Talk to me about Chesterfield

[TheBabyAteMyBrain]

Dh might have the opportunity of transferring within his work from London to Chesterfield. I'm just trying to get some info of the area before we make the decision. Can anyone give me the inside scoop, good/bad areas? We have a 17 month old ds and baby due in Jan. I don't drive so will need shops/schools/parks/doctors/public transport all within walking distance.

Tia!

Well it's been a good while since I lived just outside Chesterfield so things may have changed.
Lots of people in the area commute to Sheffield and Derby so the roads running through the edge of the town, particularly A61, get extremely busy, especially during peak times.
In my opinion the best areas are on the western edge of the town, Walton, Sommersall, Cutthorpe and places like Wingerworth and Old Brampton on the Peak Park side and Dronfield if going towards Sheffield. Public transport to the villages outside the town weren't great so I can't imagine they are any better now.
My experience of primary schools is probably too long ago to be relevant but there used to be a number of excellent schools around the area.
Lived there for about 15 years following a work move from the south east. We were very happy there and only moved to live abroad. Good luck.

I live in Chesterfield and love it. Moved here 8 years ago. Big enough to have everything on your doorstep but small enough not to feel overwhelming. Close to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. I found the local hospital great. Bus services are very good to outlying areas. Lovely places nearby such asMatlock, Chatsworth, Bakewell and peak district. Geat transport links M1, 3 miles away and three nearby airports. Major developement underway in the centre of town.
Areas to live, I would recommend are Wingerworth, Somersall, Walton, Holymoorside, parts of Hasland, Hady, Spital and parts of Newbold. Places to avoid I would say are Birdholme, Holme hall and Grangewood.

Hope that helps. Happy to answer anything else.

I think you need to visit the place op. You can't tell if you're going to like it or not from other people's experiences.

Agree with Mother but at least you can get an idea of where to start from people's responses. I would agree with holy re areas best avoided. If you are coming from most places in the south you should find your money goes further, in some cases much further.

I live in Chesterfield having moved from the south and have a 20 month old. PM me if you like.

Thanks for all the replies!

Unfortunately I won't get a chance to visit before the move, dh is planning to go up one day and fit as many viewings in as possible then. We are just trying to get a feel for the areas we should be looking at and ones to avoid.

We've moved a lot in the past but this is the first time with children so there is more to think about. We will be renting for about a year before looking at buying so hopefully by then will have found our feet and know where we want to be.

We have been looking at houses in Old Whittington which seem nice but there is only so much information you can get from google.

I can't wait tbh, the rent for a house with a garden is less than half of what we pay here for our crappy flat with no outside area and we'll be away from the growing pollution and crime!

@Cloeycat I'll definitely drop you a pm in a bit, thanks!

Old Whittington is nice. Slightly industrial as you approach the A61 but great transport connections and v close to the chesterfield canal, and rural walks. Prefer New whittington as a bit closer to the rural side

Don’t do it! It’s a dump. There have been some improvements in the past few years but still not a nice place especially if you don’t already have connections to the area.

They are out of the FA Cup. It has lost a lot of employment since the mines closed.

I went to the church with the crooked Spire in Chesterfield yesterday to a Christmas tree festival. They still gave quite a big market in the town centre. Three hours car parking was only £2.60. My friend lives there and likes it. I’m a Southerner in the Midlands, it is substantially cheaper here and yes I do find people more friendly.

I'm not far from there - you will get so much brick and mortar for your money, being able to drive would be a big advantage but public transport is reasonably good.

Glad to see so many positives in the replies. Thanks all, we shall have a look through the areas mentioned and see what's about.