Ramsgate

[foodie738]

I’m considering a move to Ramsgate. What’s it like in terms of pubs, restaurants and places to go/things to do? Does it have the trendy hipster vibe that Margate now has?

I have a toddler so primary schools are also hugely important.

My budget is £325k maximum.

Any insights would be very welcome!

Put your hard hat on, OP - MN hates Thanet

I love it though. Prefer Ramsgate to Margate by a long way, I would move there - some fabulous properties and great beaches. You do need to be careful about areas though. Up towards Broadstairs is usually better - Newington area is not so lovely.

Can't help with schools I'm afraid but will be watching this thread with interest as it is on our list of 'possibles' for our next move!

Prefer Ramsgate to Margate by a long way

Thank you @TinyGlassOwl! In what way out of interest? I’ve been to Margate several times but not Ramsgate (yet). I have been looking around on StreetView though and looking at properties on Rightmove.

I like both but for me Margate is a 'visit and then leave' sort of place - I wouldn't live there. Both have their problems but I think Margate's are more pronounced; more drugs, more anti-social behaviour, more deprivation. Ramsgate, whilst not without issues, still manages to maintain an air of faded seaside glamour and a slightly more welcoming air, whereas Margate is definitely rougher and 'harder' despite the arty vibe, iyswim? The harbour at Ramsgate is really lovely, there are some beautiful squares and lanes with fab old Georgian / Regency buildings, you have Broadstairs and Pegwell Bay within walking distance, plus Margate is still just a 15 min drive away (or a long-ish walk around the coast!)

I also think the properties in Ramsgate are more interesting, with more choice in your budget in nicer areas, although of course it depends on the kind of thing you're looking for and I don't know about school catchments.

Have you been to Margate recently? Trendy / hipster vibe? It's awful. I wouldn't live in either.

My favourite area in Ramsgate is Pegwell. It's right near the sea, nice houses and very leafy green.

Hello!
I moved to Ramsgate in 2020 with my two children, both aged under 10. We relocated from London/ Surrey. I moved here with every intention of settling down here, but are now looking to leave!!!

Thanet is one of the poorest areas of the UK, and Ramsgate certainly has its share of deprivation (Margate is far worse!) There are a few lively independent shops and a bit of a creative scene but it is sadly completely overshadowed by the utter lack of employment, impoverishment and local politics is laughable. The people are very friendly and welcoming... But almost a year in and I'm still sticking out and often asked if I'm from around here! There is a huge amount of teenage pregnancies and also racism. Property is cheaper here, but for a reason. I do miss more affluent areas, things to do and being within good travelling distance to other places; both for employment and places to visit. Ramsgate has gorgeous architecture and a great beach (Ramsgate and Broadstairs are gorgeous, Pagnell, Sandwich. Absolutely avoid Margate, Cliftonville and well Thanet in general). But the social economics of the area and for my career background are hard. As others have said really sadly there appears to be an ingrained lack of aspirations and educational achievement across the County. Those that do well mostly move far away for University and careers. The commute to London isn't bad 75 minutes so it is an option to work and commute, which definitely is a draw! In recent months the antisocial behaviour, drug issue and crime has rocketed. To the point that I do not feel safe. It looks lovely, and is a wonderful place to visit but please be mindful. Any form of proper improvement is not going happen for a very long time, no matter how many grants the government give. In all honesty and with regret I would not recommend Thanet to raise children.

Just wondering is you think Broadstairs is as bad?
We are looking to move in August.