Situated on the north bank of the Thames estuary, Essex is characterised both by its proximity to London, with busy commuter towns such as Romford and Basildon, and by its coastal location, featuring salt marshes, ancient harbours and major international freight ports. Medieval market towns and villages meanwhile punctuate the county's rural interior. Although the county as a whole is relatively prosperous, pockets of rural and coastal Essex are among the most deprived communities in the country and in need of growth.