of Essex, and consequently good bus routes and other facilities right on the doorstep but at a more reasonable price.
Great Baddow suits first-time buyers who are near enough to enjoy the extensive facilities of Chelmsford but with cheaper property prices.
Families are also attracted here as it's a pleasant place to bring up children with its own schools, plus the option of Chelmsford schools for extea choice.
Transport
- Road: The "Army & Navy" roundabout is nearby for easy access to the A12, A130 and M25.
- Rail: Chelmsford is the nearest rrain station and has frequent trains to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich and Southend, as well as many other destinations.
- Bus: A regular bus service runs through Great Baddow to Chelmsford town centre.
Shopping
- Great Baddow has shops to cater for basic needs.
- For a full range of shops, Chelmsford is just a five minutes drive away.
Eating and drinking
- Pubs provide the main eating and drinking options, although there are a couple of popular restaurants in the village.
Sports and leisure
- There is a Recreation Ground in the village which has sporting facilities including tennis courts, a football pitch, and basketball hoops.
- There are various classes and activities on offer around the village including dance classes, amateur dramatics and amateur radio society, flower club, scouts and brownies, to name a few.
- Great Baddow Charity Race is an annual event to raise money for good causes – runners can choose between a two mile and a ten miles run.
Facilities: Located just south of Great Baddow, Galleywood has easy access to the shops and takeaways at the Vineyards which are easily enough for everyday needs.
It has a few of its own inviting country pubs, some of which serve food, for example The Running Mare.
Nearby Chelmer Park offers a variety of activities including football, netball, tennis and cricket, and a children's play area.
Property: Goat Hall Lane is the place to start for those looking for a larger than usual property with a lot of land.
In central Galleywood, off the main road that runs through from Chelmsford, there is a good choice of more regular sized family dwellings, with the semi-detached house being the most common variety.
Buyers: Families are attracted to close-knit village charm and the nearby school plus the slightly cheaper property prices than in Great Baddow.
The village would also appeal to anyone looking for a rural home but with easy access to the facilities of a large town like Chelmsford.
Transport: There is a good bus route into Chelmsford and surrounding towns, and quick access to the A12 and connecting major roads.
Facilities: Sandon has its own secondary school as well as a church and pub, but for anything else, residents need to travel to Great Baddow.
Property: Sandon has a housing development which is around seven or eight years old, and which offers buyers a good variety of house sizes.
There is also a large local authority area where there is now a mix of tenants and owner-occupiers, and which tend to be on the more affordable side.
Buyers: Sandon draws in first-time buyers due to the lower house prices compared to the other villages.
Transport: Sandon is close to the park-and-ride buses that ferry shoppers into Chelmsford.
Although further from Chelmsford than the other villages, it is still relatively easy to get there for onward rail, bus and A-road connections.