East Essex is an area of contradictions. Its proximity to the capital makes it prime commuter belt country, and the areas close to the M25 have a distinctly London vibe. Yet just a few miles to the north, the rolling landscapes around Constable Country could not provide more of a contrast and are easily accessible from the A12.

If you are planning on sitting down with an Essex independent mortgage advisor to plan your next home move. Here are five of the best places in the the area that you might want to choose from.

It’s one of the nation’s newest cities, and while there has been immense investment and regeneration in and around the City Centre, Chelmsford has not lost touch with its historic roots. The ghosts of Guglielmo Marconi and Ernst Gustav Hoffmann can be felt all around, and they would almost certainly be pleased to see how the city they were so instrumental in creating has continued to evolve. For example, the new Beulieu Park development has an immense choice of houses and apartments in a contemporary setting and most recently the "Bond Street" redevelopment re-configuring the city centre. The surrounding villages such as Danbury, Writtle, Little Baddow & Bicknacre offer access to commuter links such as the A12 and Chelmsford's mainline station.

If it is history you want, you can’t do better than the oldest town in the UK. Colchester was the Roman capital after the first conquest in 43AD, and there are reminders of 2000 years of history throughout the town today. Being to the north of the county, Colchester enjoys property prices that are more on a par with Suffolk (allowing excellent value as the journey to London is slightly longer), and is set in the heart of countryside to match. The traditional town is set on a steep hill and at the top, is the beautiful Castle Park. Check it out during cricket festival week in the summer to be transported to a bygone age.

The town of Burnham-on-Crouch is situated on the north bank of the River Crouch, which is an attractive tidal estuary. Historically the town was originally a ferry port, and then becoming a fishing port known for its oyster beds, and most recently a renowned yachting centre hosting 'Burnham Week' at the end of August. Although the town has a population of little over 7,500, it is the principal settlement in the Dengie peninsula and is consequently able to boast facilities that are uncommon in small towns. There is also a train station in Burnham with trains running between Southminster and Wickford.

The sleepy town of Maldon could not be more different to Colchester or Chelmsford. Its traditional High Street is comprised of listed timber framed buildings, containing privately owned shops. Chain stores are in the minority here! Maldon is famed for its locally produced sea salt, which is produced just outside the town. Promenade Park, alongside the river, is a popular spot in summer and hosts regular fairs and classic car shows. There’s also a leisure centre with swimming pool, crazy golf course and several active sports clubs that play in parks close to the town centre.

Widely thought of as the largest village in England, Tiptree boasts an extensive range of amenities from independent boutique shops to supermarkets. The placename 'Tiptree' is first attested in a charter of circa 1225, where it appears as Typpetre. The name means "Tippa's tree". Tiptree is an internationally recognised brand of preserves manufactured in the village by Wilkin & Sons. The business was founded by the Wilkins, a local farming family in 1885. The village also affords reasonable proximity to the A12 and access into London from Kelvedon Station.

If you would like any further information regarding the areas mentioned or have your own opinions regarding East Essex's best places to live we'd love to hear from you.