Move to the seaside

[newstarting]

Has anyone done it? With kids? I’ve been looking at my life while I’m in isolation and the one thing I’ve been certain of is how much I’d love to be able to walk to the seafront. If you did, where did you go? Do you regret it or are you happy? Thanks!

Good question! Following with interest

I grew up by the beach and it was awesome, miss it every day. I moved toward the commuter belt but dad still has the house to visit every now and then

I would love it sadly its well out of our price range.

Moved to a small but very popular town on the north Kent coast nearly 6 years ago now - absolutely the best thing we’ve ever done. It’s the most amazing place to live and for the children to grow up in. We are all so happy here. I grew up here actually but had lived and worked in London for many years. Once I’d had children London lost its attraction to me, they were 2 and 4 when we moved I think.

Seaside is lovely. Just check schools because many seaside towns do not have the best schools. We lived on an island for four years and it was an amazing place for the children but moved back when the eldest was secondary school age for better education opportunities.

I dream of watching sunset from a beach house. Worth checking here before you buy!

coastal.climatecentral.org/map/6/-0.7763/51.0328/?theme=sea_level_rise&map_type=coastal_dem_comparison&contiguous=true&elevation_model=coastal_dem&forecast_year=2050&pathway=rcp45&percentile=p50&return_level=return_level_1&slr_model=kopp_2014

We have done it and it is the best thing ever! Out of London to the South coast. Children are so happy. Weekends feel like mini breaks. Totally love it. Was a huge gamble as we were living overseas and had only ever visited the town once before (about five years previously) and not really liked it, but we popped down to view the house whilst back in England one summer and fell in love. Now moved here full time and thank our lucky stars everY day that we have so much beauty, nature and entertainment on our doorstep, even at the moment. Go for it!

Reading these replies really makes me want to do it now! Any tips for lovely coastal locations that also have access to a good secondary school? xxxx

Give us an idea of locations you might consider? It's a big coastline!

Whereabouts would you like to be. Budget. Property type. Do you need public transport which goes to a city where your family are. Salaries are lower. Work not so available.

For quality of life yes times a thousand. Be aware of schools and general lack of opportunities compared to cities but tbh I wouldn't change a thing except limiting tourist numbers in the summer 😁

We planned a move to a seaside town but went to visit the secondary school & really didn’t want to send our kids there. So ended up inland a bit with a better school. 20 mins drive to the beach which is a shame now as the car parks are locked...

Penzance might be too far away for you (although that's surely a matter of perspective ) but it's well served for secondary schools, with Mounts Bay (Ofsted: outstanding) and Humphry Davy (good). HTH

...and in answer to your questions: I moved with one DC and we all love it here. Beautiful coast and countryside, lovely people, plus an incredibly supportive community that has come into its own at this strange time.

Make sure you go to a town which functions in it's own right, ghost towns in the winter are really depressing.

I moved to the south coast of Dorset before I married and had dd but really can't find a good reason to move away, ever. As soon as you're not at work, you're on holiday - it's amazing. I've always looked for jobs I can get to by walking/cycling along the beach too.

It is extremely expensive though. DH, DD and I live in a 1 bed flat which cost as much as my parent's 4 bed detached house where I'm originally from!

We were in the process of reviewing places just prior to lockdown. We were viewing houses, and staying at nearby BNB's and hotels, to get an idea of the area. Walking around the street, looking at the local shops and walking along the seafront etc. Also enquiring about local clubs. OH did sailing years ago and would love to get back into it.

What area are you looking at? Do you have family nearby? What about work? Schools? Check internet speed if you need it for work, or just want a reasonable speed!

We live ten mins from the sea and it is lovely (especially currently) to be able to get there so easily. Our local beach is enormous with a 1km prom, so great for fun and exercise.

I don't think, however, it's that simple - our coastline is vary varied: This is an officially deprived, highly seasonal, coastal area with many issues (although personally I'm not worried about schools). You could buy a beautiful detached sea-view house here for the cost of a tiny flat somewhere like Brighton, but it lacks the cultural buzz.

Yes, so so happy we moved here! Not sure where you are but we’re in the north east and although Tynemouth is loooovely it was way out of our price range, so we got a beautiful Edwardian 3 bed terrace for around £260k in North Shields on a lovely quiet street, about 20 mins walk from tynemouth seafront! Walk to beach everyday with my dog and feel incredibly lucky especially now! We’re not far from metro station, I work in Newcastle city centre and it’s about a 35 min commute or 20 mins in car. Cullercoats is also lovely, as are parts of Whitley bay.

Well I have first floor 2 bed , 2 sea views, for sale near Margate Station (via thomasjackson). I've loved living here, and the grandkids love it, but now moving to 60plus place. It has a guestroom so they can camp in my lounge and mum and dad get a night off to savour Margate's quirky nightlife.

@MargateGranGran Er. This thread is FOUR years old. I rather think you are too late for this one.