Advice on moving to Ramsbottom - schools and where to live

[EandA]

Dependent on DH getting a new job in Manchester there's a chance we will be moving to Ramsbottom this year (from north London). We've chosen Ramsbottom as I was brought up in north Manchester and want to be close(ish) to family. We did also consider Prestwich but have been warned it would be very difficult for five year old DS to transfer into a school place in year two as the schools are oversubscribed.

Anyway I know Ramsbottom is small but would like some advice about schools and the nicest bits to live in. I don't drive and we want to keep our budget manageable (and DH will be getting the bus into Bury to get the tram) so currently we would like to stay close to the town centre.
Also any other general tips would be great. Will the commute to Manchester drive DH mad? Are there plenty of places to meet people? I also have a three year old but she's getting a bit old for toddler groups so advice about playgroups would be great!
Thanks very much x

Hi. you may have moved already as this post has been quiet for a while ! If not have you ever considers Hawkshaw or Edgworth as an alternative. Very close by and Both lovely villages with great schools xx

Hi there no no move yet DH is still having interviews so nothing to report yet and if we want to move by September time is getting very tight and I am starting to stress about it! We've ruled out places like Hawkshaw as I don't drive and we think they would be too much of a change after London life.
Currently having discussions with DH about Holcombe Brook vs the houses off Nuttall Lane. He thinks I would feel too cut off in HB but there we could get a big garden and a bigger house. So many of the houses off Nuttall Lane have small gardens and I am desperate to give the kids some proper space. But they are closer to parks.
We need to make a decision really as this will obviously influence which school I get DS into. Ideas and opinions grealy welcome! Xx

Hi. I guess you're right. London to Hawkshaw might be a bit of a culture shock! They are both lovely villages though. Have you looked at the bottom end of rammy, past the hearth of the ram - that's a great restaurant and there's also a fantastic park nearby? My dh commutes into the centre of Manchester every day by car, he leaves early so beats all the traffic and it takes him around 45 mins, then he tends to be home by 6 ish leaving at 5. If I can give any help I'm happy to just post on here. X

Thanks for the reply! We'd ruled out that side of town because DH will be getting public transport to work (if and when he gets a job) - at least at first. (He is assuming he will not get a parking space and we're used to longish commutes.) It could be worth a look though because of the way the buses loop round and there is plenty of space at Peel Brow so I wouldn't have to worry about schools. Are there houses round there that aren't terraces? Nothing against terraced houses at all but as we can afford bigger we want to get bigger.
We really need to go and have another look round but it's hard in term time.
By the way, are you on any of the FB groups about life in Ramsbottom? It can be hard to detect sarcasm online but all the 'we hate outsiders' stuff is very offputting! x

Hi. I can imagine it's quite a stressful time for you all! I actually live in edgworth so not on any ramsbottom groups, we do go there lots though as its bit busier on the weekends. It must be tough trying to relocate so far as you probably need to come and spend a good few days in the area so you can really explore and find out what places are like at different times of the day/ night etc. I wouldn't worry too much about the commute though, whether it's car, bus, train or tram you're looking at an hour. X

Hi there sad to say it seems you're not missing much by not being on any of the FB groups there are some nice/helpful/informative people on there but some proper keyboard warriors too.
Anyway yes the distance is a bit of a nightmare and because DS is in school I can't head up there whenever I like.
DH's job hunting is going rather slowly so it looks like we are planning for a Christmas move rather than aiming to be there for September which isn't ideal but it does mean I can visit in the summer and autumn as it looks like I am going to have to visit more schools to help make a final decision about which area to live in.
Edgworth looks lovely though, good choice!
x

So the move is on! DH has a new job and is going to move up at the start of September and me and the kids plan to join him at Christmas. There are only two schools that DS has a chance of getting into on the side of town we want to live on so we are going to visit them with him and once we've fixed on a school we have to find somewhere to live! So DH will find us a house to rent while I get ours sold and we can look for somewhere to buy without being in a rush.
Exciting times and I will need to meet people so please shout if anyone would like to once we've moved up!

Hi op, any news on the move?