Chelmsford and Uttlesford have named among the 50 best places to live in the country.
The areas are Essex's only contributions to this year's Halifax Quality of Life survey, which is dominated by places in the Home Counties, and south east of England.
Uttlesford boasts the biggest and most expensive homes in the region and in the country, and comparatively wealthy residents, with average weekly earnings of £819 and an employment rate of 84 per cent well above the national average of £608 and 74.4 per cent.
Life expectancy is almost 82 years.
Chelmsford was awarded top marks for its quality of life, its schools, and the choice of retail outlets with KEGS and Chelmsford County High School for Girls highlighted for achievement.
The city's average life expectancy is 80 for men and 84 for women. Average weekly earnings are £519.60 - above the national average.
The village of Hart in Hampshire came in at number one, followed by Elmbridge, based in Surrey's stockbroker belt.
The report uses statistics from various sources to come up with an overall measure quality of life. Its sources include Office for National Statistics data, government figures and data from the Met Office.
Halifax economist Martin Ellis said: 'A regional comparison shows many areas in southern England score strongly in categories such as the labour markets and health.
'Northern areas tend to perform well on education and lower house prices in relation to earnings.
"In Scotland and Wales, several areas enjoy low traffic flows and burglary rates."
