Maldon is no longer in the top dozen best places to live in the UK, according to the latest Halifax Quality of Life Survey.
The district came 12th in the annual survey last year, but has since slipped to 26th position out of 405 local authorities.
The study takes into account factors such as jobs, housing, health, crime, weather, traffic and house prices.
The Braintree district came 115th, dropping from 78th while Uttlesford has climbed six places since last year to become the second most desirable place to live.
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