Chelmsford: Everything you need to know

Your new city in the UK

Chelmsford is a small, friendly city in the county of Essex, in the south-east of England. It is a safe place to live, with good public transport, parks, shops, and everything you need to feel at home. 

📌 What You Should Know About Chelmsford

• 📍 Where is it?
  Chelmsford is about 30 minutes by train from London. It’s well connected but quieter and more affordable than the capital.
  
• 👥 Who lives here?
  Around 180,000 people live in Chelmsford. It’s a growing city with people from many different backgrounds.
  
• 🌿 What does it feel like?
  It’s clean, peaceful, and green — with a mix of modern life and countryside. You’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, schools, and beautiful parks all close by.
  
• 🛍️ Is it easy to live here?
  Yes! Chelmsford is small enough to walk around, but big enough to have everything you need. There are good bus routes, plenty of shops, and nice places to relax after work.
  

🏡 What’s especially great about Chelmsford?

✅ Safe and welcoming
Chelmsford is one of the safest cities in the region. People are polite and helpful. Many healthcare workers from overseas already live here.

✅ Good transport
You can take a bus to work, or a train to visit London. It’s easy to get around even if you don’t have a car.

✅ Nature and calm
There are many parks and riverside walks. After a long shift, it’s a nice place to breathe and relax.

✅ Shops and services nearby
Whether you need a SIM card, halal food, or a bank, you can find it here. There are both big stores and small international shops.

✅ Reasonable cost of living
Compared to London, Chelmsford is more affordable. Some areas like Great Baddow or Chelmer Village have cheaper rent.

🌆 Places You’ll Want to Explore

• Chelmsford Cathedral – A small, beautiful church in the city centre
  
• Bond Street – A modern shopping area with cafés, restaurants, and a cinema
  
• Central Park – Great for walking or meeting friends; near the town centre
  
• Hylands Park – A big park with open fields and gardens for weekend visits
  
• Riverside Leisure Centre – Swimming, gym, and even an ice rink!
  

🚨 Good to Know

• Shops usually open around 9 a.m. and close at 5 or 6 p.m.
  On Sundays, some open later (10–11 a.m.) and close earlier (4 p.m.)
  
• Chelmsford is not too crowded, but it can get busy in the town centre on Saturdays.
  
• In winter, it gets dark early (around 4 p.m.), and the weather can be cold and rainy — bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes.