Need honest opinions of what’s Rochester like now

[laraq01]

We are seriously considering moving to Rochester. We have been on 2 Saturdays and a Thursday night to check out the vibe and people and all seemed much nicer than we expected.
We have read and heard of a not very nice reputation with it being a Medway town but wanted to hear from people who live there now as we’ve not seen that.
We will be moving with a 1year old and a dog and looking to live near the cathedral.
Please let me know what it’s like for safety, commuting to London, local activities, shopping and community feel?
Thanks in advance

I know for sure that it is one of the worst areas for NHS etc services. My friend is a nurse and left there as so bad. Her brother is still there and it is not getting any better

Oh no that’s far from ideal. Anyone else live there and can help?

It depends where you go. There's some beautiful parts and some that aren't (Strood).
The high street is pretty but nighttime isn't ideal (like most high streets).
I've only ever had positive experiences at Medway hospital and their maternity ward is excellent.

Shorts way isn't nice so you need to keep closer to the cathedral

Medway hospital has come on leaps and bounds - certainly better than the other locals (MTW).

I like Rochester. Lovely Christmas market, good access to London, not as "rough" as other medway towns.

That’s really helpful thank you. Good to hear few positive comments. Def looking near the Cathedral

Just in case anyone finds this we moved to Rochester with our daughter and love it. Best decision we have made

very helpful to know. we will be moving soon also and I will be towards the end of my pregnancy so a bit worried about GP registration and moving my antenetal care

Do you commute into London? I wonder if the trains are packed in the morning

Yes we commute in to st Pancras. Trains are fine we always get a seat once we figured out where to stand on the platform.

We swapped surgery fairly easily and as you’re pregnant it will be fine I reckon.

Good luck with your move. We have found it great with a little one. There a good Facebook group called Mama Meets Medway and they do meet ups and let you know what’s going on locally

Thank you. Will definitely check out the Facebook group.

Hello

Well done on your move. It's very inspiring to hear you did it.

Do you mind me asking where you particular move to in Rochester? I have been looking at Kent for last few months and have begun viewing housing in Strood, Lordswood, Walderslade, Chattedean and Hoo. I am first time buyer and will be moving with my fiance and two year old daughter. Fiance works in central London and I work in South London (Peckham) we currently live in Greenwich.

What areas would you recommend? And what estate agent would you recommend?

Thank you in advance

Brexit heartland

we are next to the station in Rochester. New build - Rochester Riverside by Countryside Properties. Have a look it's a huge development.

Hi @moomoo26, have you already moved to Rochester Riverside? How is the area? I am very much looking forward to hear your thoughts. Many thanks in advance.

Yes, been here a few months now. We like it. The area is nice and the high street has plenty of restaurants.

Hi @moomoo26 , hope you are doing fine! Are you still living at Rochester Riverside? Would you mind sharing some of your impressions about the development and its suitability for young families? We're thinking about moving there, the riverside is super attractive but we're anxious about the quality of the houses, overall safety and medical services... would be very grateful for any advice!

@volk1189 it's a good development and everyone is really nice. there are lot's of young families. countryside are a good developer and the quality is good. they are also very good at snagging work after you move in. I suggest getting a professional snagging company to do snagging before you move into a new property. when we registered with a GP there was only one accepting new patients and they have been good so far as for safety I would say it's pretty safe.
Send me a private message if you need any more details.

We moved to Rochester quite near the cathedral. Really like it here. Rochester Riverside development is great - we are big fans and so close to the station and high street. It really is good here so don’t be put off by people’s negativity. Come and explore for yourself

Nighttime economy would be my issue living near the cathedral. The nightlife is busy along the high street with alcohol associated issues. When the sweeps, Dickens festival, Christmas markets are on the local roads are closed and it is heaving! You would have to resign yourselves to staying in or around the high st for those weekends and there are about 5-6 of these events every year. The novelty of those events wears off quickly, no parking and crowds.
Avoid the esplanade, shorts way and into borstal. Go towards Maidstone road Rochester if you can.
It's easy to get into London from Rochester train station. Canon st is about 40mins away rush hour fast train.

Does anyone know what the esplanade Rochester is like to live up and the area around there please let me know. Day and night