Move to Harrogate

[isspringspringing]

DP wants to move back to near where he grew up and where his parents are and he thinks Harrogate would be good. We just spent the weekend there and while we did have a lovely time, the town centre seemed quite empty Friday and Saturday night... where are all the people?

Both in our 50s, children all grown up and doing their own thing so I'm wondering if anyone's moved and settled there more recently? I've read a lot of MN anti-Harrogate opinions so hoping for some balance, or reasons to go!

Bumping this 🤞 just trying to get a sense of the community

I live in central Harrogate
It was a miserable January weekend.
Friday is always busier than Saturday, Summer busier than Winter. Sunday is rather cosy and tends to be locals.
It is a large town- communities as such tend to be in smaller areas within the town.
Takes me 10 minutes to walk into town- Summer I do it many times a week- Winter much less often.

Airbnb has sadly ripped the community out of the centre- used to be lots of cheap flats where young people lived above the shops- now expensive short term rental 'apartments'- many of which which seem empty.

What type of community are you looking for?

I was thinking in a large town there probably are different areas with lots of smaller communities. I live in a village where everyone knows everyone (part of the reason for moving somewhere bigger) so I guess my expectations are slightly different.

We're both like cycling and hiking and I'm interested in crafts and we both like a night out in a few good pubs.

I thought it felt very calm. Do you like living there?

Loads of cycle options.
Walks around Harrogate but in reality a short drive to the Moors or the Dales. My DH whizzes up to the Lakes in the Summer to run/bike ride as well

Not sure about crafts but there will be clubs/guilds.
Lots of places to drink, not all pubs. Harrogate used to have more dining/drinking places per head of the population that anywhere else in the country- not sure if that is true.

We live near the Stray and walk into town, often with our dog for a drink. Threes a Crowd, The Starling and then the various beer bars/pubs (station north star, husk, one I have forgotten the name of) but there are quite a few more traditional pubs as well. Coldbath Road definitely has a community and local hangouts. There is also a brewery places on Hornbeam Park which has music and food trucks etc

I live Southside and so don't really experience traffic but the Wetherby Road/ Skipton Road side is awful on a rainy evening.

We are mid 50s- we have just bought a flat to retire to in town- so we must like it!

Brilliant, thank you @Ametora, you've restored my enthusiasm 😊 Enjoy your flat!

Hello, we are considering a move to Harrogate/Knaresborough in the next year or so, from Cambridgeshire. We have a 2.5 year old and 5 year old who is in Year 1. So primary schools are front of mind... I've read some things about lots of schools being at full capacity and kids being on waiting lists.. Can anyone advise please? And also where are the good and not so good primaries in these areas? Would prefer non-faith school if possible...thank you in advance.. Claire