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Original poster

Anyone familiar with Kendal in Cumbria?

51 replies

LanternFields · 22/08/2023 17:57

My DD (30) is thinking of moving there to work, will be renting and possibly wishing to stay for a few years. We have family in the Lakes, although further north, so it would be nice for her to be closer to them, too.

As I haven't been up there for a good few years, does anyone know if it has changed at all, and if it is still a decent place to live? She is going so stay for a few weeks next friday so will see then, but would love some info if anyone has some!

OP posts:
AllProperTeaIsTheft · 22/08/2023 18:02

Yes, it's one of my nearest towns and I go there a lot. It's a really nice little town imo! Not big enough for a big shopping trip or anything, but lots of really good cafés, some nice little independent shops etc. Anything particular you want to know?

RandomMess · 22/08/2023 18:20

It's pretty nice! Agree with the first response.

Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 18:20

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 22/08/2023 18:02

Yes, it's one of my nearest towns and I go there a lot. It's a really nice little town imo! Not big enough for a big shopping trip or anything, but lots of really good cafés, some nice little independent shops etc. Anything particular you want to know?

Thank you!
She is a mostly quiet person and loves outdoor activities so it certainly seems like a winner. We noticed that the rental prices have gone up, but no more than our hometown (or even many other towns in the NW). That isn't an issue but I am concerned about availability. There are always a few online but it might be best for her to get there and speak to agents?

OP posts:
Frightenedbunny · 22/08/2023 18:22

It’s a lovely place to live and work!

Toddlerteaplease · 22/08/2023 18:59

My family considered Kendal, but in the end decided on Penrith. Which is cheaper and actually closer to the lakes. The commute for my sister is better. As the A591 in the summer would have been awful. Penrith is much nicer anyway.

Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 19:25

Thanks, she would prefer a close train link but it isn't vital. Not familiar with Penrith!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 22/08/2023 19:29

Penrith is on the mainline!

SoRad · 22/08/2023 19:31

Kendal has oxenholme train station, which is just on the outskirts, but not far from the centre. It’s on the west coast mainline.

Kendal is nice. But I find it a bit contrasting in wealth. Lots middle class outdoorsy types who are ‘organic/hippy’ yet buy top of the range outdoor kit and are actually quite materialistic. Then there’s the two estates which have a bit of a drug problem… county lines due to close proximity to the m6.

You never have to wait at the minor injuries at the hospital though.

DidYourNameChange · 22/08/2023 19:31

There are pretty much no places to rent.

Anything that goes on the market gets snapped up immediately and many people willing to pay over the odds have been waiting for months because they keep getting pipped to the post.

SoRad · 22/08/2023 19:32

I feel like there’s a bit of snobbery and a blind eye turned.

DidYourNameChange · 22/08/2023 19:39

SoRad · 22/08/2023 19:32

I feel like there’s a bit of snobbery and a blind eye turned.

To what? Confused

Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 19:42

We used to stay there a lot when visiting relatives, never noticed anything divisive, but then a lot of places have changed in the past 4 years. She did mention a few rough outbursts on kendal station platform recently but nothing else. Aren't these issues growing everywhere now?

I would be concerned about availability though, I would worry that since properties might be scarce then the prices will leap further..

Her other option is Shrewsbury, south of the river, could afford a terrace there, but she is in love with Kendal!

OP posts:
SoRad · 22/08/2023 19:43

DidYourNameChange · 22/08/2023 19:39

To what? Confused

Show quote history

To the drug use

SoRad · 22/08/2023 19:45

Yeah, there are issues everywhere. And my opinion is likely to be skewed as I’ve never lived anywhere bigger than a Welsh or Cumbrian village.

I live in a Cumbrian village now and Kendal is my nearest town. I prefer to go to Lancaster if i need to shop, or Ulverston for a night out.

Badbadbunny · 22/08/2023 19:49

Finding somewhere to rent will be a challenge. Like a lot of other "touristy" places, lots of local homes have been lost to AirBnB and holiday lets. Viewing slots for flats etc are usually booked solid within a very short time from being added to the internet listing sites. No point asking the letting agents to put you on their list as they get viewing booking phone calls as soon as the listing is put online - they don't "need" to be proactive and phone/email people on their lists, unless the property is unpopular and their viewing slots aren't filled as soon as it's listed. Like a lot of other touristy places, you usually have to offer "something" for the agent to recommend you to the landlord (most places have several viewers wanting it and they don't do first come first served). Your "something" may be offering more than the asking rent, or paying a few months in advance, etc., but you do need "something" to make you stand out and be more attractive to the landlord over everyone else who wants it. Unfortunately, that's the state of the housing market these days. If you're a smoker or have pets, or don't have a good/solid job, you can forget it as the landlord will have over viewees in a better position!

