advice on where to move- best villages in the east midlands?

[NoFucksImAQueen]

hi all, we are hoping to move within the next year and i want to start narrowing the search on areas. i would love to live somewhere a bit more rural but with enough amenities that you dont feel totally stranded. we have 3primary school aged dc so good schools are also a must.

Nothing wrong with Erewash! Having lived in Derby city centre when I was younger, it’s blissful here in comparison!

If you’re thinking of Derbyshire, the River Derwent and its valley create a natural dividing line in the county. West of that line is the predominantly rural and agricultural Derbyshire Dales district, with plenty of very desirable market towns and villages, eg Ashbourne, Belper, Matlock, Bakewell.

East of the Derwent is more industrial, and coal mining was once a major employer. East Derbyshire is more densely populated with clusters of towns & villages which effectively merge into one another, eg Alfreton, Ripley, Heanor, Ilkeston. The East of the county is more affordable, unsurprisingly.

@MadisonMontgomery where is Bassetlaw? I’m not familiar with it

Re the negative comments made by a poster about Eastwood and Erewash where I live, I have lived in cities and towns and villages and as well as the beautiful countryside I have never lived in such a friendly community spirited place.

I could add a snide bitchy clever comment but I chose not to demean myself like some posters

Another vote for Southwell. Great schools, lovely high street and independent shops. Also lots of good pubs!

@DahliaDay North Notts.

Ah right, should have realised when you mentioned Worksop! Not sure where else there is but I guess some nice villages etc around there

Yes, the houses do get snapped up. Some funny prices going on too (relative to the area). It'll be interesting to see how the market does now we're creeping out of lockdown.

Belper
Wirksworth
Cromford

@mondaypolomint I wasn't out to upset anyone. I suppose some people do feel more at home in your Eastwood, Ilkeston, Heanor type places. They just aren't my cup of tea.

Vale of Belvoir area, between Nottingham and Grantham.
Car Colston, Screveton, Orston and Redmile are beautiful villages, surrounded by countryside.
Train from Grantham to London in just over 1hr

Some lovely villages in the Market Harborough/Harborough District of Leicester. I live in one, from Derbyshire though, but I do love it here. I have family in the Peak District and whilst lovely, I prefer having Leicester city, Lutterworth and evening Coventry close by for amenities.

Interested - is southwell good for teenagers?? slightly worried about being close to newark and mansfield - or shouldn;t I be?