Moving to Belfast - is it a good idea?

[maryberryeatyourheartout]

Hi,

My family are planning to move to Belfast in the Sping with two DC. We are planning to live in the area around Holywood. We want to live that side of Belfast to be near the airport/coast/work. I know nothing about how the education system works but DD is due to start primary in September 2013 so we will need to apply before we have moved but I don't know how that works although we may have a rental agreement in place. My friends all think we are mad and think things will be bleak...the weather too, but we see the upsides of living out there by the coast with the kids.

I will also need to find a nursery for DS as I will be working.

Can anyone out there tell me something good about living out there - education, shopping :), healthcare and recommend any estate agents. Likely we will be going state route for schools. Hoping to do a rekkie before the year is out. Ideally I would like to live somewhere where there is a community feel so I can make some friends.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

No you don't have to choose a religious school in ni.

Robbie, yes of course there are rental houses! Lol. I'm afraid I have no idea about benefits, I assume you are a UK citizen first of all?

@Robbie, the rental situation in Belfast is a nightmare. I was there 5 years ago and it was bad but friends tell me it is worse now. There is a lot of competition for houses so the LL may have 20 applications to choose from. They will not choose someone on HB over a couple who both have tertiary sector, permanent jobs.

Religious schools are in the minority. Waiting lists for the good schools are long. Very little chance to get into Stranmillis, Strandtown, St Brides as a new comer.

Oooh, I went to Stranmillis years ago. It's strange seeing it mentioned on here.

Broomstick count yourself lucky, it is one of the most sought after schools in Belfast!

Ahh it's south Belfast!

Hi
Could someone advise on the best primary schools around Lisburn or Hillsborough area in Northern Ireland? Thinking of moving back home from England but worried about uprooting the little ones...
Thanks

Hi, did you move out there and what are your experiences? We plan to move this year 😊