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Edinburgh versus Falmouth

8 replies

Overthehillsandfaraway8 · 09/01/2018 20:04

Has anyone lived in both Edinburgh and Falmouth, and if so which did you prefer and why? I know Edinburgh well and am thinking of moving back there, but the weather and difficulty of driving anywhere puts me off. i have never been to Falmouth, but intensive research leads me to believe there is lots to do, it's warmer and seems to have a good quality of life.

OP posts:
52isjustanumber · 09/01/2018 20:13

My DD was at uni in Falmouth. It's a lovely but not huge town. Weather usually lovely in the summer but can be very wet and cold in the winter, plus windy.
Shopping is good for small unusual shops but you need to go to Truro or further afield for bigger stores.
Beachlife is lovely and there are lots of lovely coastal places to visit in the good weather. When its wet it can be a bit bleak.
Housing wise, not certain re prices but there have been issues with student housing taking over as the uni has expanded.
Transport wise, the main road in is off the A30 which has been upgraded but is prone to closures. It is a long way down! Trains are okay but again its a long way.
Nearest airport is Newquay or Bristol.
There would definately be more night life, shows etc in Edinburgh. That said I would love to live in Falmouth.

OCSockOrphanage · 09/01/2018 20:15

I have never lived in either but have lived in Cornwall for much of my life, and I think the choice could come down to your occupation. Falmouth is lovely, but there are probably fewer work opportunities than in Edinburgh iin any field you can name. It's quite a small town.

whyismykid · 09/01/2018 20:54

I currently live in Edinburgh and have lived about 40 mins away from Falmouth- I think it definitely depends on what you are looking to get out of life!

Edinburgh much better for jobs, culture, feeling connected to the world as a whole, and within an hour you have fantastic beaches, but also mountains, Lochs, and another large and internationally significant city. And driving isn’t that bad - depending on where you want to go! And we fly most places because it’s so easy to get to the airport.

I’d retire to Falmouth...

Overthehillsandfaraway8 · 10/01/2018 11:02

Thanks - I hadn't thought about wind and bleakness in Falmouth, only in Edinburgh!

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whiskyowl · 10/01/2018 13:32

They are SO different, it's like comparing apples and oranges Shock!! Are you sure about your choice because to get the most out of each of those places would surely mean living a totally different kind of lifestyle in each?

Shattered04 · 11/01/2018 14:15

Falmouth is lovely, I know it very very well as I grew up nearby and family live there. However, the character of the town has changed a lot since the college (now a uni) began expanding at a rate of knots. There are now big issues, pretty serious in some areas with parking due to so much of the older housing now becoming multi-resident and every tenant has a car. It's not uncommon to park nearly quarter of a mile from home sometimes. And the students don't always make for the best neighbours - obviously it depends on the students as some are lovely, but anecdotally I know of far too many negative stories. And they are not always peaceful on their return from the pub (personal experience!) - yes, you can get that anywhere but it never used to be that bad in Falmouth, and the number of pubs has decreased, not increased.

It's a bit isolated geographically as to get most places you have to drive several miles along the A39. If there are accidents, or trees come down or flooding happens at the Norway Inn near Devoran, you've had it as the side roads can't take the diverted traffic!

It's true about it being permanently damp in the off season though! Never bothered me, mind.

That said besides those issues it is a delightful place or my family wouldn't still be living there. The local residents are very friendly so long as you're not annoying, and there's a strong sense of community with people accepted for who they are.

There are things to do and the walks over the cliffs to Swanpool and even further to Maenporth are truly stunning, as is Pendennis Castle and the headland views up there. The shops are interesting, fewer chainstores than in many places, and there's lots of pasty shops. The various boat trips along the Fal or out to sea are fantastic. The views across the river are gorgeous. And the railway line into Truro is very fast, albeit infrequent.

Sadly I have only visited Edinburgh once twenty years ago so cannot comment!

Shattered04 · 11/01/2018 14:17

Oh yep, there's definitely no jobs. That's why I'm not living there now Wink

BordersMumNow123 · 11/01/2018 17:30

I live near Edinburgh and find it amazing. I have visited Falmouth area a few times, my main concern was that it felt 'cut off' as there has been some serious traffic jams when we tried to get anywhere as there is nor many roads to/from the area and an accident blocked it. I don't find the driving around Edinburgh that bad, and I feel Edinburgh is more connected for jobs and culture. There are some beautiful areas around Edinburgh to visit easily.

However it is hard to compare the two!

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