MOVING TO KENT , RAMSGATE OR MARGATE ??

[reddevilchris2018]

Hi there everyone,

Im looking to move to down to Kent, yes a dfl as were called
for me this is a relocation not 2nd home or holiday home.

Due to the shocking increase in prices along the coast,priced outof Birchington so im looking at either Margate or Ramsgate...

what does everyone think of either , please be honest this is a huge move for me.

hope to hear from some of you...

We moved to Ramsgate from London last year, OP. We did look at houses in Margate but R has a more chilled-out, family-friendly vibe imo. It's also much prettier! Whilst neither town is free from issues, Margate still has an 'edge' that just made me a bit uncomfortable. It does have more choice of restaurants and bars though, although Ramsgate is getting there.

Ramsgate has beautiful architecture, some gorgeous Georgian squares and of course the harbour and a MUCH better beach than Margate. The high street is still a bit ropey, but improving all the time - next month alone we have a deli / art gallery, a new independent bookshop and a fantastic bakery opening up all within a couple of minutes' walk of each other. There are lovely shops up on Addington Street, a great yoga studio with cafe, plenty of places to eat and drink.

Prices have rocketed but you can still pick up beautiful period properties for a fraction of London prices. The west side of town - west cliff / Pegwell is usually thought to be the 'better' part but there are little gems all over. We live on a lovely road on the east side, 10 mins walk from the station and 10 mins from town / beach in a 3-bed detached house that cost less than half what we would have paid in London (i.e. totally unaffordable)

There are issues, undoubtedly - Thanet has been ignored for decades - but no worse than the area of south London that we left. I would highly recommend!

What's your budget?

Oh plus, of course, the biggest Wetherspoon's in the country, right on the beach, if that's your thing! 😂

It actually has a fab roof terrace with amazing views on a sunny day...

Are you priced out of broadstairs, deal, whitstable or Canterbury? All are nicer in my opinion and we lived in Canterbury for9 years

Ramsgate all the way. Friends moved there a few years ago and love it. It has an arty vibe. It's popular with celebs too. Margate is rough by comparison.

I grew up in Thanet. Let me assure you Northdown Road and Cliftonville in general has always been rough.

As someone who spent their entire childhood trying to escape Ramsgate, my brain literally cannot compute your post.

First went to Margate twelve years ago, and then more recently a few years back. The difference along the seafront was amazing - so much nicer, with nice shops, better atmosphere etc. However, not sure the benefits have reached further inland.

I’ve wandered around the Ramsgate quay area, but not further in.

what’s your budget and requirements? Maybe we can help house hunt for you on the Kent coast.

I agree that Folkestone would be a better bet than Margate. It's okay during the day but there was a lot of alcoholism and drugs around at night. Folkestone has a community feel, and lots of families plus tons of things to do.

If you're thinking of Thanet then why not Broadstairs, unless you're priced out? That's the best of the 3. I also like it around Pegwell Bay if you'd prefer a quiet area. All of the areas are close so I wouldn't choose Margate over Ramsgate for the sake of concerts. Cliftonville's not a desirable area although I've not seen any trouble there - yet. The thing that strikes me about it is the hipster side just feels so separate to the rest of it - and the same applies Margate Old Town to a lesser extent.

Ramsgate out of the two by a country mile!!
moved 10 years ago with youngish children and have loved bringing them up here. Good schools generally - do your research if you need to - it’s a grammar school area so again something to be aware of if you have children.
margate broadstairs and Ramsgate are all so easy to get to either by bus or car that if you live in Ramsgate you can get to the other places easily.
I find there are lovely restaurants, chains and independent places often with a good selection of local produce.
there’s always something going on, food festivals, music events, there really is something for every one.
pm me if you want any more info. Happy to help if I can!!

Honestly....neither are good. Ramsgate better as Margate is properly an absolute shithole.

Neither, both shit holes. Thanet is a cesspit.

For those calling these places awful, places do change and that’s evidently happening at the moment. Everyone I know who’s moved to Margate is really happy there. There’s definitely a element of snobbery to some of these posts.

Well it's clear that there a varying experiences, but since the OP doesn't seem to be coming back it's all a bit academic!

This is a pretty ridiculous thing to say about an entire area.

It is true though.

it is pretty dire to be fair

Wonder what the OP chose. As permission has been granted for a massive cargo flight hub two miles from Ramsgate with flights between 500-1000 feet directly over the lovely regency centre and old harbour (175 a day apart from 11pm-6am) I hope they went for Margate!

@Kitchenlight oh I wasn’t aware of that - there doesn’t seem to be a huge amount of info on it. What a shame the harbour in ramsgate is lovely! Will it not also effect maragate and other places as well??

ans yes OP - love to hear where you ended up!!

We have family in Margate, I dread going there. Even the nice bits like the beach have a shadier side - I took my daughter out to paddle and there were needles all over the sand. Despite hipster types insisting it'll be the new Brighton it's generally a shouty and intolerant place to be with awful shops, sex shops on the main high streets etc.

I'd probably choose Ramsgate because at least I could pretend Charles Dickens liked it.

What about somewhere smaller like swalecliffe?

Yes OP, where did you choose in the end? We all want to know!!

"What about somewhere smaller like swalecliffe?"

Swalecliffe the characterless land of bungalows and they retirement home of Kent? What an awful suggestion.

Air quality for Thanet maybe but the flight paths miss Margate and either Ramsgate or Herne bay will get the low flying horrors.

Well if the hip mumsnet types hate it, I'm sure I will love it!

I'm just about to move into Birchington, but I'm in my 60s so it's nice and quiet. can quickly get into Margate, enjoy a wander around and avoid the sex shops on the high street (I've never seen one but I don't doubt it!)