Any thoughts on East Grinstead?

[IJumpedAboardAPirateShip]

Anybody live/lived there with teenagers? I don’t know it at all though I know West Sussex well but it seems to tick a lot of boxes (proximity to London, a few houses in our budget, decent schools - usual stuff everyone looks for)

Is there a strong community with indie shops and stuff like that and things to keep teenagers occupied? You know - the stuff Rightmove won’t tell you!

It's the UK headquarters of Scientology

I know it a bit as I grew up round there, albeit a long time ago, although I still have family in the area. I had a college friend who lived there. It's nice but not that exciting for teenagers. I lived further over on the London to Brighton train line and my East Grinstead friend used to stay with me and go out in Brighton.

It does seem to attract some off-the-wall religious types. As PP said, the UK scientology headquarters are based there and there's also a large Mormon temple.

I live nearby. Very depressing high street. It's mainly a through road to London. Schools ok but not great. Forest Row is way nicer with lovely independent shops and in catchment for good secondary school but rural.

I’m here now for work at the QVH. 12 months rotation post.

Honestly I wouldn’t- overpriced and people seem stuck up when really they don’t know anything about you! No sense of community, depressing high street, not much to do and it’s just that much far that if you want to visit London trains back late are not so good. Honestly if I wanted to be this far out I’d pick a better town (Tunbridge Wells, Lewes) or be closer to London.

Disclaimer: I did my first medical degree in Brighton, my partner is from Worthing so I’ve know Sussex well for the last 17 years.

Interesting podcast called The Town That Didn’t Stare all about EG history and why it attracts some of the big religious sects.

Sorry OP, no idea about living there

I grew up in a neighbouring village and recognise all these comments. As a teen I felt sort of stuck between London and Brighton not quite close enough to either to enjoy the benefits, particularly for going out.
There are lots of up sides to the area in general but I don’t think most teens would appreciate them.

I went near there on a glamping weekend recently and went for lunch in east grinstead. I am not sure there would be a great deal to do for teenagers in the area. I felt it was kind of an odd area tbh, although the glamping bit was nice

Wow ok that’s fairly unanimous! Thankyou all - I would personally prefer Brighton anyway