Living in Ongar

Community life in Ongar is shaped by its history and strong local identity. The town is known for its sense of togetherness, with events like the Ongar Town Festival, local farmers’ markets, and festive celebrations in St Martin's Church Square drawing people from surrounding areas. A variety of clubs, societies, and hobby groups—from gardening to amateur dramatics—exist for residents to connect over shared interests.

Ongar's surroundings offer access to open countryside, footpaths, and the scenic River Roding. Nearby Greensted Church, the oldest wooden church in the world, and the ancient Ongar Castle motte are popular local landmarks. Residents value the town’s green spaces, including Love Lane recreation ground and the open walks towards High Ongar and Shelley, which make for a healthy and outdoorsy lifestyle.

Ongar is generally viewed as a safe and secure town, reflecting its rural character and close community ties. Crime rates in Ongar are below national averages for England, with incidents most commonly related to minor anti-social behaviour or vehicle crime. Serious crime is rare in the area, contributing to a strong feeling of safety among residents.

Neighbourhood policing teams maintain a visible presence, and community safety initiatives—such as Neighbourhood Watch—play an important role in maintaining standards. As with any rural community, vigilance is encouraged, particularly in more secluded or less well-lit locations, but overall, Ongar is considered a peaceful place to live with a reassuring track record for personal and property security.

Parking in Ongar is widely regarded as manageable, with a mix of on-street and off-street options. On the High Street and around market areas, limited-time free parking is often available; longer stays are catered for in several pay-and-display car parks, such as those on Love Lane and Bansons Lane. Residents in certain areas can apply for permits.

Congestion is generally low, except during school runs or peak weekend periods. Road access is excellent for a rural Essex location, with the A414 running through the town and providing direct links to the M11, M25, and neighbouring settlements.

Key driving distances and estimated times:

• Chelmsford – approx. 30 minutes via A414 (15 miles)
• Brentwood – approx. 25 minutes via A128 (10 miles)
• Bishops Stortford – approx. 40 minutes via A414 and A1184 (19 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour via M11 and North Circular (25 miles)

Ongar has a strong food and drink scene for its size, with a blend of historic and modern venues. Its High Street features several traditional pubs such as The Kings Head and The Cock Tavern, both of which have roots reaching back centuries and are popular with both locals and visitors. Dining options are extensive, including Italian and Indian restaurants, cosy cafes, and several independent takeaways.

While Ongar is not a destination for big-city nightlife, its pubs often host live music, quizzes, and social evenings that foster a community spirit. For a livelier night out, residents head to nearby Brentwood or Chelmsford, where there are a wider array of bars, clubs, and late-night venues. Ongar does, however, offer a relaxed and friendly social environment, centred around its cafes, pubs, and family-friendly eateries.

School quality
Ongar’s schools are rated positively by Ofsted, providing both primary and secondary options in town and excellent sixth form choices nearby. This makes it appealing for families prioritising education.

Parks and green space
The town has several inviting green spaces for children to play, including Love Lane recreation ground and countryside walks, fostering an active family lifestyle.

Childcare
A selection of nurseries and pre-schools serve the town and surrounding villages, with out-of-school clubs available at local primary schools, supporting working parents.

Safety
Ongar has low crime rates and a friendly, watchful community, so families report feeling comfortable and secure here.

Family activities
Families enjoy activities such as visits to the Epping Ongar Railway, Greensted Church, and participation in community events and children's sports groups across the area.

Ongar is well-suited for pet owners, particularly those who enjoy the outdoors. The extensive network of public footpaths and proximity to woodland mean there are plentiful dog-walking routes in and around the town. Popular walking spots include the River Roding pathways and Ongar’s surrounding fields.

Several veterinary practices serve the town, and pet shops can be found both locally and in nearby settlements. Many of Ongar’s pubs and cafés are happy to welcome dogs, especially those with outdoor seating areas, and local attitudes towards pets are generally positive. Renting with pets is common in this rural setting, though, as elsewhere, it’s best to check with individual landlords or agents.

Transport in Ongar is shaped by its semi-rural setting and historic ties to London's transport network. While the town no longer has a direct commuter rail service, it remains well-connected by road and public transport to key locations in Essex and beyond.

The nearest London Underground station is Epping (Central Line), approximately 6 miles away, which provides fast access to central London. Epping Ongar Railway operates as a heritage line but offers connections during special events for broader appeal. Bus services link Ongar with Epping, Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Harlow, making public transport options varied, albeit less frequent than in urban areas.

Main road access is via the A414, which connects to the M11 and M25, placing Ongar within commuting distance to several significant hubs:

• London Liverpool Street: around 1 hour 15 minutes via Epping Underground (Central Line)
• Chelmsford: approx. 30 minutes by car via A414
• Brentwood: approx. 25 minutes by car via A128
• Stansted Airport: under 40 minutes via M11
• London City Airport: approx. 45 minutes by car

Heathrow and Gatwick airports are also accessible by road in under 90 minutes, making Ongar a practical base for frequent travellers.

Ongar has a selection of schools catering to the needs of local families, with options spanning from primary through to sixth form colleges in the wider area. Although relatively compact, the town and its surrounds provide reputable educational establishments.

Primary Schools:

Chipping Ongar Primary School is centrally located and rated "Good" by Ofsted in November 2021. Shelley Primary School, situated in a residential area, received a "Good" Ofsted rating in October 2017. High Ongar Primary School, just outside the centre, is also a popular choice in the local community.

Secondary Schools:

The Ongar Academy is the principal secondary school, opened in 2015 and rapidly establishing a positive reputation; it was rated "Good" by Ofsted in March 2019. Nearby, Brentwood County High School (Brentwood) and St Martin's School (Brentwood) are accessible for Ongar residents and offer highly regarded education options.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

KEGS Sixth Form (King Edward VI Grammar School) in Chelmsford and Epping Forest College in Loughton provide post-16 education within reasonable travelling distance for Ongar students. Both institutions have a longstanding record of academic achievement.

Universities:

While Ongar itself does not have a university, its proximity to London, Chelmsford (Anglia Ruskin University), and Brentwood ensures ready access to further and higher education opportunities.