Living in Brentwood
ParishBrentwood is a town in East with a population of 50,285. It has exceptional schools, with 92% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted and a moderate crime rate of 62 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £478k. Brentwood stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.
About Brentwood
Overview
Essex town with High Street character, good schools, and fast Elizabeth Line service. Located in East, Brentwood has a population of approximately 50,285 residents, making it a smaller parish by UK standards. The primary postcode area is CM14.
Brentwood sits within East and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the mid-range end of the spectrum, with a median price of £478k that is 25% above the East average of £382k. The area has a moderate crime rate compared to similar areas.
Key facts about Brentwood
- Excellent public transport links
- Nearest station: Brentwood
- Part of East
- High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
- Region: East
- Population: ~50,285
- Median property price: £478k
- Crime rate: 62 per 1,000
- Ofsted: 92% schools Good/Outstanding
Property prices in Brentwood (2026)
Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.
Property market analysis
The median property price in Brentwood currently stands at £478k, placing it in the mid-range segment of the East market. This is 25% above the East average of £382k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Brentwood have been rising strongly, with a year-on-year change of +6.1%.
This rate of growth outpaces many comparable areas in East and suggests continued demand from buyers. Factors driving price appreciation may include transport improvements, new developments, or an influx of buyers priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas.
For context, the most affordable areas in East have median prices around £213k, while the most expensive areas reach £725k. Brentwood sits towards the upper end of this range.
What types of property are available? The market offers a mix of flats, terraced and semi-detached houses. First-time buyers may find entry-level flats within reach, while families typically look at terraced properties or ex-council stock.
Crime and safety in Brentwood
Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.
Crime rate analysis
Brentwood has a moderate crime rate of 62.3 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. This is a reassuring figure for an area of this size and suggests a relatively safe environment for residents.
Understanding crime statistics: Raw crime numbers can be misleading without context. Areas with high footfall (shopping centres, transport hubs, nightlife) naturally record more incidents. The crimes-per-1,000-residents metric normalises for population size but does not account for visitors. When assessing safety, consider the types of crime most relevant to you — residential burglary and vehicle crime are more directly relevant to homeowners than shoplifting or public order offences.
For a full breakdown by crime category, monthly trends, and year-on-year comparison, sign up for Check Local's detailed safety report for Brentwood. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
Schools in Brentwood
School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.
Schools analysis
Brentwood has 25 schools in the local area, of which 23 (92%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a exceptional level of school quality. Families moving to the area will find an excellent range of well-regarded schools, which is also a contributing factor to the area's property prices — proximity to top-rated schools typically adds a premium of 8-12% to property values.
Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. With a large number of schools, parents have genuine choice in finding the right fit for their children.
Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Brentwood use distance-based admissions criteria, meaning the closer you live to a school, the more likely your child is to gain a place. Popular schools can have very tight catchment areas. Check Local's detailed schools report shows the distance from any address to every nearby school, with full Ofsted ratings and Key Stage results.
Transport and commuting in Brentwood
Transport links analysis
Brentwood benefits from outstanding public transport connectivity, making it easy to reach central London, major airports, and neighbouring areas without a car. The nearest railway station is Brentwood, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.
For commuters, Brentwood offers strong connectivity. Regular rail services connect the area to major employment centres, and bus routes serve local destinations.
Impact on property values: Transport links are one of the strongest predictors of property prices. Areas within walking distance of a station typically command a premium of 10-15% over areas further away. The excellent transport links in Brentwood are a key factor supporting its property values.
Living in Brentwood — lifestyle and amenities
Brentwood is a smaller parish in East with a population of around 50,285. The area has a good range of local amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Who lives in Brentwood? The area attracts a mix of young professionals, growing families, and long-term residents. The property market is accessible to those with reasonable deposits or equity from previous homes.
Green spaces and recreation: The area offers access to parks, playing fields, and countryside walks, providing a balance between urban convenience and outdoor recreation.
Shopping and dining: Brentwood has a decent high street with everyday essentials, plus an increasing number of independent shops and restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about Brentwood
Is Brentwood a good place to live?
Brentwood is a town in East with excellent transport, exceptional schools, with 92% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, and a median house price of £478k. The crime rate is moderate at 62 per 1,000 residents.
What is the population of Brentwood?
Brentwood has a population of approximately 50,285, making it a town by UK standards.
Is Brentwood a safe area?
Brentwood has a moderate crime rate of 62 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.
What are the schools in Brentwood like?
There are 25 schools in Brentwood, of which 23 (92%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a exceptional level of school quality.
What is the average house price in Brentwood?
The median property price in Brentwood is £478k, which is 25% above the East average of £382k. Prices have been rising strongly over the past year.
Where does this data come from?
All data in this Brentwood area guide is sourced from verified official UK government and public sector data providers. We combine property transaction records, crime statistics, school inspection data, transport network data, and census information to build a complete picture of every area.
We do not scrape, estimate, or fabricate any figures. Check Local processes and combines these official datasets to produce a unified area intelligence report. Our AI then generates plain-English narratives to help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day life.
Compare Brentwood with...
We don't have a direct comparison for Brentwood yet, but you can browse all available comparisons.
Nearby areas
Explore other areas in East to see how Brentwood compares.
Norwich
ParishHistoric Norfolk city with medieval streets, creative arts scene, and independent retail....
Cambridge
AreaWorld-renowned university city with Silicon Fen tech cluster and cycling culture....
St Albans
ParishHistoric cathedral city with Roman ruins, Thameslink service, and premium schools....
Watford
AreaHertfordshire town with Warner Bros. Studios, Metropolitan Line, and diverse community....
Chelmsford
ParishEssex city with cathedral, fast trains to Liverpool Street, and good schools....