Living in Grays

Thinking of relocating to Grays? The Thameside town situated 20 miles east of central London offers commuter links, riverside housing, and a variety of local attractions. 

Where is Grays? 

Grays is a riverside town located within the unitary authority of Thurrock, in the county of Essex, southeast England. Positioned on the northern bank of the River Thames – directly opposite Kent – it forms part of the wider Thames Gateway regeneration zone and is home to around 100,000 residents. 

The town is well-connected to its neighbours, with Tilbury to the east, South Ockendon to the north, and Chafford Hundred to the west. It also sits just a short distance from the historic village of Orsett. 

Grays’ location along the Thames has played a defining role in its history and development, shaping its identity as both a commuter hub and a town with maritime roots, as this Grays area guide shows. 

Is Grays a nice place to live? 

Grays combines access to green space, transport links and relatively lower property prices compared to nearby suburbs. It typically has lower property prices than many towns in the commuter belt, with regular sub-40-minute train services leading directly into the heart of the City of London.  

Locally, there is also plenty to do. The area includes riverside walks and family-oriented spaces like Grays Beach Riverside Park that is home to a sandpit play area and climbing frames. Chafford Gorges Nature Park is also accessible via a short drive, where former quarries have been transformed into peaceful woodland trails and wildlife habitats. 

What is Grays famous for? 

Grays is home to Dell House, one of Britain’s earliest concrete buildings. Completed in 1873, this Grade II-listed building is a Victorian engineering landmark can be visited during heritage open-day tours. 

The town is also known for its proximity to Lakeside Shopping Centre – a major shopping destination in the region, with almost 240,000 square metres of retail space. 

Things to do in Grays 

Grays offers a wide range of things to see and do. The nearby Lakeside complex features a wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that are situated just minutes from town. In Grays itself, the high street is also home to a variety of shops and cafes.  

Culture lovers can catch live performances at Thameside Theatre that can seat more than 300 people, while history buffs can explore the Essex Fire Museum to the north. Tilbury Fort to the east is also a key local attraction, standing as a well-preserved example of a 17th-century bastioned fortress, having retained much of its complete circuit of moats. 

For something more adventurous, nearby attractions include Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside, Aqua Park Lakeside, Lakeside Karting and Boom Battle Bar – all within a 15-minute drive. 

What is the transport like in Grays? 

Grays is well connected by road and rail. The town benefits from two train stations – Grays Town Centre and Chafford Hundred – that are both on the London Fenchurch Street to Southend line. Off-peak services take around 39 minutes to London, with the fastest trains completing the journey in just 34 minutes. Some services also originate in Grays, providing commuters with a better chance of getting a seat on outward journeys.  

Road users can access the A13 and M25 with ease, while the Dartford Crossing provides quick links into Kent. Local buses also connect Grays to surrounding villages and towns across Thurrock, making it easy to get around without a car. 

Schools in Grays 

Grays has several schools rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted. 

For further education, South Essex College’s Thurrock Campus is located on the high street, just two minutes’ walk from Grays train station. The £45 million campus includes facilities for a range of vocational and academic courses spanning everything from construction and engineering to media, creative arts, logistics, childcare, and IT.  

Is Grays safe? 

In the year ending September 2024, the crime rate in Thurrock was about the same as the average crime rate across similar areas. This is according to Office for National Statistics data. 

What are the average property prices in Grays? 

Average property house in Grays have increased by 7% to £372,999 over the past year. The majority of properties sold in Grays were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £339,649. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £422,330, with flats fetching £206,744. 

FAQs 

• How far is Grays from London? 
  Grays lies about 20 miles east of central London, with trains taking less than 40 minutes to reach Fenchurch Street. 
• Is Grays good for families? 
  Riversides parks, a sandpit play area, nearby nature reserves and a choice of ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated schools may appeal to families. 
• Is Grays affordable? 
  Compared to many commuter towns closer to London, Grays offers more competitive property prices and lower living costs without sacrificing transport links. 
• Is Grays good for commuters? 
  Yes. Two train stations, frequent off-peak services, and easy motorway access make daily travel straightforward.