South Woodham Ferrers is a fairly new small town of about 20,000 people, sandwiched in the countryside between the River Crouch and fenns, Wickford, Burnham and Chelmsford.

Almost all the housing is privately owned, some brightly coloured and the majority under thirty years old. It's probably one of the best designed town's in Britain, built in a village style around a central shopping centre, with well defined circular and through routes and most residential streets ending in quiet, child-friendly cul-de-sacs. There are even purpose built cycle paths. It almost  has that 'Toy Town' feel and appeal. Compared to many areas of the UK, South Woodham is a relatively safe and trouble free area. The provision of many types of accommodation from single-person flats to executive style homes has ensured a good age range.

The mass exodus of passengers every morning from South Woodham Ferrers railway station lets you know that it lies within London's commuter belt - Liverpool Street is less than one hour away by train. Many people prefer to tolerate the travel and its cost in return for a decent lifestyle in a pleasant and safe location.

Local amenities are good considering the size of the town; common complaints tend to be about the dog poo on the streets, the local postal service which can deliver your mail at any time between early morning (if you're lucky) and late afternoon (if you're not!), the Asda superstore in the centre of town.

But, there is a library, there used to be a cinema (the nearest ones are now in Basildon and Chelmsford), excellent health and sports facilities, parks, a police station, fire and ambulance stations, a sports centre with a newly built swimming pool, gym, a village hall, large secondary and several feeder primary schools, churches, plus a host of other facilities.

Plans for additional housing in the town were quashed by local opposition because of concerns about stretching the current resources.

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