The majority of Thorpe Bay consists of residential properties, mainly built in the 1920s, arranged in a grid pattern.

[2] Consequently, a large number of London commuters choose to live in Thorpe Bay.

Thorpe Bay enjoys good access by bus, provided by Arriva Shires & Essex including the number 1, 4(a), 7, 8 and 9.

In 1914, Southend-on-Sea Corporation Tramways' network was extended from Bournes Green to Thorpe Bay.

[10] James Duddridge MP, representing the Conservative Party, has been Thorpe Bay's member of parliament since 2005.