Popular with people who work in the City, Essex borders London to the northeast. Further into the countryside, however, one may find medieval houses, timbered cottages, and some beautiful market towns. Essex also has a long coastline, featuring seaside resort towns like Southend-on-Sea, as well as rivers with lively yacht clubs. With a warmer and drier climate than much of the UK, it is a popular place to live. Essex also has excellent schools and wonderful properties, from country cottages to equestrian properties and Georgian houses. It is an excellent place to retreat to from the bustle of London without leaving London behind altogether.