...been a village but is fast developing and looking forward to c. 25m more in development prior to the Olympics. A ward of Basildon, Pitsea is largely a good residential neighbourhood with its own station to Southend and Fenchurch Street in London so, great for commutors. We have our own 'magor store' - it's an "Extra" so sells everything including the kitchen sink. I'd recommend buyers get in here quick before the housing market starts to go through the roof again!

Mr Matt Mitchell

My husband and I are both graduates and professionals and chose to buy a house here. I've never experienced anything but friendliness and community atmosphere. All of our neighbours are now our friends, but are not intrusive. It's an up and coming area with many more couples like is buying into it.
Sarah

It's a great location. Excellent local Facilities: i.e., Festival Leisure Park, Basildon Market and great for commuting.

Would recommend to all!!! Great place to live.

It's friendly and inviting with lots to do around the surrounding areas. I've lived in Basildon all my life and nothing in me wants to move; it's an up and coming area.

It is a wonderful place to bring up children. Brilliant community atmosphere. Lots of jobs and links with brilliant education establishments. London is just a 25 minute train ride away on the Fenchurch Street line. M25, A13 and A127 all link here to Basildon with fantastic transport links to the South and North. Would I move from here? NEVER!

Property prices are reasonable and it has good communications to London for those of us who work in the City. Thankfully the C2C rail link has not been affected by the recent speed restrictions (Fenchurch Street station is 35 minutes from Basildon) and the A13 extension makes driving to Docklands a whole lot easier.

The leisure facilities in Basildon are excellent. The Festival leisure complex has a 12 screen cinema, bowling alley and over 10 clubs, bars and restaurants.

The town centre has a wide variety of shops although it has seemed to have suffered in recent years with the opening of Lakeside (15 minutes drive) and Bluewater (30 minutes drive).

Having lived all my life in Basildon I would say it is a nice place to raise a family. In my experience most neighbours tend to be friendly and willing to lend a hand should you ever need it.