Frinton- the good, the bad, the ugly?

[Elouera]

DH has relatives in nearby villages, so we've spent time there, but never in Frinton. I know about Jaywick/Clacton and the issues there, and that Frinton is mainly retirees- might be wrong though? Currently in central London, but would like space and to be nearer the sea. Not planning on commuting back though. Any advice- good, bad or indifferent for a childless couple in their 40's?

I don't know it well unfortunately, but I and DH have visited numerous times and really like it. The house prices are reasonable and a sea view or a short walk to the esplanade is entirely possible without having millions to spend. We would seriously consider retiring there (yes, it is known as a place where retirees like to live). I like the high street, the wide residential streets and the fact that the esplanade doesn't have amusement arcades. It's like stepping back in time. There is a railway station there but I think it would take over an hour to get to Liverpool Street in London.

Let me know how you get on, I often look at Rightmove to check out the available properties there!

It is lovely (but yes, old) - I know it cos grandparents lived there.

I love Walton on the Naze too.

I forgot to add:

It's more desirable to live "inside the gates"!

Is it Frinton that blocked Wetherspoons? Used to go there (and Walton) lots as a teen.

The 'inside the gates' thing has reminded me of that documentary, Spickle! It was a bit unfair, I think

Like anywhere. Has good and bad bits, living inside the gates is premium but you do pay for it. Can get quite busy at weekends/summer with (local) tourists coming for walks etc. But it is like a time warp.
I suspect the average age is more on the older side but younger people obviously live there too! School is ok, not bad for the area. Easily over an hour into London by train and you need to get the correct train back (Walton one!) otherwise you need to change at Thorpe le Soken.

Sorry, just seen that schools are irrelevant really. Wasn't trying to be insensitive

@MollyAtTheFolly- I think it was a McDonalds that they banned, but maybe it was a Wetherspoons?

@chilledteacher- Not insensitive at all. We are currently childless (9yrs TTC and many losses), but that can always change. We certainly wouldn't be needing schools for sometime if it did happen though. In saying that though, getting a home near a good school is obviously a good idea for re-selling.

Interesting thoughts everyone.

It depends what you like to do, I live in a different part of the county, Frinton is reasonably priced because the commute into London isn't quick or massively frequent and there's not much going on. It is quiet, for me it would be too quiet, but pre DS we liked to go out a lot, theatre, restaurants, gigs, drinks with friends etc, you won't get that with Frinton although you will get some local events in Colchester (you'd have to drive though to get back easily late in the evenings). An old school friend lives there with her husband and children and they love it, she's a real homebird though so doesn't miss any kind of scene etc. Nice walks, quiet beach other than the height of summer and it sounds like you know people locally which would be a plus. Definitely inside the gates though if it's in budget

@DontStandSoCloseToMe- Yes, I too would worry its too quiet for us. We love where we currently are, markets, restaurants, parks etc, but would equally love a garden, somewhere quiet and more space. We've been here 20+yrs and feel a bit in a rut.

Maybe it was McDonalds! I just remember my parents talking about it (they're a couple of villages away).

Restaurants and so on are easily found in Colchester, you could always train in and out.

Mind your step in Frinton as it has a lot of very uneven paving stones everywhere.