I was born there! Believe we moved three months later. Recall visits to maternal grandmother, she lived near the station, Mile End Road. And taking her to Clacton where we had donkey rides and Coke with ice-cream in it, happy days!
Have driven past a few times en route to/from Harwich. Perhaps should go visit??!!
I understand there used to be a bit of bother with the army lads years ago but they stopped them going out in the piss long before I moved here. There is never any trouble with them.
Castle Park is fine. Same as any other city park after dark- nobody in there but youths drinking and taking drugs. That's what parks are for
They do have a lot of concerts in the park over the summer and they are pretty annoying.
But yeah, that area of town is absolutely fine. I'm not sure I would fancy living that close to town just because of parking and noise.
There are two train stations as well- one in the centre of town and one further out. The further out one is the main line from Norwich to London and is a fair walk from town- about 15-20 minutes. Doesn't bother me as I don't mind a walk but worth thinking about if you are going to be commuting fairly regularly.
Jaywick in the news:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-68197109