Who Lives in Chelmsford?

Understanding the community you’re joining

Chelmsford is a growing and welcoming city. While it still has the charm of a small town, it is home to people from many different backgrounds — including a growing number of international professionals like you.

🌍 A Diverse and Changing Population

Chelmsford is traditionally known as a peaceful, mostly British town — but over the past 15–20 years, the city has become more diverse, especially in its schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.

You’ll meet people from a wide range of countries, including:

• 🇮🇳 India
  
• 🇵🇭 The Philippines
  
• 🇵🇱 Poland
  
• 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
  
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria
  
• 🇷🇴 Romania
  
• 🇱🇹 Lithuania
  
• 🇵🇰 Pakistan
  
• 🇿🇦 South Africa
  

Many NHS and care sector workers in Chelmsford are international — just like you. You may even find people from your own country working at Springfield Hospital or living in the same neighbourhood.

🧒 Age & Family Life

• Chelmsford is popular with both young professionals and families.
  
• There are many schools, nurseries, and parks, so you’ll often see parents with young children out and about.
  
• It’s generally quieter than London, which many people find helpful when adjusting to a new place.
  

🕌 Faith & Cultural Spaces

Chelmsford is a multifaith city. While not every community has its own large centre yet, you will find:

• 🕌 A small mosque (Chelmsford Muslim Society – Moulsham Street)
  
• ⛪ Churches across the city for different denominations
  
• 🕉️ Hindu and Sikh communities in nearby towns (Ilford, Southend)
  
• 🛐 Interfaith events and inclusive spaces that welcome all
  

💡 Some employers and local community groups also organise events for international staff during major holidays or festivals.

🗣️ Languages

The most common languages spoken at home (besides English) in Chelmsford include:

• Polish
  
• Tagalog
  
• Urdu
  
• Romanian
  
• Gujarati
  
• Yoruba
  
• Arabic
  

While English is used at work and in shops, you won’t be the only person with an accent or learning English as a second language. People here are used to hearing different languages and usually appreciate the effort to communicate.