Leigh-on-Sea
– a historical fishing village that blends traditional seafront
apartments with and newer housing developments on the outskirts of
town.
BACKGROUND
Leigh-on-Sea
is a district of Southend-on-Sea, on the northern side of the Thames
Estuary, a few miles from the North Sea to the east, and a similar
distance from the Kent coast to the south.
When
the railway from London to Southend was introduced in the mid-19th
century, much of the "old town" was demolished make way for
the modernisation. New housing and streets then started to be built
on the ridge of hills above the settlement. About 40 miles (64 km)
from central London, it is considered part of the London commuter
belt.
TRANSPORT
The
town is served by Leigh-on-Sea railway station on the London, Tilbury
and Southend Railway. Regular, daily bus services run between
Southend-on-Sea, Benfleet, Canvey Island, Basildon, Rayleigh and
Chelmsford . Scheduled flights to national and European destinations
operate out of nearby London Southend Airport.
AMENITIES
The
old town, Old Leigh, lays claim to more than 1,000 years of fishing.
Local fish merchants these days still process and trade a wide range
of supplies daily.
During
the 1990s, Leigh-on-Sea went through considerable change: bars,
restaurants, boutiques, and galleries began to replace many of the
traditional high street shops.
Significant
urban regeneration has continued, attracting new residents to the
town as well as helping to accommodate an increase in the local
population.
Leigh-on-Sea
has frequently been classed as one of the best places to live in the
UK for a variety of reasons. These include its proximity to London,
the outstanding Westcliff and Southend grammar schools, access to
sports and arts activities, and a strong sense of community spirit.
In
Leigh-on-Sea you will also find nature reserve at Two Tree Island and
a centrally located beach adjacent to Bell Wharf.
There
are some highly rated secondary schools in Leigh-on-Sea, including
Eastwood Academy and St Christopher's School. Saint Pierre School and
St Michael's School are independent co-educational establishments
while nearby, Southend High School and Westcliff High School for Boys
and Westcliff High School for Girls have outstanding reputations.
For
tenants moving to Leigh-on-sea, several of the larger letting agent
chains have branches on Broadway in the centre of town.
Leigh-on-sea town
There is plenty of
scope for most budgets in Leigh-on-Sea, and a wide variety of
property types. Typically, a 1 bedroom flat near the Broadway in the
centre of Leigh-on-Sea costs £700 a month; a similar 2 bedroom
property is rented at £900. As for houses, prospective tenants
can expect to pay £2,000 a month for a 4 bedroom property on
Marine Parade
Old Leigh
Old Leigh is the
traditional fishing village area of Leigh on Sea, inundated with
restaurants, cool cafes and art galleries. It has a relaxed pace of
life, popular with nature lovers and avid walkers. On the eastern
outskirts of Old Leigh you can expect to pay £1,500 for a 3
bedroom house near Chalkwell station or a studio apartment starts
from around £600 per month.
