The Essex seaside towns just 5 miles apart but with dramatically different house prices

Essex boasts 350 miles of breathtakingly gorgeous coastline. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to them but each and every one has their own perks.

And while they all share the same sea and a similar view, the towns themselves can considerably differ as you move on from one to another. In the East of the Southend district, the equally beautiful seaside towns of Leigh-on-Sea and Thorpe Bay sit side-by-side.

With just five miles distance between one and the other - you wouldn't think there would be much difference between the two. But as you move across from Leigh to Thorpe Bay, the average house price alone shifts from £375,921 to £503,877, according to Rightmove.

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Leigh certainly boasts a more vibrant nightlife with its quirky indie businesses and bars while Thorpe Bay offers a more serene and peaceful atmosphere. We have taken a look at two of Essex seaside towns to see how and where they differ - and the biggest difference is in house prices.

Nightlife and charm

The charming coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea is distinguished by its cobbled streets and vibrant atmosphere. Along the Broadway, the indie businesses have earned Leigh its reputation as something of a 'Shoreditch of Essex'.

Businesses like The Corner Club and the Brunch Company offer a cool and inviting atmosphere akin to the quirky businesses you would see in parts of London. Similarly, indie bars and pubs like Ten Green Bottles or The Estuary also give Leigh its popular evening vibe that can guarantee a good evening out.

Being just 40 miles from central London and part of the commuter belt, it is also popular among residents in London for travelling down to Leigh for work and play.

Leigh is often considered quite a cultural hub of Southend with a variety of galleries and studios which usually host events during the year. Old Leigh in the seaside town dates back as far as the middle ages and continues to draw people in today, especially for events like the Leigh Regatta.

The quintessential houses, pubs and authentic seafood sheds are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. However, more recently Old Leigh has been the topic of an alcohol ban after issues around antisocial behaviour.

Peaceful walks and beautiful beach huts

While Thorpe Bay may be a little quieter than Leigh, it certainly doesn't mean it is lesser. Thorpe Bay's beautiful beach is defined by its iconic and colourful beach huts.

The beautiful Roslin beach hotel offers the perfect luxurious escape in Thorpe Bay where you can enjoy the seaside views, treat yourself to spa therapy or a cocktail or two. There is also Thorpe Bay's Yacht Club which is more than 70 years ago old - or a golf course, bowling club or tennis club.

Thrope Bay might not have the same bustling indie scene as The Broadway, but businesses like Quins of Thorpe Bay stylish shop, Home Made Bakery or florist Nekta are popular among locals. The majority of Thorpe Bay consists of residential properties - many of which are enviable, to say the least.

How do house prices compare?

The difference in house prices between Leigh and Thorpe Bay is considerable. According to Rightmove, the overall average price of properties in Leigh-on-Sea in the last year was £454,047.

The majority of sales in Leigh during the last year were semi-detached properties, which sold at an average price of £478,996. Flats, on the other hand, sold for an average of £261,726 - with detached properties going for around £623,788.

Over in Thorpe Bay, the average price, on the other hand, was around £531,192 in the last year. The majority of sales in Thorpe Bay during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £733,673. Flats sold for an average of £239,238, with semi-detached properties fetching £526,375.