Moving Leeds to North Berwick

[misplacedfeet]

Hi everyone,

To keep it brief (for now) hubby and I are contemplating a move back up to Scotland (we are both from England but met up there at work and lived there happily for many years where we had DS1).

We since moved back to England but it’s never felt ‘right’ and now we have DS2 we know that sooner or later we need to settle somewhere that we really love and we think would offer our children a lifestyle we could have only once dreamed of.

We love North Berwick and think it ticks all the boxes. Has anybody else with a young family (my boys are both 5 years old and 4 months old) relocated here? What is it like for schooling / community? Is it a friendly place? DH will be working away a lot and I want to feel that there’s a nice community so I don’t feel isolated. I’m sure there’s plenty of mum and baby clubs and from what I’ve researched the schools seem really good (I’m not as focused on results and I am a happy place where they are nurtured).

I’ve realised this is starting not to be brief grin so I’ll leave it there for now.

Just any advice appreciated! Thank you xx

I've only visited North Berwick and I'm jealous. It was just so lovely.

Disfordarkchocolate I know, it is so beautiful! I just want to make sure I’ve not got rose tinted glasses on and that it’s a wise move long term (we won’t want to uproot the children once they’re settled) xx

Noooo! Don’t leave Leeds! We are lovely here honest

MrsGrindah oh I know! Lovely people and a great city but I’m longing for the sea again... ❤️

Fair point ...not much sea in Leeds!

Hi op.

North Berwick is amazing, Great community, plenty to do for kids and adults. Plus regular train and bus service intro Edinburgh.

Schools wise they are among the best in Scotland. You pay for it in the house prices though!

Thank you bob1985, that’s so good to know.

We are actually visiting for a week in July so I’ll be getting a feel for which areas would be best (I’ve seen lots of new builds popping up...) last year we visited but I didn’t really get chance to look properly.

If I may ask - I love the old semis that line the streets closer to town (plus I would personally love a project but hubby disagrees) he prefers the new builds, but I suppose for family life and meeting new people perhaps the new builds are better.. in that sense? Would you agree? Also - does a lot of property forgo the ‘open market’ and get sold privately? Gathering opinions and would massively appreciate yours! Sorry if it’s too much I get quite obsessive once I’ve got an idea in my head! Haha

@misplacedfeet no bother at all.

I don't think you would have any bother with either in terms of community. Personally, I would prefer the new builds as they have good areas planned out for kids etc. In a North Berwick most of the new builds are towards the outside of the town, but by no means an un- walkable distance.

The older houses tend to be very popular when they do come to market, especially if they are a bit of a project (makes it a bit more affordable). Can't really comment on off market sales. There are a few estate agents on the high street, perhaps you could pop in when you are up and get opinions