NORWICH- Tell me everything there is to know..............................................

[chocolatebirdy]

We are thinking of a move there due to dps work. We know nothing about it really, so if you live or have lived there can you please advise me about the area, whats good and whats not, primary schools, and anything else you would like to mention.

Thanks.

Someone must live there, i thought it was a big place?! Anyone...

Well the only thing I can think of is that if an army person writes NORWICH on the back of a letter sent home, it means 'nickers off ready when I come home'

Not much help but couldn't resist.

Erm thanks UCM

Alan Partridge lives there? Or is that Ipswich?

There are a few of us living in and around Norwich. It is a lovely place imho, but depends on what you want out of a place. It has very clearly delineated areas. For example the more modern part of Norwich has two large shopping centres inculding the new Chapelfield development. A matter of minutes away from this is the Elm Hill/Tomblands area which is quiet, cobbled and littered with tea rooms and antiques shops. There is also the more alternative St Benedicts area (lots of music/alternative clothes shops etc) and then the night life (shudder) is fairly localised around Prince of Wales and Riverside (which also has a big entertainment complex-cinema, bowling etc). So depending on what you want out of a city, I think you would very likely find it in Norwich centre. We also have two cathedrals!

In terms of where to live I would imagine most people would prefer to live in a surrounding town/village. West of Norwich are the very popular residential areas such as Drayton, Taverham and Thorpe Marriott. Bus services are good from these areas if you don't drive, but only on weekdays really and before 5pm. This area also has some very nice primary schools. Nearer the city centre schools are obviously very different depending upon location. I would avoid North Norwich (no offence)- areas such as Catton Grove, Philidelphia and Hellesdon if you want an honest opinion. West Norwich is near to the university and teaching hospital but comprises a lot of local authority housing. South Norwich is the most up and coming area, but is definitely not quite there yet. East Norwich is more expensive but has some beautiful areas. Budget will make a huge difference obviously as Norwich is popular with the London commuters.

Transport links into Norfolk are diabolical but I quite like that. What else do you want to know?

there are quite a few Norwich people on here - keep bumping. I work there - but live out in the sticks.

Are you thinking town or country ? Buy or rent ?

Traffic can be grim to try and live on the side you work.

errrrm.

it's quite flat.

that's all there is to say about that really.

i miss it i moved here in kent from norwich area in nov last year its a lovely city but compared to here its very sleepy and i love it my dad still lives there as do my friends!!!!!!

As cities go Norwich is quite small (but perfectly formed) I moved to Norfolk from Warrington and found it a bit of a culture shock as you just don't get the same standard/choice in things like restaurants, theatres, shops etc as you do in larger cities such as Liverpool and Manchester.

However, that was pre - dd and I've since come to appreciate the rural nature of the area. Crime is lower and it's a nice place to bring up kids. I live about 25 miles away from Norwich I used to work there but don't know good areas or schools as I've never lived there.

I live in Norwich in a village on the south side. I moved here from Scotland about 6 years ago. I you want to put up your email address I am happy to discuss things off board (in case of offending anyone over areas/schools etc!)

Fimbo's diplomatic you see.

I echo her sentiment, I can always be CATed if you want to ask specific questions. My parents moved to Norfolk in 1985 so I know the area fairly well!

Oh, the beaches. Did anybody mention the coast? Very lovely for children- grew up not far from Wells Next The Sea.

Sorry if I offended anybody with my 'don't opt for North Norwich' comment, only meant it in terms of school choice (my friend's a primary school teacher and works there).

Friend lives there - to the East
Shopping is v good

madmarchhare said what I was thinking - whatever you do, don't get it confused with Ipsiwch

We had our first ever hol in Norfolk last July and thought it was fab - mind you the roads were quiet, we were there the week before the major tourist onslaught, they were queueing up to get in the day we left.

Great beaches, lovely Broads, nice countryside and Norwich seemed like a really pleasant city too (we only went once).

Ooh yes, we have had lovely holiday on the broads.

Thanks everyone that is a fair bit to be going on with. We will be buying and would prefer somewhere more rural i think?! But not too far from the centre! I will now get to work and look into the areas mentioned and look at house prices and schools. Anyone else feel free to add your opinions and info. Cheers.

work out where DH is likely to be working and then work out commuting routes from there - that will give you a reasonable area to look in and investigate schools etc - and then the rest of us can stick our oar in and tell you where not to go !

I grew up there.

Then I left.

I've lived in Norwich 12 years and really like it - it's more of an oversized village really - anyone you meet will be the friend of a friend of the aunt of someone you work with, etc. It's got good shops, lots of history, good beaches not too far away - my only complaint is that it's not exactly a multicultural city.

I went to university in Norwich and lived there for several years afterwards. All my children were born there but I now live 20 odd miles away (same place as ProfYaffle). We still go into Norwich for shopping and visiting dh's family once a week or so.
In my opinion the nicest place to live in town is the Golden Triangle -from Dereham Road to Unthank Road. But it is very studenty. There are several good First schools round there too.
I have also lived to the north of the city and it wasn't nearly as nice - although similarly sized houses were much cheaper.

Hi, Just took the plunge and moved from London to Norwich, move in to house nr the Cathedral in Feb. Have no real idea what to expect but it will be a shock going from Hackney to Norwich, fingers crossed it will be a good one!

So all new and looking for advice on play groups and such like and if there is anyone else out there new to the city or willing to show a newcomer round...as will be a bit of a billy no mates looking for friends, my daughter will be too!

All advice much appreciated. Wish me luck! Cheers.

er..I was born there...but we moved when I was 6

Not sure how often people log onto to this site and threads but I shall try not to take this as a sign!

MM - there are a few MNers in Norwich, it might be worth starting a new thread in 'meet ups', East Anglian meet ups have a history of being slow to get off the ground.

Cheers - will do.