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Original poster

Relocating to Northamptomshire kettering

39 replies

NdMc1 · 23/08/2019 20:28

Im looking for some help with relocating - My H has been offered a job in the Kettering area that would be crazy to turn down, but this means we will need to relocate from Norfolk, neither of us have been to this area before (other than for his interview and a few days look around). I have read some bad reviews on her about kettering, and was wandering whether we should be looking at more rural villages? We would be moving to somewhere we don't know anyone so would like a 'community' feeling but like our own privacy. With space for our growing family. I would really appreciate any advice on areas to go towards, or really areas to avoid :) Thanks guys x

OP posts:
mintandcoral · 23/08/2019 20:50

Sorry if this is a bit blunt but I grew up and lived in Kettering for 18 years and my parents have just moved away as during the past 10 years or so it has really, really declined. I would not move or live there. The crime rate is currently through the roof in comparison to surrounding areas. Much better options around that location would be Market Harborough and Oundle or anywhere really. I know people who still live there who don't even feel safe or comfortable going out during the day with the pram.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 23/08/2019 21:14

Do you need access to schools?

We moved to the area a few years for work also and looked at surrounding villages as we decided we didn’t want to be in Kettering itself. We had 2 kids to get into primary school so I visited the schools and then looked for housing in the villages where I liked the schools - those being Broughton, Cranford and Isham (more Wellingborough than Kettering).

What’s your budget and what are you looking for housewife? If you’ve any more questions about the area do shout!

sheshootssheimplores · 23/08/2019 21:15

I have to admit I wouldn’t want to live there either 😬. I wonder if there are some nice villages around and about?

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 23/08/2019 21:21

I don’t know anyone who is scared to walk around Kettering though, with or without a pram! It’s the same as any other town, there are nice bits and not so nice bits.

I volunteer with a charity that means I’m out and about late at night in town and have no concerns at all about my safety.

lavabug5 · 23/08/2019 21:28

What about Moulton? About 20 minutes drive from Kettering. It's a (very) large but lovely village

lavabug5 · 23/08/2019 21:29

I've been to Kettering a few times although don't know it overly well. The parts I've seen look nice, and Wicksteed park is great

bookmum08 · 23/08/2019 21:30

I am in Kettering right now as it is my husband's hometown and we are visiting the family. I would happily move here. Some of the villages are nice but public transport is very poor for many villages (or doesn't even exist) so being in town is better. There is a lot of moaning about the town centre 'dying' but that is issues with retailers mainly that is affecting every town and city. It all depends what you want from a town centre. For me kettering centre has everyday shops, library, nice little museum, places to eat so it is fine. There is a theatre and a large children's indoor play centre. If you have a car there are some lovely country parks in the area.
My nieces and nephews and friends who live here have done fine with their schools and done very well. They also have very active social lives with dance classes, Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, Sports groups etc. My mother in law goes to a million social groups - her social life is busier than mine. Corby is just down the road and there is a brilliant swimming pool there.
And of course Kettering has Wickstead park which is a fantastic place. Loads goes on there like the annual fireworks and there is parkrun there.
It isn't the greatest town in England. No where is. But it isn't the worst either. As I said I would happily live here.

Beebumble2 · 24/08/2019 07:19

I’d go to Market Harborough, a lovely market town. Great schools, fast train to London, lovely open spaces, independent shops, restaurants and cafes.
It’s about a 15 min journey to Kettering along the A14, or one stop by train.

Theworldisfullofgs · 24/08/2019 07:22

What's your budget and how far are you prepared to travel?

Gladimnotcampinginthisweather · 24/08/2019 07:52

My friend lives in Kettering and regularly walks by herself. I think there are some areas where there is a lot of drug crime, but that is true of most places.
As a pp said there is lots going on in Kettering.
My friend's daughters both moved to Corby (which had a really bad reputation in the past) and much prefer it to Kettering.
I agree that Market Harborough is lovely, and it has some good schools.
Cranford is nice but a lot of the children at the school come from outside the village. The village itself has an older population.
The Addingtons are nice and the school is good. Woodford will not welcome strangers with open arms, so I wouldn't look there.
Really OP there are lots of choices.

