Thinking of relocated to Norfolk (yes another one)

[Pinkglow]

Hi I know there loads of these type messages on here but I?m yet another one who is thinking of relocating to Norfolk.

My husband has been offered a job transfer and we are seriously considering taking it up. We currently live in a posh area of Surrey and over the years we are getting priced out (we rent) as the south east is getting more and more expensive. We do not have a hope of ever buying here.

Only thing that?s putting us off is the fact we have a four year old starting school in September and I have just read about the ofstead reports concerning Norfolk and the fact that I will need a part time job and am unsure if I can get one easily.

Based on our research so far we are thinking Diss sounds quite good, the schools seem ok there and there are plenty of places around I can commute to. Or somewhere just over on the Suffolk boarder like Beccles. Or perhaps somewhere like Aylsham for easier access to Norwich (I?m qualified in financial services and there seems to be plenty of companies based there)

If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated

Hi PinkGlow

I'm just in the edge of N.Norfolk, near Fakenham.

The school situation is a real worry. We've resorted to an independent school for DD starting nursery class in September. But there are some good ones, you just have to look.

Have you visited Norfolk before? If not i would seriously recommend getting a cottage for a week ASAP and checking out the schools in the new term. (Or perhaps a long weekend to minimise disruption to your DC schooling).

Norfolk is truly lovely, but it can be remote. (in places).

Aylsham and Beccles are both lovely market towns. Beccles is bigger with more useful stuff (including a river, large common and good playground) and a train to Ipswich (but not to norwich) and is close to Southwold and Walberswick for seaside. Aylsham means you're in the beautiful North Norfolk with all our fab beaches and seaside towns and right next door to the amazing NT Blickling Hall. But, it can feel a bit 'yocal'. And you're probably then limited to Norwich or Holt for work.

I don't know Diss other than being good central place for commuting.

Thankyou for the long reply!

It?s a very differcult decision as out of our four local schools, three are rated outstanding and the fourth (which is considered the ?bad? one) is rated as good.
But the downside of this is that we are living in a small two bedroomed flat in an area where the rent is increasing year on year.
But there does seem to be pockets in Norfolk where the schools are ok so I think we will have to be very careful about where we move.

My next worry is if I could find part time work, that is why I thought Diss would be good as it opened up more areas for me. Bit of a leap of faith really.

If you need to be within distance of 'proper' work then Diss is defo your best option. Easy for Norwich, Ipswich and London.

Where's your DH going to be working?

BTW Pulham Market / Harleston / Needham area is v lovely. Thetford less so.

Hi Pinkglow

We re-located from the SE to Norfolk in Sept last year, again, with DH's work. Like you we rent, and the cost of living was awful in SE. We have saved so much money in Norfolk.

We are north of Norwich, commutable by bus. I can't comment on schools, as DC1 hasn't arrived yet, but in every other way we have not looked back.

I didn't find it hard to find a job - there are lots in Norwich - but I don't know about part time ones.

Are your family back in SE? If so, Diss may be a good option, as it's south of Norwich and so closer to the trunk routes out of the county. We can go back to Reading in 3hrs/3.5hrs.

The advice above to have a little holiday here to explore is good advice. Fortunately, DH has relatives here, so we were able to explore very easily. I wouldn't move back to the SE now.

Let us know how you get on!

Hi pinkglow !

My partner and I had the same idea to relocate,we lived in brighton for a few years before becoming pregnant and since then it has been a mad rush to find somewhere to move too. There is just so much to consider when you move! this is our first and due in january. Right now we are staying with OH parents,not ideal as they live in the middle of nowhere and we both don't drive!! Never had too living in the city center there were bus's everywhere. We are 2 miles from Watton and our plan is to move to Norwich as soon as possible ! Diss is lovely, thetford is less lovely, although we do have friends living there and their area is a nice place to raise a family. I don't have much advice as I am new to this whole area but if you ever need anyone to talk to i'm more than happy. Not a lot to do in the country side when you don't drive haha.

Hope you get sorted !