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| Brentwood borough named fifth best place to live in the country (892313) | |||
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Brentwood borough named fifth best place to live in the country |
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Posted by DAnd124 on Thu Dec 29 12:23:01 2011, in response to The New Brentwood Thread, posted by LuchAAA on Sun Aug 21 16:33:18 2011. http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/Brentwood-borough-named-fifth-best-place-live/story-14259652-detail/story.htmlBRENTWOOD has been rated the fifth best place to live in the UK, after rocketing up 13 places in a national league table. Good health and long life expectancy, decent employment prospects, relatively low crime rates and decent weather have all combined to make Brentwood one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, according to the sixth annual Halifax Quality of Life Survey. Just the borough of Hart, in the North East tip of Hampshire, Elmbridge in Surrey, Wokingham in Berkshire and East Cambridgeshire sit above Brentwood on the list that rates the standard of people's living. The survey published this week, ranks all 405 local authorities based on key indicators covering the labour market, housing, the environment, education and health. Specific factors helping make Brentwood such a good place to live include its 80.5 per cent employment rate, higher than any of the other four areas rated above it. Also, its average life expectancy for men, which stands at 81.1 years, is a bonus and a huge 94 per cent of its residents in fairly or good health. Brentwood has outperformed some notably wealthy boroughs, including Richmond and Tunbridge Wells, which came 11th and 12th in the latest Halifax quality of life survey. It comes top among Essex boroughs. The next most desirable in Essex – Uttlesford came 18th on the list. Neighbouring Chelmsford appeared at number 39. With convenient and regular train services in and out of Liverpool Street, Brentwood has always been a popular commuter town. It also stands to be a major beneficiary of Crossrail, which will start operating in 2018. Natalie and Mark Hodgson, have lived together in Rayleigh Road, Hutton, for a year. They have two children, Thomas, two, and Charlotte, ten months. Natalie, 35, said: "It's got lots of nice homes and the people are really nice and it's got a very good commute to London for work." Mark, 33, who moved to Hutton, from East Yorkshire, said: "I think Essex is similar in many respects to where I come from. "But I think there is a bit more going on here than in my home town and maybe down here it's a bit more prosperous." Kate Phillips, a 19-year-old nanny who has lived in Brentwood all of her life, said: "The people make Brentwood great. I love King George's playing fields – the area is very relaxing. I just like the calmness here." Mother-of-two Shelly Kenny, 42, from Hutton, said: "Brentwood is very peaceful and I like the mix of modern buildings and historic listed ones. "It all gives it a very village feel with a great sense of community." A thrilled Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Borough Council, said: "Our borough is a fantastic place to live and work, with great schools, beautiful parks and open spaces, strong commuter links and a thriving local economy, based on a good mix of small and large enterprise." But living the good life comes with a price – average house prices in Brentwood are 5.4 times the average local earnings, which is higher than the UK average ration of 5.25. But that has not stopped people buying. Testament to that is the low number of properties standing empty. Latest figures for Brentwood show there are just 17 council homes and 512 private homes that are empty – a percentage of just 0.7 per cent. Any new properties are also quickly snapped up. Gareth Jacob, Sales Director at Linden Homes, which is currently redeveloping the former Highwood Hospital site, in Geary Drive, off Ongar Road, said: "Brentwood has always been a much sought after place to live, boasting the best of urban and suburban living. "Only 18 miles from the City yet with an overtly leafy feel, the town has a range of amenities on its doorstep, including an excellent choice of local schools and wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants." |
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