Southend on Sea is situated in the south eastern corner of the county on the Essex coast at the mouth of the Thames estuary. Its location is particularly well positioned to take advantage of both coastal and London based attractions. Home to the largest free air show in Europe it has been a favorite for holiday makers and day trippers alike for more than a century. It can boast the longest pleasure pier in the world amongst its many attractions along with the Sea Life Center and Adventure Island amusement park. In a recent survey it ranked as one of the Counties top 50 safest towns.  

accessibility
The town is served by two major arteries to London (A13 & A127). The road network provides excellent access to the M25 and its connections to the Dartford Crossing to the south and the A1, M1 and M11 to the north. We also have two rail links into Southend Victoria and Southend Central Stations from London Liverpool St and London Fenchurch St respectively. Its position is ideal for commuting to the heart of the Capital whether for work or pleasure. Southend Airport has a rich history as a commercial and passenger airport spanning 90 years serving Europe and the Channel Islands.

entertainment
Southend on Sea offers a wealth of things to see and do including arts & crafts fairs, a farmers market is held once a week in the high street, country parks, numerous restaurants, cafes and public houses offering a wide and diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. Theatres (including top London shows and many international acts), sea front casinos and some of the most vibrant and famous night clubs in the south east are found here. The town is also host to a number of festivals and concerts including the famous Proms in the Park, dazzling displays of orchestral and jazz music. In Southend you are never short of something to do or see!              

shopping
Southend has a wealth of designer outlets and well known shops in the main high street which compliment the towns shopping mall, the Royal, which also offers a range of large high street brands. If you want to travel a little further a field then the Lakeside shopping mall and retail park are a short journey along the northern Thames corridor. The historical market town of Romford and the ultra modern shopping mall of Bluewater are both within 40mins reach.           

sport & leisure
There is a large choice of sporting activities in Southend on Sea with a variety of fitness clubs, swimming pools and of course Southend United which has a huge iconic following within the township. In short, you will never be left with nothing to do!

education
The area provides a wide spectrum of education at all levels including over 37 junior schools, 12 secondary schools, a couple of 6th form colleges and a number of adult education colleges.

On 5th January 2005 the Council granted Planning Permission for the erection of a new University campus building on the site of the former Odeon Cinema in Southend High Street. The new building includes: 
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- 5 retail units
- University accommodation
- Business Innovation Centre

The building will have a four storey frontage to the High Street rising to six storeys at the rear of the site.
 

employment
There are many small businesses offering employment to people with a broad band of skills, the area is also home to some major employers who cover a wide diversity of possible employment opportunities. Essex geographical location also lends itself to employment within the City of London and the surrounding suburbs this in turn is all backed by its strong transport links.