Manningtree named one of Sunday Times' Best Places to Live

Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk might be number one in the East, but Manningtree, England’s smallest town, is in the top ten.

Robust statistics, including exclusive up-to-date house price data, and expert knowledge on the ground from the Sunday Times’ judging panel helped create the annual list.

Although the top ten is not listed in rank order, Manningtree is highlighted alongside Chelmsford and Saffron Walden, the only other Essex areas, Aylsham and Blakeney in Norfolk, Woodbridge in Suffolk, and more.

A shot of a Manningtree street

Manningtree mayor Ruth Stocks was pleased for the town to receive such a prestigious accolade.

She said: “Manningtree is just a lovely place to live with friendly people.

“It has good schools and rail links to Norwich and London, nice restaurants, bars and pubs - it really is a pleasant place to live.

“Plus it’s great for people of all ages, including children, as there’s lots for them to do in the school holidays.

“We have a great library too, and even have our own little beach.”

Some of Manningtree’s highlights observed by judges began with the High Street and its excellent independent businesses like Townsends bookshop, Italian restaurant Lucca Enoteca and Winyl, a record store that also serves biodynamic vegan wines.

Steve Tattam of Winyl pouring one of his beers

The best addresses, they said, were South Street, the Green and Quay Street.

Outstanding primary schools, Lawford and Highfields, and the nearby Royal Hospital School were also commended.

Judges also praised the commutable countryside area saying it was as pretty as a picture.

“We were looking for community spirit along with convenience and culture,” explained Helen Davies, one of the judges and the Times’ homes editor.

“There’s so much going on around the country and so many great places that the choice was a hard one.

“Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our well-being and wealth, happiness and health.”

Manningtree's famous Red Lion Pub

Buying a starter home in Manningtree would set someone back on average £174,000, but the top-of-the-range house price tips over £423,000.

Chelmsford buyers can expect to pay on average anything between £227,000 to more than £630,000.

Daniel Hegarty, founder of the mortgage broker firm Habito, which helped compile the figures with life event data company TwentyCi, called the list “essential reading for anyone looking to buy, move or renovate their home”.

“We know there are many reasons, beyond house prices, why people live where they live in the East of England.

“But, regardless of location, getting a mortgage can be the most hellish part of buying.”

This year, the Sunday Times has championed 101 locations across the UK.

The supplement assesses a range of factors, from employment, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and shops.

Click here to read more in the supplement.