Any advice on Cornwall

[berniew]

My partner, myself and our two young boys (3 and 1yrs) are interested in moving to Cornwall. My father is from there originally so I spent holidays there as a child visiting my grandparents and have been back several times as an adult.
I am interested to know what Cornwall is like during the winter when the tourists aren't there and if you think it's as good a place as it seems to bring up kids. We are looking primarily round Falmouth area which I believe is quite a student orientated town now- is that a good thing?
Also are there any areas you would advise against moving to or any that are particularly nice?
Any other info you think would be relevant would be greatly appreciated!

[Scorps]

I live in Cornwall, not too far from Falmouth but far enough to not go there often

It is a notorious place for nights out in the summer within my social circle

I really enjoy bringing up my DC here. It's very 'safe' as well.

Very quiet in winter time, but definitely enough locals around. Summer, however, is madness

Falmouth isn't as studenty as you may think - yes they have a University (it's actually more in Penryn TBH), yes there are young people, students - but nothing like you expect for a University town.

There's a nice big Asda

[berniew]

Thanks Scorps that's great. When you say a notorious place for nights out do you mean that in a good way?! And does summer being mad get on your nerves or does it have a good buzz about it?

[Scorps]

Mostly a good way - some famous bands come down for the Uni crowds, it's a fun place for 20-somethings

Personally it drives me mad in summer - everywhere is so busy, what takes you 5 minutes in town in winter takes 20 in summer, and the roads are so busy in holidays, but you get so used to it.

Summer is wonderful here though, so much to do, both day and night, an all round feel-good holiday vibe.

(I pm'd you my location)

[berniew]

Thank you so much- that's really helpful.

[snowballinashoebox]

We have some excellent schools in and around Falmouth, great place to bring children up. Beach after school in the summer, all nice and swallows and amazon when its not raining!

The uni is on my doorstep and growing at an alarming rate when compared to the size of Penryn. The bonus is of course that the whole area is becoming far more cosmopolitan, the downside is parking.

scorps Remedies has closed! We are noticing the students, there are a lot of them now but as I had to commute to Plymouth to get my degree I am not complaining, well apart from the sodding parking!

summer / winter is beginning to blur a bit cos it feels busy all the time now.

Parts of Cornwall do go to sleep in the winter, usually a reflection on the massive second homes occupation in small villages but Falmouth doesn't shut down by any stretch.
Nice areas, if you have transport look at places like Buddock Water, Mabe, Constantine, Mawnan Smith. some nice places around Penryn, out towards Ponsanooth too.

[berniew]

Thank you snowball, again really helpful pointers. Have been looking at the school statistics and most of them look really good. Nice to know it doesn't have a 'ghost town' feel in the winter months too.
We have been to Falmouth (staying in Mylor) for two summer holidays recently and we really like the feel of the place- great beaches too. In fact it was watching kids kayaking after school at Maenporth that first made us think we'd like to relocate-looked like such a great way of life and it's lovely to hear that it is like that in reality, not just appearances to outsiders!

[snowballinashoebox]

we kayak from there

Maybe you should visit this side of the summer, see how it feels when it's grey and gloomy.
Mylor is a nice spot, have friends with kids at the primary there, always beating everyone else in sport competitions.

[TongueTwisted]

Cornwall can sometimes be a bit limited throughout the winter, especially if you are dependant on public transport. Falmouth is very expensive to rent, you may be better off looking in areas just outside such as Penryn.

If you are looking at buying, Mawnan Smith is a beautiful place. Plenty of outdoor walks can be done, if your family enjoy it. And with the Helford river nearby, it has fantastic views.

Opposite Falmouth is Flushing and Mylor - attractive places, very quiet. And easily accessible to Falmouth by ferry.

St Mawes is a lovely place with beaches. It depends what you are looking for really - small village schools for the children, peace and quiet of the countryside and seaside or more inland with easier access to amenities. Penryn and Falmouth have a trainline to Truro which would probably be more cost effective than driving and parking there.

Research, research, research!! Plenty of information about the area online due to it being such a tourist attraction. Good luck with whichever decision you make :)

[berniew]

Perhaps it was you we saw snowball!! Looked lovely anyway. Yes, I agree Mylor is lovely and has good amenities, but appears a bit pricey. I really like Flushing as well Tonguetwisted, I think that's maybe the sort of vibe we're hoping for, can't remember if we've been to St Mawes, but will add it to our list for when we're down, hopefully at some point this year- just need to get some diesel money together for the drive (we live in north Scotland at the moment so the drive is daunting and very expensive!!)
Yes researching whenever we get a minute at the mo TT- all looking promising!

[Pendeen]

Not wishing to spoil the dream but Cornwall is one of the poorest areas in the UK and we actually get EU assistance.

Apart from tourism-related seasonal employment, jobs are very scarce and it's not at all easy to find work.

Even in my lifetime (I'm under 30) I have seen things become worse.

I hope you can realise your dream and your boys are very young so no immediate worries about careers just yet :) but please make sure you keep your feet on the ground and eyes wide open.

Having said all this I'm from the St Just area which is not very nice (as far as work goes) and I know Falmouth is more affluent, so I wish you well.

[berniew]

Thanks Pendeen. I appreciate the reality check! I know all of these points though and the line of work my partner is in pays the same wherever you are- I think that getting a job in the first place will be our biggest challenge. Obviously we wouldn't be moving anywhere without jobs to go to, especially with the current economic climate!
We need to weigh up all these factors against our desire for a lifestyle change.