Gravesend...all info appreciated!

[RME578]

Hello all,
DH and I are looking to make the move from London. He's working in Canary Wharf so will need to commute. We've been looking in Rochester but now are zoning in on Gravesend. Tbh some of the stuff I see online about Gravesend isn't very complimentary but there's good and bad areas everywhere. We've seen a house we like...road close to Windmill park which is supposed to be okay. It's amazing how further your money goes outside of London BUT will we be sorry.
How are the schools?
Is it as rough as some of the online reviews say (one reviewer referred to Gravesend as the armpit of Kent...oh gosh!!)
How are the people there?

If anyone has made the jump from London to Gravesend I'd love to hear from you..the good and the bad :-)

Thank you all!
RME

I used to work with someone who lived in Gravesend and have occasionally visited in the last year or so. There are nicer bits like the Windmill area but it is quite rough in parts like the other Medway towns. I think Rochester is nicer (but possibly more expensive)? Cost out the transport to CW - I don't think it's cheap.

Thanks for that. You're right the cost of commuting adds up...hoping that when we weigh it all up, we'll come out on top by paying less for the house. Thanks for responding!

My dad lives there and I did with him as a teen. Like everywhere it has good and bad bits. The town center is a bit depressing.
Windmill Hill is def one of the better areas. There are a couple of good schools, the girl's grammar especially.

I'd choose Rochester over Gravesend any day purely in terms of lifestyle but it's more expensive and further away.

Thanks a lot OP!!

We live there and find it great yes there are rough patches but we have had no trouble and it feels safe. We live in the windmill hill area which is reasonably nice but most of gravesend is fine as long as you avoid a couple of estates.
Transport to London is expensive but it's a reasonably quick journey and the cost is cheaper than London house prices.
Schools are pretty good certainly at secondary level.
Ask or pm me for more help

Thanks so much KitCat this is so helpful. For us this is 'the move'...we want to be in our next house for the long term and we're nervous about making the wrong decision. The house we viewed was lovely...it was on Old Road West. Are you familiar? We are planning to start a family this year so schools will be important. Do you have children in primary school in the area? Did you find them to be okay? Also how do you find the town centre? Do you use it or do you go to Bluewater? I'm glad to hear a positive review. Thanks so much OP! X

Me and DH lived there for just over a year about 12 years ago. We both hated it.

The town centre was depressing then and I would imagine it would be worse now. We both hate big shopping malls so Bluewater being close by was not of any interest to us.

Do you have DC?

It’s Kent, which means 11+......very divisive and stressful. I’d think twice.

I think I know the house you mean it's close to me old rd west is a very busy road with a fair amount of traffic would be my concern. The primary school for that area is ok as far as I know though mine are older. The town centre is a bit run down but I do use it though many things your better off at bluewater depending on weather you want basic Primark type stuff in gravesend or more choice at Bluewater.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. We've no children yet, hopefully soon though. I've read that there's redevelopment planned for the area but these things can take years! Not sure I'm that patient ;-)
Thank you all for your messages!
RME

@RME578 did you make the move? would be nice to get your feedback of you did
thanks!

Hello @Ama007 no in the end we didn't, our main concern being the commute and not really being familiar with the area. We've settled in Eltham, and very happy here. Best of luck if you're house hunting!

Thanks! Yes been exploring different areas and found a property on Old Road West but not very sure of the area.