Whitstable to Herne Bay relocating

[LifDad88]

Hi all.
I’m hoping some of you lovely people can give insight into current, best areas to live in the whitstable to Herne Bay Area.
We were really interested in seasalter originally but have been advised against this area due to an undesirable estate, and the antisocial behaviour and people that live within!
We live in woolwich atm so this is nothing new to us, but the main catalyst for us moving is a better life for the kids, away from the crime, drugs and stabbings.
So making sure we get location right is crucial, accepting that there will always be something going on wherever you live, minimising exposure is the plan Stan!
Our daughter will attend a primary school for 2 years if we move this summer, and our son will attend first year of secondary which is Going to be a challenge in itself but if we can get location right it looks like primary schools are relatively close by car, and school buses are also close for secondary schools in the Canterbury direction.
If anyone could share any knowledge on best areas, ones to avoid including real tourist effected bits in peak seasons.
Any personal opinions of local schools and non grammar secondaries would also be an amazing help
We are not fixed to the areas above but would like to be stones throw from coast and cycling distance to whitstable.
Moving feels a bit daunting but we love it down that way! People are lovely from our experience and the pace of life, fresh air and sea have made it a dream for our little family and the two pooches.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide
Dave

Friends have just moved to Herne Bay from zone 2 London. No kids. They have rented to get a feel before buying. They absolutely loved the Summer but feel as Winter has come that there isn’t enough happening for them in Herne and need a more buzzing, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
They are looking at Hastings, Ramsgate, Leigh/ Southend.

Thanks Ruby
We’ve thought this through a bit, whitstable looks really busy in the peak season which is great but wouldn’t want to be in the thick of it! Definitely would want to be in range by walking or cycling but at a distance where you can go home and escape the chaos.
If that means it’s quiet on the doorstep I don’t mind so much.
Plus it’s great being that far down in that region to access all the other lovely towns and beaches further round the coast

Herne Bay has a better seafront than Whitstable - it’s miles long and even at the height of a hot summer isn’t madly crowded. It also has better secondary options if your child doesn’t pass the 11+.

That said, Herne Bay is definitely rather rougher around the edges than HB... and you will find a lot of snobbery about it. The flip side of this is, of course, you get more for your money on your house.

I’ve lived in Whitstable, and moved to HB, and it was definitely the right move for our family. However, if I was moving again, I’d look at Minnis Bay.

... rougher around the edges than Whitstable.

Perhaps try Hampton, I spent the best part of 22 years in Herne bay and lived on the outskirts. Hampton is generally very nice depending on your budget. Hampton primary is a lovely school with good reviews. You are also close enough to cycle along the seafront to Whitstable without much effort. Herne bay high is a sports college with a fantastic offering of sports, other than that I would recommend at Anselm's in Canterbury for a secondary school. It's further out than the rest but you don't get as many Canterbury estate pupils, they are more from the surrounding villages.

Hi, yes, I was looking at Hampton, did see some properties there that looked lovely!
I’ll check herne bay high out, this did come up but I avoided looking as I was told all the best secondaries were on the way to Canterbury.
We’re not going to put him through the stress of pushing for 11+, terrible year for education anyway so it seems nonsensical.
Don’t know yet what good options this leaves us without grammars on the list!
My sons no Ronaldo but he loves cricket so it could be worth considering Herne bay high.
Glad Hampton primary is good, my daughter would be at primary for a further two years so a big chunk of education before moving on to secondary.
Definitely want to get her into one of the best if we stand a chance, so she has a better chance of doing well.
Does Being a dfl seem to reduce chances on school choices? Is it common knowledge that kids from long residing families get preference?
Thanks for your info

Have you resolved the moving/schools issues? If you still need advice I live towards whitstable and have children in two different secondary schools and about to start primary if you still need advice on locations and school!

Hello. I haven't used Mumsnet for years. Is it OK for me to jump on here to say we are also hoping to move down from London to Whitstable or Herne Bay, so any advice would be gratefully received pls. Our son, in year 9 is being bullied and is desperate to move. He has ADHD and so we are looking for a state school with good SEN and pastoral care. We like the sound of Herne Bay High, as it has grammar classes, and The Whistable School seems OK from what I can see online, but it's so hard to tell. Anyone with first hand experience or local knowledge please?