Local area guide

Living in Southend-On-Sea

Thinking about moving to Southend-On-Sea? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Southend-On-Sea

Why Southend-On-Sea is a good place to live

Southend-On-Sea is a coastal town full of charm and appeal. Beyond the stunning coastline and landmark pleasure pier, the town boasts excellent transport links with two main railway stations and proximity to London Southend Airport. The town certainly has an eye for education, observed by the good choice of schools rated positively by Ofsted. Dining options are also vast, with traditional fish & chips at Bailey's and a sweet treat from the iconic Rossi Ice Cream Parlour. Add these to a wide selection of festivals, events, and not forgetting a visit to the Sea Life Adventure Aquarium, and it's clear Southend-On-Sea isn't short of reasons to consider moving here.

What's Southend-On-Sea famous for?

Southend-On-Sea is famous for several reasons, prime among them being the home of the world's longest pleasure pier. A stroll down this 1.34-mile-long structure is a unique experience offered only in Southend. The town's historical significance as a seaside resort gets highlighted through attractions like Adventure Island amusement park, located right on the seafront. If you're a fan of British cinema, you may recall Southend-On-Sea's cameo in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Thanks to these features, the town enjoys a reputation as the closest seaside resort to London.

Things to do in Southend-On-Sea

There is no shortage of things to do in Southend-On-Sea. With seven miles of coastline, beach activities are a popular pastime. Apart from enjoying a vibrant night on the town or a quiet seaside activity like fishing on Southend Pier, you can participate in traditional seaside activities like crabbing in Old Leigh. If you prefer to explore the local arts scene, Southend-On-Sea welcomes you to admire artworks at places like the Beecroft Art Gallery or delve into history at the Southend Museums. And before you leave, don't forget to enjoy a delicious scoop of Rossi's famous ice cream.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.