Moving to Suffolk

[alena001]

Hi all

We are looking to relocate to Suffolk soon and as neither my husband or I are local so I was after some advice.

I am wondering what are the areas that we should really avoid. We have two young daughters (7 and 4) and are really looking for a nice slower pace of like that London with some goof local schools. I am originally from a small town outside Portsmouth.

Thanks for any help.

Alena

[embob94]

Hello
Suffolk folk here!!
It really is a big county!
I'm in the west of the county, in a teeny tiny village in the butt crack of nowhere, but we are within 15 mins driving distance of a decent sized town, and we have really good, quick, easy links to both Norwich, Cambridge and Ipswich.
Where have you been looking at so far??

[SuffolkNWhat]

I'm also Suffolk as the name suggests! I've lived here for 10 years after relocating from Sussex. I live in West Suffolk on the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk borders. The schools round here are mostly good, the Ofsteds are better than further East but you'd have to do your research to decide what kind of area you want, very rural, small town or city as we have all of them here.

[knittedslippersx2]

It's a big county. Woodbridge is a lovely small town.

[knittedslippersx2]

Kesgrave is really nice for young families.

[gardeningsarah]

I'll second woodbridge and kesgrave areas as good places to look at. Good schools at primary and secondary level. Also much nearer the coast as well! What sort of budget have you got?

[alena001]

Thanks guys, gonna have a look. It's very difficult to judge a local from maps.

[missybct]

What are you looking for around you? That would probably be a better way of advising - as in, are you looking for suburbs, village, inner city/town?

How far do you want to be from family? Does being by the coast interest you? What amenities do you really value (large malls/shopping areas, or small local shops for example)? What hobbies do you all have and would they have to be factored in when looking for a property (eg. football club, swimming etc)?

Suffolk stretches very far and wide - you've got the West which is barely a stones throw from possible commuting into London (e.g Sudbury, which I'd personally avoid) or you've got far easterly areas such as Southwold or Beccles which are very very sought after at the moment.

[alena001]

Hi missybct

We are pretty open to any area. The biggest issue is finding a area with good schools and somewhere the kids will enjoy growing up.

I've been told the Norfolk border in nice and to avoid the big towns.

[missybct]

I totally agree with the Norfolk border area, but I'm biased :-) Plenty of really good schools, wide open spaces and plenty of activities nearby.

[Rose280187]

Nice villages to me, eye, Debenham, framlingham, lax field :)

[Pinotwoman82]

Woodbridge/ kesgrave areas

[Kmc35]

Hi there just seen your post and im the same situation, planing to relocate around September depending on houses.
Have you moved yet?
Does anyone know the best primary schools in Woodbridge?

[gardeningsarah]

All the primary schools in Woodbridge are good. Kyson is the largest with a 2 form entry, Woodbridge primary and St Mary's are both one form entry. St Mary's is usually over subscribed, it is also a faith school.

[Kmc35]

Thank you so much for the information. I'm not 100% familiar with the primary school procedure, what's the different between 1 and 2 form entry?
I think I'd like to apply for St Marys, hoping Woodbridge is the catchment area for this.
Now looking at property it seems there are limited houses on the market, hoping more will come up over the next few months.
If anyone knows of any local 'mum' groups please mention them too if you can, I'd like to join them on facebook
Thanks so much for all your help :)

[CraftyBaba]

1 form entry = approx 30 kids per year, 2 form = approx 60 kids per year.

Suffolk is just lovely, you can't go terribly far wrong. I would get in the car and come have a drive round. You'll find pretty villages, nice towns and by and large, nice friendly people. Bury St Eds is very nice if you want a small town with a market but Ipswich is good too. If you live in East Ipswich, you can get a lot of your money and good schools.

[Kmc35]

Thank you ever so much!
Yes we've been up tons of times and have just drove, not we need to determine 100 per cent. I think it will be Woodbridge where we end up.
Exciting times

[Looking2Move]

I know this is an old post but wondered if you moved?? I'm in the same situation and looking to move to Suffolk.