Readers of a lifestyle brand have voted for their top 10 places to live in Essex, and also making up the top 300 across the UK.
Each year, Muddy Stilettos ask for votes as to where people most favour in terms of places to live.
They make a top 10 of each region or county and once again this year, the top 10 spots across Essex have been revealed.
Here is the top 10
Each description is taken from the Muddy Stilettos website as to why these areas make up the top 10 across the county.
1. Chelmsford
Muddy Stilettos said: "Nestled in the heart of Essex, the city of Chelmsford offers a bustling high street with big-name shops and indies, excellent transport, hip bars and restaurants and great culture.
All this plus a fringe of rolling countryside. Oh, and it’s the location of a ton of finalists and winners in our 2025 Muddy Awards.
In short, it’s a superb all-rounder and one of the best places to live if you want everything on your doorstep.
2. Saffron Walden
Muddy Stilettos said: "Saffron Walden is a medieval market town dripping in history.
"Grade II listed timber-clad homes in colourful hues line the streets, and an air of pleasant civility hangs in the archways.
"Buy seasonal greens from the Tuesday and Saturday farmers’ markets and slip into a slower rhythm that’s hard to match elsewhere in the county.
3. Maldon
Muddy Stilettos said: "One of the oldest towns in Essex, beautiful Maldon has more than 200 Grade ll listed buildings and a wonderful waterside location on the Blackwater Estuary.
"Once a thriving port, it’s now buzzing with boutiques, bars and great restaurants.
"Strong community spirit and some of the best chocolate in the country make this a flavourful, interesting place to live.
4. Leigh
Muddy Stilettos said: "Chic coffee houses, cool bars and a beach lined with pretty cockle sheds: meet Leigh, Southend’s smaller, trendier sister.
"Home to a steady stream of relocating Londoners, it blends small-town seaside charm with hip hospitality offerings.
"Trust us it’s the place to see and be seen.
5. Frinton
Muddy Stilettos said: "With its butterscotch sands, sweeping esplanade and pastel beach huts, this pretty coastal resort is full of charm.
"Frinton first became popular with vacaying Londoners in the swinging 20s, when its high street was dubbed the Bond Street of East Anglia.
"These days it is a hub of indie boutiques, chic bistros and cool bars, with great properties and a thriving arts and culture scene."
6. Wivenhoe
Muddy Stilettos said: "Its cluster of pretty quayside cottages, resident artist lofts and cosmopolitan mindset has earmarked this former fishing port as a country bolthole.
"Throw in the fact constable country (Dedham Vale) and Colchester Zoo, Castle and Fenwick department store are practically on your doorstep and you can see the appeal.
"It’s such a loved area some residents refer to it as their Wivenhome."
7. Stock
Muddy Stilettos said: "With an exclusive village vibe, Stock is pretty special.
"It’s got all the necessaries, like a primary school and hot property, but with enviable extras, such as gorgeous gastro pubs and a fabulous brick windmill.
"It’s also close to Chelmsford, Ingatestone and Billericay, with their great transport links, shops and schools."
8. Coggeshall
Muddy Stilettos said: "With almost 200 listed buildings, Coggeshall is truly a stunning town to call home.
"Just eight miles from Braintree and with great links to Colchester and Chelmsford, it has award-winning restaurants, a range of of indie shops, top-notch education and lots of events to enjoy and cement yourself as part of the community."
9. Buckhurst Hill
Muddy Stilettos said: "Tucked away to the south of Epping Forest, Buckhurst Hill is perfect for long walks and some serious forest bathing, while also offering fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
"Best of all, it’s on the Central Line, so is quick (and cheap!) to get into the heart of the capital."
10. Mersea
Muddy Stilettos said: "A scenic island with miles of coastline and the best oysters in the country – what’s not to love?
"And there is an added element of adventure to living here too – Mersea’s reached via a raised road with the sea lapping around it and sometimes gets cut off at high tide.
"The island is split into East and West Mersea with most of the shops and restaurants on the west side.
"With its laid-back coastal vibe, pretty beach huts and great restaurants, it’s a coastal spot that is becoming more popular by the minute."
To see the full list and to find out more, visit Best Places to Live | Muddy Stilettos | Muddy Stilettos
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