moving to Ipswich - nice surrounding areas for access to North of Ipswich?

[ftfadia]

Hi everyone
We are moving to Ipswich for my husbands job. I am feeling very nervous about it all as my 2 dd's (7 and 8) are very settled in a lovely school and we all have a good life here.
But...needs must and we have to move.
I have started looking for property but don't know where to start as never even been to Ipswich. Can anyone recommend nice villages or areas around Ipswich? we are likely to get the girls into a school north of the town. Is there anywhere I should totally avoid??!
Any help or advice hugely appreciated!!
Thanks

[ftfadia]

p.s we were going to Bury St Edmunds but not now!

[Pipbin]

Hi, I'll PM you.

[ftfadia]

ooh thank you :)

[gardeningsarah]

Woodbridge is good. Has 3 primary schools and a high school. Bealings has a primary school but is quite popular so you may not be able to get both children in. Are you planning on renting or buying a property? Kesgrave to the east of Ipswich is very popular with families again 3 primary schools in the area plus a good high school. Hope this helps.

[gallopinghorse]

I live in Kesgrave which is a very nice family friendly place with good schools. There is lots for kids to do it has green outdoor parks, community centre, Tesco, Sports centre and the high school is good too.

[ftfadia]

thank you Sarah. that really does help. Woodbridge is nice but quite pricey?? I have been totally shocked at how full any half decent schools are! You are right, I have one DD that would go into y3 and one into y4 so its not easy..
We are looking around Hadleigh Road as a possible location..?? We would like to buy really. Have a budget of £550K (total max!!)

[ftfadia]

Thank you Galloping Horse!
I am new to Mums net and love all the names!
I will look at Kesgrave now..

[Pipbin]

Not Haleigh Road if you can avoid it really.
For that kind of budget you could get something lovely.

[Pipbin]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48056239.html?premiumA=true

This one is lovely! Christchurch park close by is brilliant.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-49016923.html?premiumA=true

[Pipbin]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51280841.html?premiumA=true

[gardeningsarah]

Don't really know the hadleigh road side of ipswich very well but agree would probably be best to avoid. but with that kind of budget you could buy something nice on the east/north side of Ipswich.

[ftfadia]

You're all amazing!!
They are perfect houses..thank you so much
I'm already feeling a million times better about moving to Ipswich :)

[ftfadia]

pipbin I owe you a bottle of wine already!!

[Pipbin]

This is nice too: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51690314.html?premiumA=true

[Pipbin]

This is lovely but needs loads of work: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-49881503.html?premiumA=true

[ftfadia]

oooh too many choices!!
the good news is though there are loads of houses to choose from.
Thank you Pipbin for ALL your help.
I'll be back on tomorrow if you're about.
Feeling happy :)
x

[DaisyChain87]

I grew up in Kesgrave. It's great for families. It's worth having a look at Kesgrave, and also Msrtlesham

[DaisyChain87]

Sorry, that should be Martlesham!

[justicewomen]

We live near Christchurch Park. It is like having the best bits of a village with lots of clubs and friendly, long-standing neighbours; with the benefits of walking into town with the pool, theatres and cinemas etc. The state schools, St Margarets and St Helens Primarys, and Northgate High School are well regarded. For independents, Ipswich School and Prep are next to the Park and are excellent for mixing academics with high level music and sport. The town itself is not obviously attractive (and who who enjoy shopping complain a lot) but there is a lot of cultural stuff and it is good place to raise a family.

[funkynmunky]

I also grew up in Kesgrave . It has always been the received wisdom that the 'posher' bits of Ipswich are the North and East and you should avoid the South and West - but clearly you need to decide for yourself. I haven't lived in Suffolk for many years but when I recently went back to the town centre I was slightly shocked on how shabby it looked. Lovely surrounding areas though and the house prices have me green with envy.

[Essexmum69]

Agreed, Kesgrave, Martlesham Heath or Woodbridge. If buying in Ipswich itself I would want to be in Northgate catchment for secondary school.

[SoMuchToBits]

I live in Ipswich (East side) and recently lived in Kesgrave. Both good places to live.

As other people have said, I'd avoid the Hadleigh Road area, and go for North or East Ipswich if you want Ipswich itself.

Kesgrave is very family friendly, Martlesham Heath is also not bad.

Woodbridge is lovely, but much more expensive. You'd definitely get more house for your money in Ipswich/Kesgrave/Martlesham.

[activities4all]

Kesgrave is probably your best bet.. cycle routes, handy tesco's and there are lots of young families. Its safe.
Care should be taken when looking for property.. Different companies built and there has been some subsidence due to inadequate foundations. Also parking.. view a property in the evening or weekend. Double garages are the way to go, single are too narrow and some houses have converted singles to a room making parking even worse. My advise would be too go for a cul-de-sac so parking is easier.

[Millymollymama]

I think Woodbridge is absolutely great. Lovely town centre and lots going on. Excellent schools.