Dh job may reloacate to Ellesmere Port- what is it like?

[cheekymonk]

Well thats it really. We currently live in Portsmouth and company have just been sold. DH may be asked to transfer up to Ellesmere Port. Have looked at Up on street and its not that complimentary! If it is horrible, any suggestions for anywhere nearby that is ok? Thanks x

[RickGhastley]

I personally don't like the area - I hope I'm not offending any MNers there- I have some friends who live there and all seem desperate to move away.

However, there are some lovely areas nearby that you could live in: Chester, the Wirral, Helsby, Frodsham and lots of nice villages if you want to be rural.

[NightLark]

Ellesmere Port is bleugh. Live in Chester.

[MrsDistinctlyMintyMonetarism]

Erm, Ellesmere Port is not particularly picturesque.

Although it is handily placed for the Cheshire Oaks shopping village and the Blue Planet Aquarium.

I'd agree with Rick's ideas of nicer areas, but the trouble is all they are all fairly costly, have you got a budget in mind?

[cheekymonk]

I have just been exploring rightmove. Budget is max £110K for a 3 bed which does price us out of many areas. However just found a lovely house in woodchurch for £114K which we could make an offer on. It does haven't to be posh posh but not rough either!
Yes would consider villages but again not sure if we are priced out. Thanks for your replies x

[cheekymonk]

bump

[spotty26]

Woodchurch is nice, many ex local auth, generous houses. Try Bebington Spital and Prenton/Oxton too. Close to M53 for travel to Ellesmere Port.

[JamieOliveOil]

I second the Wirral! So close to the sea yet not far away from countryside and two great cities, Liverpool and Chester nearby.

And we have our own weather climate!

It's only 10 minutes down the motorway to Ellesmere Port.

Have a look at Prenton, Oxton, Bebington, Bromborough areas you will get a lot more than on West Wirral. You will get a lot in Wallasey and Birkenhead but I'm not sure about the areas.

Good luck!

[cheekymonk]

Thank you! Am actually really excited at prospect. Schools sound excellent (although i know there are some awful ones too) thanks for advice. Will look into!

[RickGhastley]

If you have DCs, the Wirral has the grammar school system.

[cheekymonk]

Yes I noticed that. Its the old fashioned system isn't it? Do you have to PAY for the grammar schools?

[herethereandeverywhere]

Wirral is good. Don't think about living in Ellesmere Port, it's horrible. Wirral is nice and I echo the advice about looking at West Wirral. I'd avoid Wallasey, Rock Ferry, Leasowe, down town Birkenhead as they're v.rough. Houses on the Woodchurch are pretty but they are ex LA and TBH, it's still a bit rough.

You don't have to pay for the grammar schools on the Wirral. Also Birkenhead girls is ex-private now grant maintained (I think), as is St Anselms. Access to beach in 15 min, countryside in 5-10 minutes and the M53 means you're DH will be in Ellesmere Port in under 20 min.

[Thetokengirl]

I grew up in EP. Left to go to Uni at 18 and never went back. Nuff said.
Agree with the suggestions of decent places nearby.

[Kangarobber]

Chester or many bits of the Wirral (e.g. Heswall, Caldy, Oxton) are nice .

[SauvignonBlanche]

I'd vote for Chester, very good schools and minutes away from Ellesmere Port.

[AtAmber]

I live in Wallasey. It's not rough where we are! Parts of it are though, Seacombe, Poulton to name a couple.

[Sparklingbrook]

at living in Chester. It is a lovely place. We stop at the Holiday Inn in Ellesmere Port to go to Cheshire Oaks. The hotel is lovely, next to the canal etc. But wouldn't want to walk out at night round there.

[Lovecat]

I grew up in Wallasey, it's not rough! Depends, I suppose, on your definition of rough, but I thought it was quite nice... Rock Ferry, however, and the area around Birkenhead North station - they 're rough!

West Kirby is lovely but £££ - the rule with the Wirral seems to be the side facing Wales is nicer, but costs more because of it.

[cheekymonk]

I just want the family to feel safe, friendly people and nice schools really.

[Kangarobber]

Would you be buying or renting? What would your budget be? Those things would mean people can give you a clearer idea.

[cheekymonk]

I would be buying. Budget of 110K for 3 bed. Thanks everyone for your input, advice and experience. It is really helpful.

[ExitPursuedByaBear]

Why has no one suggested over the border into Wales? North Wales = fabulous place to live.

[Kangarobber]

Bits of North wales might be cheaper. I'm not sure what you would get in West wirral or the nice bits of Chester for that amount, they are pricey in the nice bits. Prenton might be affordable.

[cheekymonk]

Just looked at chester and Blacon keeps coming up. I take it thats not that nice?