Please tell me all you know about Tunbridge Wells

[IWorkHardForMyMoney]

We (DH, 2 DC and myself) are looking for our 'forever' home. We currently live in London. We have friends who have very recently moved to TW and are loving it. We have visited a couple of times and have really loved the vibe, but maybe that's because it was a glorious August evening and they were playing live music at the Pantiles and a lot of beer was also involved . What can you tell me about living in TW? DH works in Blackfriars, I work from home, DS's are 6. Our budget for a house would be in the region of £600K and private education would not be an option. We are a multicultural family and I'll be honest, I worry a little about how we'll be perceived, but maybe I'm the one being prejudiced.

My DIL told me about this last week and I scoffed at her! I didn't believe her as she is scared of her own shadow and thought she was being a drama queen!
She won't go out after dark on her own and makes my son answer the front door!

BTW OP Tunbridge Wells is a lovely town.
I can't advice re schools as my three have all left school in the last three years and things change.
However My eldest two passed 11+ DD1 went to Weald of Kent in Tonbridge,
DS went to TWBG in southboro. DD2 went to St Gregs in southboro did.t put her in for 11+ but got vicar to help us apply.
All three been through uni and got good jobs. So the schools were good for them.
We now have BTL in TW and know the area well.
Our favourite areas are St James, St peters and The village area. Neville is very expensive out of your budget.
I would agree with others your best bet would be st Johns, There are some very nice family houses around New England rd, Eastcliff rd.
Wide treelined roads with great parking. Choice of main station or High Brooms.