Commute from Colchester or Manningtree

[apguy]

If anyone on the Essex/Suffolk border commutes from either of these stations into London; I'd certainly appreciate some information:

I used to commute from Ipswich (and many, many years ago from Manningtree) and now looking to move back to either Colchester or possibly Manningtree area.

The same questions apply to both stations

- What's the car parking situation like (Colchester I know looks awful)?
- Can you get a seat around the 07:00 time?

I'd prefer to be in Colchester but most of the nice housing areas (eg. Lexden) are just too far to walk to the station, but I don't see that the station has adequate parking, so I can't figure out how everyone gets to the station each day!

All opinions and info gratefully received.

[apguy]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I was born and raised in Colchester, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. The moped/cycle option does look like the only sensible transport to/from the station. All the time I've been working in London I've always either lived near to the station (like now, Hove) or been able to easily drive+park (Ipswich) so Colchester does appear to present a unique challenge.

I've lived in Colchester, East Bergholt and Ipswich so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the location and villages along that bit of the A12 - therefore, if I might change the question, if *you* had £650k and needed to commute into London what would be the ideal location.

Criteria:
£650k or less
detached
land or garaging
prefer older house
if its in a village, must be a large village (pub/shop etc)
My children are in Suffolk so no more than 40mins from Ipswich.