Location Transport

I need information about life in Canvey Island and nearby towns. I am relocating to Canvey Island to teach.?

I have lived in England previously, but am not familar with Canvey Island. I need to know the cost of living (one bedroom flat, utilities), and what towns nearby are commutable to Canvey Island. My husband and I are planning to start very simple, and once my UK teaching qualification is complete and my salary is raised, we will relocate into something larger and perhaps more comfortable. This might sound like a silly question, but is it easy for two people to find a house share or a bedsit/studio? In America, there are rules regarding studio apartments and will often not permit two people to share a studio. Lastly, please let me know if there are areas nearby or within Canvey that we should avoid, and what the public transport system is like around the island and in surrounding areas. We don't plan to have a car for the first few months, until we are sorted. Thank you in advance for any help.

Public Comments

1. Canvey Island, in Essex, is close to Benfleet, which has a train line connection to London, and nearby Southend-on-Sea. A pleasant, countryside region of Essex, on the Thames estuary. Shopping facilities not too far away, are at Lakeside, Basildon, and Southend. House prices are moderate, by UK standards. There are no such rules in the UK, that you mention, regarding home rental.
2. Hello there, have a look on a site called Knowhere and there should be some pages for Canvey Island. Some areas have a bit of a reputation for being a bit rough. By the way, as a general rule the teachers tend not to live in the same locality to where they teach. Is Canvey the only place you are considering? Are there any others you are considering? A studio flat over here is usually one room with a kitchen area and a small bathroom, I think you should look for a one bedroom flat or the pair of you will climbing the walls within hours or arriving! I think you should have a look in Wickford, Rayleigh, Hockley or perhaps Pitsea. All these areas will have buses going to Canvey. South Woodham Ferrers is a reasonable priced area, beautiful river and walks but you would need to be able to drive to get to Canvey Island. Have a look on www.rightmove.co.uk or www.primelocation.com for estate agents who have properties to rent in that area. The local buses are excellent and if you get a weekly or monthly ticket the cost will not be that high. The local bus company is First Bus so wherever you find a flat you can go on their website to check the bus routes. A small car should start at about £1,500, Don't be tempted to get third-party insurance, get fully comprehensive. (I know you did not actually ask that question). Feel free to ask anything else! Take care, xx