Pitsea

PITSEA is rather more friendly than Basildon proper, with a defined centre and an open-air market in the sea of ex-council housing. Estate agents say it is one of the few affordable areas left. A three-bedroom terraced house can be found for £140,000, a two-bedroom flat for £130,000. Pitsea Mount offers some of the best private housing very close to the station, with four-bedroom detached houses costing £280,000.

Good for: access to A13 and A130, walks along the Thames estuary.

other stations nearby...

BasildonBenfleetLaindonStanford-le-Hope
County:Essex
London terminal: Fenchurch St
Journey time: 41 mins
Season ticket: £2300
Peak trains: 4 per hour
Off-peak trains: 4 per hour