Chelmsford has once again been recognised as one of the best places to live in the East of England, according to the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide.
The Essex city secured a spot on the annual list for the second consecutive year, appearing among seven locations highlighted in the East of England region. This year’s regional winner was Manningtree in North Essex, with Chelmsford praised for its strong growth, excellent transport links, high-achieving schools, and quality of life.
Described as a “lively” and “charming” city, Chelmsford – the first town in Essex to gain city status – benefits from its proximity to London (just 30–35 minutes by train), beautiful countryside, cultural attractions such as the Museum of Chelmsford and Hylands Estate, and a thriving food and events scene.
The inclusion marks continued success for the city, which was previously crowned the best place to live in the East of England in the 2025 guide.