I'd actually suggest looking for property to rent in Morecambe which is about 20 miles away. Pretty easy drive if she wants to commute by car, and there's a decent enough bus service (may have to change at Carnforth depending on timings as there are more buses from Lancaster). Could also take the train, but depending on timing may have to change at both Lancaster and Oxenholme (though some trains run direct from Lancaster through to Kendal). I worked in Kendal for several years, living in Morecambe, and the drive would usually take 25-30 minutes on pretty good roads (option of motorway or main A6). Properties to rent in Morecambe are easier to find and cheaper, but just be careful as there are some dodgy areas with lots of anti social behaviour. Of course, the added huge benefit of living on the coast with wonderful views of the Lake District hills, Morecambe Bay, etc., and still within an hours' drive of some of the more popular tourist spots in the Lake District.

Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 19:59

@Badbadbunny Thanks for such a thought out comment!
I did not know that Kendal was so popular, i am sure it never used to be! It is a lovely place but can feel a bit rough around the edges, so had no idea there would be queues. I did notice that the quality seemed to have dipped - some of them are very poky, dark flats for over £700/800.

She was on an agent's books in Windermere and has been offered a few in the past 3 months but they weren't what she was looking for. It didn't seem that difficult, but it is true there are not many going at any given time.

Her second choice is Shrewsbury, but I am not familiar with it at all. A larger place and some nice areas. Seems there is a little more there for your money, but not sure yet, Will do some more research. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 20:00

Ha! Just remembered, the last time I was in Kendal myself there was a fight at the pharmacy in Boots, a methadone patient I think, she was in a lot of distress. I am sure there are drug problems everywhere, but it depends if the issue is growing..

OP posts:
Tallisker · 22/08/2023 20:05

I second Penrith as an alternative, not that far from Kendal. CloseR to the M6 and the mainline station is actually in Penrith rather then a couple of miles outside.

I really like them both, but there are more rough areas in Kendal than Penrith (ex emergency services, I know all the bad areas)

Original poster
LanternFields · 22/08/2023 20:10

That's interesting @Tallisker , thanks. Not familiar with Penrith, it does seem a bit cut off but that is just my ignorant impression. Will be having a chat later, I am afraid the idea of having to practically bid for a place in Kendal might put her off.

OP posts:
TheCumbrian · 22/08/2023 20:13

Tallisker · 22/08/2023 20:05

I second Penrith as an alternative, not that far from Kendal. CloseR to the M6 and the mainline station is actually in Penrith rather then a couple of miles outside.

I really like them both, but there are more rough areas in Kendal than Penrith (ex emergency services, I know all the bad areas)

Whilst I would agree with this I still think Kendal has the better vibe of the two, and is friendlier and feels safer at night over all in comparison to Penrith.

and whilst Hallgarth does have a drugs issue there are also huge parts of it that are young middle class families getting on the property ladder. Its getting an unfairly bad rep on here, It's nothing in comparison to the rough bits of say, Barrow.

DidYourNameChange · 22/08/2023 20:19

Tallisker · 22/08/2023 20:05

I second Penrith as an alternative, not that far from Kendal. CloseR to the M6 and the mainline station is actually in Penrith rather then a couple of miles outside.

I really like them both, but there are more rough areas in Kendal than Penrith (ex emergency services, I know all the bad areas)

Apart from Hallgarth and Sandylands which others would you say are the rough areas?

Tallisker · 22/08/2023 20:26

@TheCumbrian given your username I'm sure you know your stuff.

@DidYourNameChange yep, those two made up the majority of our calls.

Kendal has much more going on with Brewery Arts and Kendal Calling etc. I lived in Kendal for a few months and would definitely consider going back.

Penrith is smaller, quieter but it has Cranstons as well as Booths Grin

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 22/08/2023 20:28

I'd actually suggest looking for property to rent in Morecambe which is about 20 miles away.

Morecambe rather than Kendal? I have never seen any trouble or anti-social behaviour in Kendal. I would certainly avoid Morecambe though, tbh.

TheCumbrian · 22/08/2023 20:32

Tallisker · 22/08/2023 20:26

@TheCumbrian given your username I'm sure you know your stuff.

@DidYourNameChange yep, those two made up the majority of our calls.

Kendal has much more going on with Brewery Arts and Kendal Calling etc. I lived in Kendal for a few months and would definitely consider going back.

Penrith is smaller, quieter but it has Cranstons as well as Booths Grin

And Penrith actually also has Kendal Calling these days! Grin

it's not been at Kendal for quite a few years now.

TheCumbrian · 22/08/2023 20:34

DidYourNameChange · 22/08/2023 20:19

Apart from Hallgarth and Sandylands which others would you say are the rough areas?

Show quote history

Oh interesting, my thoughts were Kirkbarrow and Hallgarth. I'd forgotten about Sandylands.