Maybe moving to channel islands (sorry not technically overseas)

[UntamedShrew]

but all very forrin to me! Do any MNers live there and if so can you let me know what it's like, please?
We would be moving from SW London, I'm not overly worried about missing all the hubub of a big city as since having the DTs (2) we just don't go into the city anymore anyway. But don't get me wrong, I do like having several coffee shops I can walk to.. So it is going to be a big, big change.

What I would really like to know is

• where are the best state primary schools?
  
• is there an area which tends to have more young families living there, vs. others that might be touristy / retired people?
  
• is it easy to make friends or do you have to live there for years? Any tips?
  

Thanks in advance.

[greenapples]

Hello,
I moved to Guernsey 2+ years ago. I love it! Best place in Britain to be with kids growing up.
Education is better here than England. They also have the 11+ which allows entry to the Grammar, Ladies College or or Boys private school. The states subsidise the school fees for the private schools, so somewhat cheaper than you would get at home.
There is no particular areas for young families. (But saying that it is nicer to live in the higher parishes... I'm not biased!)The rich, the REALLY rich and those that can only afford to rent a flat can all be neighbours.
I've lived in quite a few different places and here is by far the friendliest.
Can't talk for Jersey though!
x

[dikkertjedap]

Hmm ... most boring place on earth if you ask me. Ladies college is private, fees quite hefty I believe. State schools in St Peter Port do not have a good reputation. I believe that there is a good state school (primary) in Torteval, which is expensive even in Guernsey times. Very few coffee shops around, everything closes around 17.00h - 17.30h and closed on Sunday except a few grocery shops. Food is poor quality and extremely expensive compared with the UK and very little choice. Same for everything else: expensive, poor quality. Do not get your car fixed. Ford dealer nearly ruined our car through number of mistakes, topped with putting undersized battery in (so could not get it of the ferry in Portsmouth!). Unless you really have to go and live there I would not do so. Jersey is a bit better, better transport links, closer to France, more things to do (Durrell Wildlife Park for example, art stuff). I don't think that it is that easy to make friends, there really are the Guerns and non-Guerns, real distinction. My dd wanted to be friends with a little girl and the girl with dd but the girl's mom said within earshot: 'No, don't play with her, she is not from here'. When I mentioned that at work it was regarded as quite normal. I found it an awful place, narrow minded, racist, boring, expensive, backward.

[imopop]

I live in Jersey. Came from the UK three years ago. The food shop was terrible but we have 3 x Waitroses now which is excellent. The state primary schools are good although I would avoid St Marys and ones in town. We have a very good mechanic who fixes our cars. You do have to pay for GP visits. £35 for adults and £27 for kids however you can always get an appointment. St helier has a good range of shops and most companies deliver from the UK. You dont pay VAT. I have a good mixture of local and non local friends. Can I ask if you are coming here with work? I would not come here without a housing allowance the rent is very high and there is not much choice which often dictates where you live. The beaches are beautiful which the kids love. Lots of nice places to eat out etc. If you have any more questions please ask away. Good luck. BTW I would live in Jersey over Guernsey a bit bigger, better shops etc and only 14 miles from France.