Living in Brentwood

Brentwood is known for its strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local events and activities. Annual highlights include the Brentwood Festival, Christmas lights switch-on, and Brentwood Art Trail which bring people together from across Essex. A bustling weekly market takes over the High Street, selling fresh produce, crafts, and more.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks provide expansive green spaces for walking, cycling, and family picnics. The town’s community centres, sports clubs, and places of worship are focal points for social life. Volunteering and local clubs, from horticultural societies to book groups, add to Brentwood’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to settle.

Crime rates in Brentwood are generally lower compared to larger urban areas in Essex, contributing to the area’s reputation as a desirable and secure place to live. The town benefits from a visible police presence and community-driven safety initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch schemes and police engagement events that help foster a sense of security.

Certain residential neighbourhoods, especially those towards Shenfield and Hutton, are perceived as particularly safe, while the town centre is mainly lively without significant issues. Ongoing investment in public spaces and town regeneration, as well as the presence of CCTV and street-lighting upgrades, support local safety. Residents often cite a strong sense of community and neighbourliness as key to Brentwood’s welcoming atmosphere.

Parking in Brentwood caters to a mix of town centre shoppers, commuters, and residents. The town offers several council-run car parks, on-street parking (primarily pay and display), and resident permit zones in surrounding neighbourhoods. While parking is generally straightforward except during busy periods, proximity to the High Street or railway station can mean higher demand at peak times.

Brentwood is strategically positioned off the A12 and near junction 28 of the M25, enabling speedy access to Greater London and the rest of Essex. The A128 links the town to the south, while the A1023 provides easy routes into the town centre and neighbouring villages. Road congestion is moderate during rush hour, particularly near the station and main shopping areas.

• Romford – approx. 8 miles (15 minutes via A12)
• Chelmsford – approx. 12 miles (20 minutes via A12)
• London City – approx. 23 miles (40 minutes via A12/M25)
• Southend-on-Sea – approx. 22 miles (35 minutes via A127)
• Billericay – approx. 8 miles (15 minutes via A129)

Brentwood’s food scene brings together traditional British fare, stylish bistros, and international cuisines. Local favourites include The Swan, a historic pub offering hearty menus, and The Sugar Hut, combining a modern restaurant with a well-known bar. There are Italian, Indian, and Thai restaurants along the High Street, alongside independent cafés like Masons and The Brentwood Kitchen.

For nightlife, Brentwood is famous for its vibrant weekend social scene, largely centered around the High Street and made prominent by TV fame. Bars, cocktail lounges, and the aforementioned Sugar Hut attract a mixed crowd, while quieter pubs and coffee shops cater to those seeking a more relaxed evening. Theatre lovers can visit Brentwood Theatre or catch local performances at community halls. There are several takeaways and late-night eateries for residents after hours.

Families in Brentwood are attracted by its excellent selection of primary and secondary schools, including independent options. Academic standards are high, and there is a focus on student wellbeing and extracurricular activities.

Parks and green spaces are plentiful, with playgrounds and open countryside easily accessible even from central locations. Thorndon Country Park and King George’s Playing Fields are especially popular family destinations.

Childcare provision is strong, with a range of nurseries and childminders operating locally to support working parents. Community initiatives and children’s clubs, such as Scouts, drama groups, and sports teams, further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.

The town’s generally low crime rates and pro-active local policing make many parents feel confident in their children’s safety when out and about. Family-friendly restaurants, cafés, and regular town events, such as the Brentwood Festival and Farmers' Market, complete the picture for those seeking an appealing place to raise children.

With its abundance of parks and surrounding countryside, Brentwood is widely considered pet friendly. Thorndon Country Park and Weald Country Park offer miles of woodland and meadow trails for dog walking, while King George’s Playing Fields provides additional space for exercise and play.

The town supports pet owners through several veterinary clinics, pet shops, and dog grooming parlours. Many local pubs and cafés offer dog-friendly areas, making it easier to incorporate pets into everyday outings. Housing in Brentwood includes a range of options, from homes with gardens to flats with flexible pet policies. Responsible pet ownership is valued locally, and community spaces are kept clean and welcoming for all residents.

Brentwood’s location near the M25 and the A12 places it at a transport crossroads, making it attractive for commuters and travellers alike. Brentwood railway station is served by the Elizabeth Line, providing regular services into Central London and to Shenfield, as well as connections to national rail routes. London Liverpool Street can be reached in under 40 minutes during peak times.

There are frequent bus services linking Brentwood with neighbouring towns such as Romford, Chelmsford, and Basildon. For international travel, London Stansted Airport is approximately 35 minutes away by car, while London City Airport and London Southend Airport can both be accessed in around 40 minutes. Key local travel times include:

• London Liverpool Street – approx. 35-40 minutes by train
• Chelmsford – approx. 25 minutes by car or bus
• Romford – approx. 20 minutes by car or train
• Billericay – approx. 20 minutes by car

These strong transport connections, paired with ease of access to major roads, mean Brentwood is well linked both regionally and further afield.

Schools in Brentwood are a significant draw for families, with the town renowned across Essex for its quality of education. Primary education in Brentwood includes a number of well-regarded options. St Helen’s Catholic Infant School (rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, 2018) is popular for its supportive atmosphere. Larchwood Primary School (Ofsted 'Outstanding', 2017) is also highly sought after, while Holly Trees Primary School maintains a strong local reputation.

For secondary education, Brentwood offers several high-performing schools. Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School (Ofsted 'Good', 2018) is a historic girls’ school known for its academic and pastoral support. Brentwood County High School, recently rebuilt and upgraded, has a growing reputation (Ofsted 'Good', 2023). St Martin’s School (Ofsted 'Good', 2019) is known for academic success and sports.

Independent education is well represented by Brentwood School, established in 1557, which provides co-educational learning from prep through sixth form. The institution is nationally recognised for academic standards and extracurricular excellence. Ursuline Preparatory School offers independent primary-level provision.

Colleges and further education are accessible, with Havering Sixth Form College and Writtle College within easy reach. There are no universities within Brentwood itself, but the University of Essex (Colchester) and Anglia Ruskin University (Chelmsford) are commutable, providing higher education options for local residents.