Certainly not; why should it be any different to any other region of the country? This answer has only a modicum of truth; distorted from reality by the TV series mentioned, which like all TV/movie 'true story' representations, accentuate the truth to create a better storyline. There are charming villages, and upmarket housing in some areas. The 'lesser educated' are mainly located in the eastern side (and also within the London borders); consisting of former working class Londoners who were relocated after the destruction of their homes during the 2nd. World War.
People who have never been to Essex like to portray it as a place devoid of class. With ghastly people who behave like morons.
However, although there is an element of that inthe area of Essex bordering London and the Thames Esstuary (which is is a bit grotty), the far reaches of Essex are as nice as any county. Small towns like Maldon are very picturesque.
Essex is a large county to the east of London stretching from the East London suburbs to the North Sea coast. It is mostly quite flat and agricultural interspersed with a number of medium size towns such as Chelmsford, Harlow and Colchester. The extreme north of the county 'Constable Country' inspired some of John Constable's
paintings. The county also includes 2 of Britain's major ports at Tilbury and Harwich. The county has a dense railway network so is a popular London commuting area. It is a county almost devoid of artistic culture so is much derided by satirists and comedians. It is famous for a TV series called 'The Only Way is Essex' which seems to portray a materialist uneducated group of people personifying the county. However, there are people like this everywhere. On the other hand it would be hard to think of a famous writer living in Essex. House prices are below average for Southern England
Like New York city.
I have family there. It is mostly flat. Completely devoid of National Trust houses or anywhere decent to visit.
Hard pushed to find anywhere to take our Grandchildren.
It does have a lot of sunny weather in it's favour, but I cannot think of anything else.
Like London sprung a leak.
There are some stereotypes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_girl
rubbish place
