Living in Essex

We moved from South Africa to Essex 3 1/2 years ago and I do not enjoy living in Essex at all.

We previously lived in Milton Keynes (which we really enjoyed) before returning to SA for a year for the birth of our first child. When we decided to return to England my husband's first job offer was in Essex. We live in a village just outside Colchester. I found the people not welcoming at all. As nearly everybody has grown up here in the village and married a local and have all their family living around the corner I get the impression they not interested in mixing with outsiders. I have been taking my kids to all the local playgroups fot 3 1/2 years and no one ever speaks to me even though I try everytime to make small talk to somebody.
You get judged by the make of car you drive, whether your husband work in London or not.
Unfortunately due to the current disaster in the house market we cant get out of Essex because we cant get our house sold.

So, I personally hate living in Essex and cant wait for the day to move out of this place.

Hi kif

Oh I feel terrible for sheep2000--not all of Essex is like this!  I live on the North Western side of Essex, near Great Dunmow and I have had the opposite experience. My daughter goes to a private school and there are a lot of shallow people who judge a person by what they can buy, but there are also a lot of 'regular' people as well!  And apart from the school, my neighbours are lovely and I have some great British and expat friends of several nationalities--including one aussie.  She's been here for 19 years like me, and although she still prefers Australia (the weather is better, of course), I know she enjoys essex. We both share a little laugh at the 'stereotypical' english, but those are usually the older generations and most of the people we know our age are really friendly, helpful and interested in our expat lives.  Good luck with your move!  If you'd like any more info, I'm at www.michelloui.blogspot.com

Keep in touch about your move!  Will you be working or will you be moving with a partner who works? Do you have children of school age? I went to university in Colchester so I am familiar with the area but I really know a lot more about the other side of Essex!  There are a lot of expats in Essex, I think because there are a lot of Foreign Service and international companies (ie Fords) in Essex. I guess I would suggest making friends with expats first, as they will have tips for getting settled in.

Looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Michelle
http://michelloui.blogspot.com

Hi Kerrin

How exciting! Im afraid I dont know Colchester well enough to suggest best areas for flats--and of course it depends on budget. Wivenhoe is supposed to be a very pretty place just outside of colchester. The university is on that side of town and while you may find cheaper flats you will also get a lot of students. If you chat with several different estate agents you will probably get a good idea. Good luck with the move!