Keswick?

[CondoleezzaRiceKrispies]

Considering applying for a job in Keswick, but haven't been there since a childhood holiday. A quick scout around Right Move makes me think renting anywhere near could be impossible, what could be the alternatives?
Have a 2 year old DD.

Look outside the national park, will be cheaper and then drive in?

1/2 hour ish to Penrith or Workington. Workington cheaper but Penrith nicer and easier for M6 if you will be going anywhere else regularly

by 'impossible' do you mean the price of renting? In which case I'd agree with HaitchJay, go outside of the National Park. North tends to be cheaper than South as it lessens the option of heading into Lancaster/Preston and the M6 for work closer to Manchester.

There are very few properties for rent, on that site anyway, wondered whether the rental market in Keswick is aimed at the tourism short term market.
What's the area like, aside from the beautiful countryside? I like places that have a sense of community, cultural things to do, good places to eat and a bit arty would be nice.

Will have a look at the places you mentioned, ta!

I assume that majority are holiday lets.

Keswick is lovely, no idea community wise (im further south)but the theatre is probably the best in Cumbria and there's good food, although most of Cumbria is pretty good.

Oh and if you plan to drive into work stay near main roads as they get lots of snow closures on the hilly/rural bits

Much as I love Keswick, I wouldn't say it's a hotbed of "community, cultural things to do, good places to eat and a bit arty".

The 'Theatre by the Lake' is good, hosting far more than you'd expect for the size of town. There's also a small cinema.

Places to eat - a great deal of choice (sheer number of tourists), some good but it depends where you're coming from - it's not going to appear in a list of 'best places to eat in the UK'.

Community - poss not it's strong point. Obviously a lot of people are tourists/short-term lets. It's gets its fair share of crime (small town, limited things for people to do who aren't into walking/running/climbing), but probably not worse than most towns that size.

I realise my comments sound negative, so I'll go back to saying I love Keswick, but that's because I love the surrounding areas and fells. The town for me is mre of a base than a destination in itself, altho' for many others it is just that.

Maybe a trip up there would be worthwhile?

Thanks very much for the info.

Yes, undoubtedly we'd need a good look round properly if I were to actually get as far as being offered the job. I've been to Bowness (about 10 years ago, admittedly), so I've got a good idea of what you mean regarding the proliferation of hiking shops etc.

When I look at my 'likes' written down, I can't help feeling I'd be better off in Oxfordshire/Sussex/Cambridge etc! V few jobs in my trade though, so can't be too choosy.

Depends if you enjoy the great outdoors really!

I live in Cockermouth which is 12/13 miles away from Keswick. I moved here a couple of years ago and love it but unless you care for walking/canoeing/biking you may find it limiting. I've found people round here are very friendly and there is very little crime but fairly limited shopping opportunities. Personally I find Keswick a bit too touristy and would prefer choose to live in Penrith or Cockermouth - they are cheaper as well and easy enough to rent in.

I love the outdoors in a 'lovely stroll on the beach followed by tea and a bun' sort of way. Don't need to be in a big city at all, but am definitely not a hiker.

Hhm, all food for thought, this.

Never been to Cockermouth, only saw it on the news because of the flooding, but it did look like a nice town. I do like a naice independent shop.