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Original poster

Moving to Caldicot

14 replies

OW0809 · 08/04/2023 13:32

Hello all

We have found a lovely property in Caldicot but we are not from the area and wondered if anyone could give their honest opinions about Caldicot.

From what we have seen driving through, it looked really pretty.

We don't need high street shops on the door step etc but would like country living with easy access to Bristol by train. So far, Caldicot seems to tick all the boxes, but no idea about schools (in particular Castle Park primary) and crime rates etc.

Good old Google has brought up an unfavorable article about some youth. As most places have this, I hope to get honest views before we committing to moving to Caldicot and spending ££££ on what appears to be a great property.

Many thanks in advance

OP posts:

Dwrcegin · 08/04/2023 16:12

Bump.

Puffthemagiclizard · 08/04/2023 16:27

I don't live there but know someone who does, there's an issue with teens there and drug use AFAIK. It's one of those places with a bit too much money, a bit too remote - perfect for teens to make trouble. Although I guess those issues are absolutely everywhere to a greater or lesser degree.
Sorry I can't be any more help.

Changesmakebowiefans · 08/04/2023 16:29

I name changed just to post this: I used to live in caerwent. Caldicot is awful, awful schools, horrid town centre, lots of antisocial behaviour and crime and racism. Don't do it.

BettyLovesDoughnuts · 08/04/2023 16:34

I just named changed for this. I grew up in Caldicot and it was a rough little town back then with some nice bits. Nearer the Castle the better for houses but the schools are awful. Chepstow Comp used to be your best bet for secondary but I understand it's gone down hill.

My parent still live in Caldicot and enjoy it though but I think they would see more antisocial behaviour etc if we were still school aged. The major issue is that is smack in the middle of two big cities and therefore there are issues with drugs etc.

Chepstow is much nicer but much more pricey. If you do look that way, avoid Bullwalk/Thornwell and stick to The Dell.

Good luck

NancyJoan · 08/04/2023 16:38

DH’s cousin lives there. Two sons aged 21 and 23. Both seem like nice kids, one has graduated, one still at uni. They seem to have had a nice, if fairly unexceptional childhood. I haven’t heard a peep about drugs.

LunchBoxPolice · 08/04/2023 17:16

Undy/Magor are much nicer. Caldicot centre does have problems with groups of youths hanging around and causing trouble. The comp has terrible reviews, I know of several parents who have moved their kids to Chepstow and Caerleon instead. Plus the 20mph speed limit has made rush hour traffic even worse, especially when the old bridge is closed in bad weather.

moonseas · 08/04/2023 17:23

It’s awful! The town centre is a depressing dump of a place. We went thinking it’d be a similar day trip to Chepstow, Monmouth, Usk etc… Nope, it’s a miserable little town.

Plutomania · 08/04/2023 17:37

I lived in Caldicot from when my kids were toddlers till Y4. We left around 5 years ago. It's a great place for families and young children. The primaries are all good and there is lots to do in the area for families. But I second what has already been said that it's not so great for teens and secondary choice. We moved away specifically for better secondary schools for our children. A huge amount of housing has been built there since we left. I also hear there are plans for even more to be built in the fields surrounding it. It feels like it might be turning into a bit of a dormitory town for Bristol/Cardiff commuters?

In terms of housing, it used to be good value for money but since the removal of the tolls, house prices have really shot up and I'm not sure the prices are worth it now considering what the town itself actually has to offer? Magor / Undy is nicer but I don't think the secondary choices are any better if you live there?

I do have really fond memories of living in Caldicot though! The people are generally very lovely friendly souls. I miss the people

Noodlepoodle89 · 08/04/2023 21:38

This is interesting. My son's friend moved there and he keeps asking if we can move from Newport to Caldicot!
It's got to be better than Newport though?

There are some nice areas around Newport and some nice houses but the centre is dire as are most of the schools.

Changesmakebowiefans · 08/04/2023 22:01

Yes, it is better than Newport, however I'm not sure the bar could me much lower than that! Newport is dire.

Noodlepoodle89 · 08/04/2023 22:04

Changesmakebowiefans · 08/04/2023 22:01

Yes, it is better than Newport, however I'm not sure the bar could me much lower than that! Newport is dire.

True 🤣

I'm selling up if anyone's interested?

AgrathaChristie · 09/04/2023 02:45

I stayed in the area recently house hunting. The town centre was awful, I found it really depressing. The 20mph speed limit would also drive me mad if I had to deal with it daily. The castle looked pretty.
I also looked at Chepstow but it looked more run down than I remember and huge traffic queues everywhere.

Crikeyalmighty · 11/04/2023 02:40

I think Chepstow is pretty awful too.

WaitingfortheTardis · 11/04/2023 14:06

I still really like going to Chepstow, the river front is lovely to walk along, there are also some nice restaurants. I don't know about schools there, but remember that if in Wales the rules have changed to increase the amount of learning that must be done in Welsh, which may be tricky if the children don't know the language.

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