I've lived in Lowestoft since 1998, both sides of the bridge. My children were raised here and I've mostly worked in Lowestoft. I grew up ten miles away in the countryside and went to school in beccles. I'm very familiar with gorleston and great Yarmouth too, and the wider area. I've no intention of moving.
The beaches, to the north and south are both great. Very sandy, the shingle builds up in the winter with the onshore winds but in the summer it's shifted when necessary and is raked and cleaned I think most days in summer. There are lifeguards on the south beach and the water is clean (but not clear). We have the excellent free first light festival here in June and there are always loads of events on.
The town centre is struggling as much as most. Loads of charity shops and a fair few poubdshops. Lots of closed up shops. But there are large supermarkets and a choice of retail parks. Good rail and bus connections. The third bridge is being built and will alleviate the regular traffic snarl ups caused by the Bascule bridge at Lowestoft and the railway crossings and bridge at oulton broad. It's easy enough to get around on bike but there's a ridiculous amount of bike theft - lots of thieving fuckers around. But I was able to help nab three last week (at least two bikes) and it seems quieter this week 😁
Lots of unemployment and homelessness. Quite a lot of supported housing and strong support from homeless and mental health charities doing good work. The dark side is present but easily avoided in the main (apart from 50p Chris, there's no escaping him).
The schools are good if the student is. Sadly the bulk aren't which brings them down in the figures. Silk purse and all that. My eldest got amazing results at GCSE and a level, is on course for a first at uni and doing a placement at a very good international company on the back of all this. My youngest did very well too. Not trying to boast but being brutally frank. All the children in our circle of friends, across three high schools, have done well and mostly their circles of friends did too. Maybe it's parenting, dunno. We were never rich, split up before they reached GCSE age etc but seeing what I see in my line of work and the neighbourhoods I've lived in I suspect it could be. A lot of ruffians around you know!
I have to deal with the police quite a lot and they actually seem to be really good in the way they interact with people. It's Suffolk so generally everyone is fairly lethargic 😂 they seem to be patient and helpful. And their Facebook pafe is hilarious! Definitely check it out.
Foodwise youve got good choices. The usual chains of MCD, KFC, Papa John, subway, Costa, dominos etc with some traditional greasy spoons, twee tea places, shitty dives, a great choice of fish and chip (dolphin) kebab (Istanbul chef), Chinese, Indian (new Raj Mahal on a Thursday night for the meal) takeaways (my favourites in brackets, can't remember the name of the Chinese I use) and some excellent restaurants - sgt peppers has always been superb - I so miss Shish. East Point Pavilion has just reopened with great beers and fantastic street food. It's dog welcoming (muntjac, lobster and pigeon have all made their way in too) and they have regular djs and events going on their. The excellent park run starts from outside now too. Plenty of places on the prom to get ice creams etc too.
If you like the outdoor lifestyle you will love it. Beach has been rammed for weeks, there are parks and reserves, great dog walking everywhere and if you have anglers in the family there is a good choice of sea and freshwater options with free access, charter boats etc (it was built on the fishing industry after all). A bit poor for sledging bit it doesn't slow a lot and rainfall is below average.
I think that's a pretty fair rundown of the place. It really is a mixture with extremes and everything in between. It's what you will make of it - if you want it to be a great place to live it will be. If you let yourself get sucked down you will be. NB beccles in the early 1990s was a real dump and has turned around so who knows? I've been around the UK and the world and i'd probably stick it around a 7/10 in general (8+ for me as I'm outdoorsy)
Happy to answer any questions. Maybe come visit for a week and have a good look around. And you will get a lot of house for your money.