Sicario · 24/08/2019 08:00

There are some lovely villages in that area. It depends on desired journey time to work. If village located, you have to have a car. And older kids can get really bored in villages - rural public transport is crap.

I really like Northamptonshire. It's very well located for transport and comms links, and some parts of the county are stunningly beautiful, particularly around the Brampton Valley.

Market Harborough is very nice.

Teddybear45 · 24/08/2019 08:09

Kettering is a place you commute to not live. Would suggest Leicestershire (Market Harborough or Oadby) or Buckinghamshare (Western Milton Keynes / Simpson etc)

Ylvamoon · 24/08/2019 08:09

Of you can, I'd look at the surrounding villages, some are very picturesque. For Kettering, I'd look somewhere like Brambledside or one of the newer estates that are popping up everywhere!
For all the posters who would avoid, I bet you have never set foot in the area! It's a great place - like any other town really with lots on offer. It's not the richest town, but property is relatively cheap, for now. The London commuter belt is slowly closing in, so a lot of things will change in the next 5 years.

MillieMoodle · 24/08/2019 08:10

We lived in Kettering for 4 years (moved back to South Northants when DS1 was a baby as was nearer work/family). We both loved living there. Yes it has areas which aren't great, but there are lots of lovely little villages nearby. Also look further afield - there are some lovely villages between Kettering and Northampton - Moulton, Sywell, Overstone, Ecton - so the commute wouldn't be too bad. Good luck!

Cherrypi · 24/08/2019 08:18

The town centre is struggling but people are trying to fight back. Small independent shops are opening. The out of town and lovely Rushden Lakes complex is taking away shopping business. A brand new yoga/pilates studio has just opened in Kettering. Lots of lovely areas and plenty of new housing being built.

Gladimnotcampinginthisweather · 24/08/2019 08:32

Kettering won a Purple Flag Award in May 2019 for a safe and diverse night time economy.

mintandcoral · 24/08/2019 10:24

www.streetcheck.co.uk/crime/nn168jy

I found this really useful when we were moving and didn't know much about different areas. You can compare crime stats using this. As you will see, Kettering doesn't have great crime stats. Having grown up there myself, I would not want my children to grow up there now.

sheshootssheimplores · 24/08/2019 10:58

I live in a nice village near my rather shitty town. My mother equally lives in a nice place outside the centre of her rather shitty town. Lots of central areas have issues. The key is to try and get the most you can afford just outside.

bookmum08 · 24/08/2019 11:27

mintandcoral I am the opposite. I would love to get my daughter out of London and have the life her cousins have experienced in Kettering. Yes there is crime in Kettering but there is everywhere (sadly). I find people in Kettering very friendly in general.

SadVillageGirl · 24/08/2019 11:31

My daughter lives in thrapston and I'm about to move to that area. I also like Higham Ferrers or any of the villages nearby. Rushden Lakes is a new retail area and it's awesome!

Gladimnotcampinginthisweather · 24/08/2019 13:07

Yes, Higham Ferrer's is nice but going along the A6 to Kettering in the morning probably not so great. Off the A14 is better.

Willow4987 · 24/08/2019 13:10

Personally I’d avoid Kettering itself but look at the smaller towns or villages in the surrounding area

Market Harborough is lovely but comes at a price

BogglesGoggles · 24/08/2019 13:13

I would recommend oundle. The town is very pretty. It has a Waitrose and a choice of either a public school or a state school.

mintandcoral · 24/08/2019 13:13

I'm not saying people in Kettering aren't friendly, just that there are quite openly a lot of issues there at the moment with criminal behaviour. I am in touch with lots of people from Kettering still and the amount of posts I see from them on Facebook about things that have happened shocks me now that I have moved away.

MancaroniCheese · 24/08/2019 13:13

Agree with the others that there are much nicer places than the town itself. If you want to live in a town then Oundle, Stamford, Market Harborough are all nicer options within half an hour's drive.

Why not post your budget and requirements and we can all do a virtual house find for you?