What's Malvern like?

[AppleCorey]

Have been house hunting for ages trying to find the right location and house to suit both DH and I. Wanting a rural house (DH wants this) but a decent town nearby like 10-15mins away (I need this, I'd like to live in an arty place with community things I can get involved in to make friends, build outside interests like join a running club etc).

Malvern seems to tick a lot of boxes, have visited a few times and really like the town and we both adore hiking so the Malvern Hills is a huge plus. But I know visiting is very different to living there.

Are there any areas to avoid that aren't nice? I know everywhere has their worse areas. Particularly interested in hearing about Storridge, Cradley, Malvern Wells etc - have heard that you should live the 'right side' of the hills so that you're not in shadows - not sure which side/area this is?!

Would you say Malvern is lively, arty etc?

Appreciate any help!

First time I have ever been on one of these sites so a bit novice here.

Can anyone please advise if Eastward road area of Malvern links is nice place to be, we are about to embark on our last move looking for somewhere quiet, with facilities around eg buses trains shops. Not being familiar with the area at all, hoping someone can advise. Thank you so much NannyPam.

Can't help you a great deal NP but it's probably good (she says, vaguely).
Great Malvern is very hilly so it's (a) hard work! and (b) in the shade a lot of the time. You don't have that problem in Malvern Link.
If you look at GoogleMaps you will see there are some Care Homes in the area so that's reassuring. Quite a few these days are very open to 'outsiders' for classes and other get-togethers.
I think the area is probably not 'quiet' because you have various schools and places of business but you need a thriving location, don't you, if you want shops / buses / trains/ etc.

The Malvern area, generally, is naice. Very naice. Malvern Link might be the lesser end of naice but it's still naice. And the countryside is fabulous.

We’re hoping to move to Malvern later this year. We’ve drawn a boundary between Colwall, Malvern Link, Upton & Tewkesbury as possible areas. We’re newly retired. My husband hopes to buy a narrow boat so a 10-15 min drive to Upton or Tewkesbury marina would be useful. I’m looking for a choir, book club and church. Any recommendations?thanks