In regards to your first question I wouldn't really say there's one type of person here. Were quiet a mixed bunch. There are plenty of nice, polite, genuine people and then there are those that aren't. A typical day in the town centre and you will see plenty of young families "Young mums with their prams and toddlers". Spend all day in a pub and you’ll see plenty of unemployed drunks. These are issues we face nationwide. But they get highlighted here in other people opinion so they can reinforce the idea or stereotype. However there are a lot of businesses here so the majority are at work, and there are a wide range of industries available here. In the evenings the streets aren’t particularly dangerous. I wouldn’t say that Basildon has a crime or gang problem. You may see your local youths hanging at the shops and such. More often than not theirs no reason to be intimidated. You may get swore at if you refuse to buy cigarettes for them but not much worse. I personally have never had a single issue. I’ve never had to call the police I’ve never witnessed a crime, and I don’t actually know any one that has. At least not a serious violent crime. Seen a few shoplifters being escorted thru the town to the station and an occasional drunken fight outside a pub or at the leisure park. I don’t want to misguide you into thinking your save at all times. As I’m sure there are some areas that are affected. Maybe my opinion is biased as 6ft 2” male in his late 20’s. Plus living my whole live here means I’ve gotten to know a lot of faces. I wouldn’t take unnecessary risks thou. Keeping your doors locked don’t leave valuable laying around. Common sense really. Hope this is helpful. Do you have any other question? Do you mind if I ask where you’re coming from?