Buxton - is it actually nice?

[ecochiroptera]

We are thinking about moving back North, specifically the Manchester side of the Peak District, and my DH won't stop going on about Buxton. He's originally from south Manchester and has fond memories of hanging out with his friends in Buxton. I am not sold on it and fear that he's just nostalgic for good old times, but also can't seem to find a better place.

Our situation: We both work from home and have one child, hoping to have another soon. I need to commute to London once a month. Budget about £450k for a 3 bed. We're very outdoorsy and currently live in a tiny village in the SE, so not bothered by not having many ammenities, but a pub, cafe, and chain shop are a must. Also looking for a 'community feel' and good schools.

My main concerns: Being cut off and unable to do my commute because of the weather. And read here on some threads that Buxton is actually not as nice as people think - deprivation, crime etc.

The alternatives: Glossop? Friends have told me not to bother as it's not nice. And then there's all the smaller places along the A6 like Disley and Whaley, but I don't know much about them. Anyone got any better suggestions, or is Buxton our best bet?

Bloody hell, that second one has 90 photos! It's amazing.

I've lived in the area for 30 plus years and have lived in Disley, High Lane, Romiley and Marple. I like Buxton to visit but feel it's just too far out and the climate isn't great to live there. My favourite places have been Marple and Romiley as I like the village feel but a rural ish feel but it's very easy to get into Manchester for nights out plus easy access to the airport
House prices are going through the roof as @SlipperyLizard said 🖐to possible neighbour.

Yes and 469 sqm! I'm surprised it's not more expensive to be honest.

Bakewell is lovely but a bit of a trek
buxton is nice for a visit but I think has a bit of a drug problem.
I’d be looking at Disley or Whaley. Both very pleasant though most of Disley is on/
near the a6 which puts me off. Whaley is quieter but more cut off.

I live in Buxton and love it here!
Great place to bring up kids, lots going on in the summer. Great bars and restaurants, great open spaces. Peak District on your doorstep.
Yes it's flipping cold in winter and there are some areas of town more desirable than others (like lots of towns!) but with that budget you'd be able to buy a great home!
You can get cut off in winter but it's only a 1 or 2 days a year normally.

I'm from Stockport (Bramhall) but I no longer live there. There are some awful areas and some great ones locally, just like everywhere else!

Buxton is nice for a visit but nothing there for your growing children...they would hate it as teens and you'd have to be a very willing (and frequent!) taxi driver! Public transport is rubbish.

As others have also said...avoid Glossop and the surrounding areas as traffic is abysmal!

Marple/Marple Bridge/Bramhall/Poynton...I'd say these were your best options. Super schools, train stations and near enough to Manchester for culture 👍

Good luck 🤞

OK, so in the village where I live (about 15 minutes from Leek, 20 mins from Stoke on Trent and about 90 minutes from Birmingham or Manchester) we have these 2 properties at the moment.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/124909856?utmcampaign=property-details&utmmcontent=buying&utmmedium=sharing&utmmsource=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/124909856?utmcampaign=property-details&utmmcontent=buying&utmmedium=sharing&utmmsource=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

In the village we have first school (school bus into Leek for secondary), 3 pubs (one serving good food), shop, post office, butchers, farm equipment shop selling gardening stuff, hardware, outdoor clothing etc. We can walk to fields, woods, open country in 2 minutes from home....

And a local café runs Sat, Sun mornings and Wednesday lunch.

@JimDixon Oh, that second one has always been my favourite building in Leek... Sadly the mortage calulator says no...

Are you white? Cause that part of the world is the only place I've heard people (locals, going by the accent) directing the most well-known racial slur for black people at strangers in the street. I know this isn't the only place that that happens, but still. Put me right off.

Massive generalisation. I have family in Buxton and they are among the most liberal people you'd ever meet. Sad as it is, you can still get that kind of behaviour anywhere.

Not a single generalisation made in my post.

It's got a strange feel to it; I can't put my finger on it. As PPs have said, Bakewell is nicer. What about Sheffield? Easy to get trains to Manchester and London. On the edge of the peaks. Lovely city with loads for kids and cheaper than Manchester.

Also, it's very wet and foggy on the moors. You might feel cut off in the winter. I wouldn't want to live there.

Sheffield isn’t cheaper than Manchester in the nice areas on the edge of the peaks.

It is the constituency of Hallam and is the wealthiest area, with the highest number of graduates outside London. House prices behave accordingly.

Romiley has everything you’re looking for. Great village feel, independent shops and food outlets. Good schools, 20 min on train into Manchester and served by 2 train lines so quite frequent. Edge of the countryside for walks so best of both worlds. Google the jubilee street party Romiley to give you an idea of the community. House prices are reflecting how good it is though!

Too cold! Manchester is damp and cool enough compared to the south. Buxton is worse. Wouldn't be for me. I'd be looking at a lower elevation.

@40andfeelingit I couldn't agree more! Great place to live.