Hey everyone,
We’re really interested in a property in Knaresborough after initially thinking about Harrogate. There’s nothing on the market there right now, but we found a lovely place in Knaresborough. We’re trying to figure out if it would suit us as a family.
We don’t know much about the town and live quite far away, so popping over for a visit isn’t that easy.
Safety is our top priority. I’m from a very safe small town in Europe, and I’ve had a tough time adjusting to the crime levels in the UK. My husband says Knaresborough is very statistically safe, but I’d love to hear from other women who live or have lived there. Are there areas we should avoid, and why? For example, I’ve heard Stockwell Lane isn’t great, but I don’t know how it compares to bad areas in bigger cities? I need perspective. Is the High Street safe or improving? What’s the worst kind of crime? I want to be able to walk around town daily without worrying about my little dog getting snatched or feeling uneasy with future kids.
Secondly, we like that Knaresborough is quieter than Harrogate since we want a small-town feel, but it seems a bit more run-down. That’s fine as long as it’s improving—we want to settle in a place that’s on the up for stability and investment, since it’s not our forever home. Do you think Knaresborough fits that?
We’re not concerned about schools (planning to homeschool), and we’re not big on nightlife. We’re after a strong sense of community, safety, nature to walk our dogs, and a peaceful environment for future kids. A few nice coffee shops and locally sourced food would be great, and we can always go to Harrogate for bigger outings.
Any insights would be amazing! This is a big move for us, and I’ve had some negative experiences living in the UK, so I hope I don’t sound too paranoid. It’s just really important for us to settle in a place where we feel safe and can build a happy, relaxed life. I’ve been here for five years since marrying my English husband, but it’s been hard to find a community I feel at home in. Now that we’re ready to start a family, feeling settled and secure is everything.
Thanks so much for any advice!