Torquay and Paignton

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We are looking to move over the summer to either Torquay or Paignton. All threads I could find were very negative about what it's like to live there and several years old, and suggesting to move further away from the coast line.
Could any filter with young children tell me what it's like now? Any areas more suitable with 3 young kids (3,4,6)? Also schools????
And lastly, our boys are very sporty, playing rugby, tennis, football and gymnastics between them- anything available in the area?
I would really appreciate your help!!!

I don't live in Torquay or Paignton, but thought I'd try to tell you what little I can. I know some areas are definitely nicer than others.
Babbacombe, St Marychurch, Chelston etc nicer than Hele.
Paignton has a fantastic zoo, geopark play area and beach for the kids.
Torquay has beach, good soft play & Torquay Olympic gymnastics club.
If you want to go shopping, I'd get the train or drive to either Exeter or Plymouth, (unless you just want a bucket & spade and a glittery cowboy hat.)
Torquay grammar has a great reputation. I don't know about primaries, I'm afraid.
Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge will be along to help you....

Thank you, for taking time to respond that's a great start! Due to ages of boys primaries rather important but always good to know a good grammar there for later!
If anyone knows about catchment areas/ good primaries etc help would be appreciated!

Hi, we moved to Brixham in Jan 14, which is nearby. Brixham appeals to us as it is a bit smaller and seems to have a strong sense of community. Haven't researched primaries in full as our little one is a bit young yet, but all seem to have pretty good reps esp CofE. I live near Furzeham primary and will consider that as it also seems good / up and coming. There is so much for young boys to do down here - just get them outside, and easily! And all sea/water sports for when they get a bit older. So far we are quite happy even if it's been a dramatic change from West London!

Hey mummies...I have just set this page up on Facebook in the hope of making some lovely new mummy friends in the Willows...if you or anyone you know lives there, would you kindly add yourselves or share this link please! Thanks lovelies xxx
www.facebook.com/Willowsmumsclub

Hi we are thinking of moving to paignton or torquay or totnes. What is it like in terms or crime, schools, safety etc. Thanks

Hello, I live in Paignton with DD(3). There are parts of Torbay which are lovely and parts which are horrific. House prices and crime rates reflect this. The main primary school to avoid is Kings Ash. Old way is one of the best but it's also huge and has a secondary school feel. Shiphay primary in Torquay is lovely but oversubscribed. Ilsham has great results.
I grew up here, went to Bristol and then came back. There are the normal clubs her: swimming, ballet football etc but the options are limited compared to a city. Public transport, especially busses, are terrible. If you don't drive then you will struggle.
Totnes is lovely, I worked there for a while. It has a very "hippy" vibe which is embraced. If you make your own clothes out of hemp then you will fit in! That sounds like a terrible stereotype but Totnes-ians seem to like it.
Shopping wise, set your expectations low. Half of the shops in Torquay are empty, Paignton is surviving slightly better. Most of what is open in Torbay and Totnes is charity shops.
In the summer, tourists descend. A 20 walk in winter can take an hour in the summer due to sheer volume of pedestrians. Also some shops only open in the summer. Dogs can only go on the beach in winter.
That's a very brief overview, feel free to ask questions :)

We have our heart set on totnes so hopefully we'll get a rental there before buying. My dad used holiday as a child to totnes and he actually recommended it! Its nice to hear its still as nice now.

Totnes is lovely but very expensive! Preston between Paignton and Torquay is really nice. All the good secondary schools are in Torquay with one in Churston.

I don't know what primaries are like in Totnes but the school at dartington doesn't have a good reputation at all.

Good luck!

I live in The Willows in Torquay and love it here, so many beautiful places to go

Hi, we're looking to move to the willows. What primary and secondary schools would you recommend?? also are there any parks in the area?
Thank you x

There's a great park by Beechfield Avenue/Windward Road.

hello
I know this is a bit of an old thread, but we're looking to move to Brixham in the coming year from Reading. We've been every year for 5 years, sometimes twice if we get chance, and love the place and people so much we want to move there permanently. However, I am slightly worried about being very lonely. I have few friends where I am now, so moving would mean starting all over again.
Our son is 2.5 years old and loves going to his current childminders so much, but we need to move before he hits school age really.
So much to think about!!!
We're hoping to come looking at houses in April when we visit for a week. (I want to come this weekend as I've seen a gorgeous house online, but life is getting in the way!)
Any tips and a friendly hello would go a long way to easing my anxieties about moving so far from family

Did you make your move ,?

Hi HoggM84
Just wondered if you made the move? I am in the same predicament right now and my head is pickled!

Hi we are also in the same situation lol.
Just wondered what your doing?
We sold our house today, so we are going to be going down to the Torbay area in the Easter holidays to view houses. Just very nervous as we are moving 300 miles away from all family and friends. Just glad I’m not the only one in the situation lol. Very Excited but anxious too x

Wow that is even further than us!! We are moving 200 miles - well we think so anyway we’re not 100% sure yet. We are looking at brixham how about you? Do you have children?

Yes we have 2 children, you? were looking at Paignton..it’s a tough choice we would like Paignton with some sort of sea view we’ve seen a couple of houses. But we also don’t know whether to go more inland and have the “right” house. Now our house has sold we need to crack on. Just hard as you can’t drive down their whenever you fancy to view as it’s so far lol

Did you make the move? I am the same position with the same aged child

Hello Ask2014, we are moving to Paignton area in the next few months. We have 2 kids 1 nearly 3 and 1 5 months. Can't offer any advice but sounds like we're in the same boat!

Hey movingmumz. Be great to hear how you get on. We are moving from Essex and giving up jobs in the city - mainly because of the house prices and the crime rates. Be great to hear how you get on!

Hi all
Jumping on this also if you dont mind. I am also considering a move to preston in paignton. Have 2 young kids one is just 1 and other nearly 3 Went to paignton at the weekend and loved it so much for kids to do. But was aware of element in town centre when we accudentally parked in crossways and walked through ghost town.

The one thing holding me back is a few people (family) commenting on teenage crime rates etc. I am now worried that they will go down the wrong path if no prospects or opportunities. I hope these people are wrong. Anyone with teenage kids in devon please set my mind straight

Love the idea of living by the sea. I have a wedding shop so can take it anywhere but dont want to make a mistake moving. Have read about rising youth crime rates in paignton and not usually put off by this stuff. But it is bothering me.
Any advice from people who live there much appreciated.

Thanks

Hey!

I know this is an old thread but just wondered how you all got on. We were supposed to move in 2015 and it all fell through. Second time lucky and we are SSTC so have the chance to move from the midlands. I have a 13 year old. Is the QED area that bad? Looking at the new builds on Luscombe road.