Moving to Faversham

[Alexandra1975]

We have been thinking for quite a few years about moving out of the Bexleyheath area further down the A2 into Kent
I really like Tankerton but it is quite pricey
Husband works in Gillingham and has to live within 45 minutes of his work
We have 4 children, 21, 10, 7 & 5
7 year old has a disability so will need a special need school. 10 year old will start secondary school in 2020 so will have to put a school down by October (pretty sure he won’t pass the grammar test)
So, I have googled Faversham lots and always get negative reviews of the area from various websites. Chaversham, Brown Town....... even rap songs about the rivalry between Faversham and Sittingbourne. And then came across a murder which happened in Abbey Street which I thought was a beautiful road. But, we visited Faversham yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn’t understand the bad reviews although it was a quiet Thursday afternoon. I am going to book into a pub for an overnight stay on a Friday or Saturday evening to see what the town is like at night. We also looked at the new builds right near The Abbey School so a bit further out of town but nearer Ospringe I think which I read is a rough area.
I am looking for personal views of the area ideally from parents with children as what worries me is that my son will want to start “hanging out” with his mates soon and this is one of the reasons I want to move but I really don’t want a like for like area.
Ideally, I’d like to move to the 1950’s 🙄
TIA

Hi I am a bit further down the coast now but did live in Faversham for 5 years and have worked in the town for over 15 years.
I would not say it was very rough and as you found yesterday is actually quite a nice little town, ignore the fake rivalry between Sittingbourne and Faversham. The teens may find it a bit boring but that can also be said of where I live which is in your preferred area (bought years ago when prices were kinder)
There can be groups of youths around in the evenings but I find they are hanging around bored rather than hanging around to cause trouble.
The murder I do vividly remember and it was a burglary gone wrong, very sad and very unusual for this area.
My friends son and both my nephews went to the Abbey school and found it to be fine. Also I have never heard of Ospringe being rough tbh
I think it would be a good idea to stay a night or two in the town to see how you like it and if you want any pointers on where to eat/ stay etc pm me