I live in Chelmsford, in Essex. I like it, really - despite the bad reputation that Essex has (or at least Essex girls and Essex boys!). I've lived here most of my life, and seen a lot of changes, but right now I'd say it's a really great place to live - it's a good town in its own right, and not far from the country. Also, if I need to get away, it's got good transport links.
However, my girlfriend lives in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, and I'll be joining her there when we get married. I was there yesterday, and I greatly enjoyed it - it's a lot smaller than Chelmsford, feels far cosier, and again very near the countryside. Also lots of good transport links, and the fact that it's really close to Stansted Airport isn't as offputting as I'd expected.