Property, Houses and Flats for Sale in Colchester, Essex

The oldest recorded town in Britain, Colchester has a history stretching back two thousand years. Captured by the Romans in AD43, the town became a fortress and then a civilian settlement before its temporary capture by Boudicca. Voted as one of the best places to live for quality of life in a nationwide poll a few years ago, and also acknowledged as the cultural capital of Essex, Colchester remains one of the most desirable addresses in the country. If you already own Colchester property you will know what a vibrant and exciting place it is. The history and heritage combined with a thriving town brings a particular quality of life to those who live and work in Colchester. Four regeneration areas are bringing 6000 new homes in Colchester, together with new jobs and extra visitors a year. If you are considering property for sale in Colchester,North Colchester is most convenient for the railway station, general hospital, A12 to Ipswich and A120 or A133 to the coast. The area has local employment opportunities at Several Business Park and the General Hospital. West Colchester is the area most convenient for the A12 to London and A120 to Stansted Airport. House prices tend to be highest in this area. East Colchester is the area nearest to Essex University, and the area is undergoing some substantial redevelopment and modernisation. South Colchester has fewer major road links than other areas and tends to be quieter.

Amenities for properties in Colchester

If you are looking to buy property in Colchester you will discover the town has a mix of ancient and modern. Investigate the cobbled streets of Eld Lane and Trinity Street, an area full of small character filled shops, boutiques and coffee houses. Larger retail outlets can be found in and around Culver Square and Lion Walk, and include Debenhams, Virgin, Woolworths, Marks & Spencer and Next. Colchester is full of interesting restaurants, catering for all tastes, as well as wine bars and bistros. Culturally Colchester is blessed. The Arts Centre covers blues, jazz, folk, rock and comedy, whilst the Lakeside, Mercury and Headgate theatres put on plays both historic and contemporary. Alternatively, enjoy the latest blockbuster movie at the Odeon. Museums and art galleries provide a stimulating way to spend an afternoon; explore the well-preserved Colchester Castle and the Castle Museum, the Natural History Museum or the Minories art gallery. Outdoor attractions include Highwoods Country Park and the world famous Colchester Zoo. Sporting activities are well catered for, with golf, tennis, canoeing, sailing, croquet and bowling, as well as Colchester Leisure World (fitness and fun pool, indoor and outdoor sports), Aqua Springs and Rollerworld. Take a breath of fresh air at a nearby seaside resort such as Frinton-on-Sea or Walton-on-the Naze. Colchester benefits from a broad-based economy without any overall dependence on any specific industries. However, the majority of jobs fall within the service sector, including health, defence and the public sector. The local economy also benefits from a broad range of educational centres, from the finest selective state schools, through leading language schools to the University of Essex and the Colchester Institute.

Transport for Colchester

The location is excellent for both local and national travel. City commuters have a direct link from Colchester station to London Liverpool Street, with journey times from 50 minutes. Norwich is just one hour by train from Colchester, and the East coast resorts of Clacton, Frinton and Walton are just 30 minutes, as is the port of Harwich. International travellers can fly from Stansted Airport. For road travellers, the A12 provides a fast route past Chelmsford to the M25 and on into London, or north to Ipswich.

Surrounding areas

Those people searching for property for sale in Colchester might also like to consider Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon.