Moving To Shrewsbury

[17jenjen1986]

We’re thinking of moving to Shrewsbury and would really appreciate any advice on specific areas to recommend or avoid! We have two young children - ages 4 and 5 so need a good primary school and consideration for secondaries. Thanks!

Some things to bear in mind.

1. Shrewsbury is very snobby/cliquey if you don’t already have family there I would avoid it.

2. heath care provision is absolutely dire, can you afford a private GP? you will certainly need a private dentist even for the kids.

3. As far as I am aware schools are good, but provision outside of schools for kids/teenagers is poor, if you can travel for entertainment purposes or expect to afford somewhere with a big garden this might less of an issue.

4. Don’t get taken in with the touristy experience of Shrewsbury because living there is very different.

Hi OP. I moved to Shrewsbury 2.5 years ago from a large city and it is the best move I ever made. I have lived in two different areas now and also work in the local area. I have not experienced any negativity at all and have blended in really well. I moved with my two teens who both started at the college doing A-levels so I cannot comment on schools but the college has been brilliant for them. Housing wise it really depends on what you prefer / your priorities are - there are lots of new build estates on the periphery of the town and then lots 1930 / Victorian / Georgian housing too.

My fave areas are Copthorne, Porthill, Belle Vue, Cherry Orchard (parking can be a nightmare). I would strongly recommend visiting and having a really good walk around the local neighbourhood. There is so much to see and do here with lovely countryside too I am sure you will love it.

We moved to just outside Shrewsbury the beginning of this year and haven't experienced any of the problems Zapzep has. Everyone has been friendly, welcoming, there is loads to get involved in (if you want to be part of a community), plenty going on in the town itself.

It's surprisingly well connected by rail and despite some concerns we had before moving. Getting to London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh has been stress free with the exception of occasions where the weather has caused issues (but were causing problems for everyone!)

This is interesting to read. I’m considering a complete change at 58 years old, newly divorced woman. Shrewsbury really appeals to me. I want to be part of a community and enjoy life. I’ve lived in the south for 30 years and need somewhere more real now. Has anyone else had any experience of moving to Shrewsbury at this age? Could you give me any advise
thank you 🙏

@Jbfamtmoyl I am a little younger than you by 10 years but it is a great community. If you have FB then I would recommend following 'for the love of Shrewsbury' as they have a wonderful community on there full of things going on, groups to join, meet ups etc there is always something happening and people like you moving into the area looking for advice. I honestly adore it here I will never move away. Have you visited?

Just spent a fair bit of time in the local hospitals, staff great but no beds, was like a warzone.

If you need healthcare, I'd think carefully.

I work in healthcare and whilst I agree the hospital is a complete disaster isn't it similar across the country with the ambulance queues and bed situation? Admittedly the reputation is very poor. I moved from a large city where I would try and get a GP appointment and be 80th in the queue here I get straight through so I have been really impressed with that. I work in a role where I have daily contact with the public and GP practices across Shrewsbury and on the whole I have been impressed. We have Shropdoc for out of hours, Rapid response, virtual ward and IV teams working closely with acute services so not all bad.

We are cross-border, so it's quite a bit more complicated.

I agree it's probably difficult anywhere but several days in the ambulance receiving area, when the issue needs immediate attention on a specialist ward isn't great.

There are a lot of historical issues with the provision of hospital facilities in both Powys and Shropshire, not helped by large parts of the NHS estate now covered in houses, when there should be more community beds.

Would you be comfortable with the maternity services just now?

And trust me, you really don't want to have mental health issues here, as you're likely to be shipped off miles and bad things happen.

Thank you so much for your positive response honeyandfizz. I am encouraged by that. I’m hoping to visit on 9/10/11 of February. I’m really looking forward to it.

Thank you also Coldupnorth7 for your reply. It is important to be aware and having good health care is important.

should one spend their money on private health care - looking ahead?

much thanks to all who have replied.