Arbroath, would you?

[Tofflee]

We're looking at relocating within Northern Scotland. Very much depending on where partner can secure a job as I'm working from home. Among other places Arbroath has been mentioned but I'm not keen. Although I've never been and only ever passed it on a train. Young family, with children needing both primary and secondary schools, ideally with good music tuition, already in rural Scotland and looking at being a bit closer to family.
Please convince me it's the place to live.

There are some nice bits but it is a mixed bag. Have you considered Carnoustie?

We go for a day drip occasionally but much prefer Carnoustie. You do get a lot more house for your money though compared to Dundee/Broughty Ferry/Monifieth.

I'd be more inclined to look at Montrose or Stonehaven.

Thank you all. We've been to Stonehaven and it's lovely but a bit too far for a daily commute. Not heard of Carnoustie but it sounds a lot nicer and could be a manageable distance. Partner's job would be in Arbroath and there's no flexibility there. How are the schools in Carnoustie?

Carnoustie for sure.

So Carnoustie is about 6 miles from Arbroath, about a 10 min commute. Great schools, lovely beach and very safe. Lots of house for your money.

I'd look at Carnoustie or Montrose

Lots of votes for Carnoustie. Thank you, we’ll definitely look it up.

I lived in Carnoustie for a while, but relocated back to my home area of Broughty Ferry very quickly [20 years ago). I’d 100% say Carnoustie over Arbroath. There are some nicer parts to Arbroath, but they are definitely not in the majority, and there are drug and antisocial issues which are way bigger than you’d expect for the size of the town

Montrose or Carnoustie would be the best bet. Carnoustie would be closer to Dundee for Connivence.

I used to Iive near Arbroath and wouldn't recommend it. Lots of deprivation, run down town centre, schools near the bottom of the league tables...just rough in general.
No offence to anyone from there, I'm sure there are many nice people but unfortunately the town is run down. It's a shame because it's a beautiful part of the world, stunning coastline and surrounding countryside.
Property is cheap so you do get a lot more for your money, but there is a reason for that.

If you're after good schools then Carnoustie, Monifieth and Broughty Ferry are all good shouts, although houses are more expensive.

Late to this but we moved just outside Arbroath 10 years ago. Absolutely love it! Yes some parts of the town are deprived - as is the case in many towns - but we have always found the people very friendly. My 2 dc attended a primary school outside Arbroath but in catchment for Arbroath High - primary school was OK (small, rural) but we found the High School very supportive of my daughters learning difficulties (and I think from memory it just pipped Carnoustie in the league tables last year!) I wouldn't reject the town completely - there are some lovely areas.

I'm a bit confused as to why you need to convince yourself on Arbroath. Where are you needing to be in reach of? Dundee? Stonehaven is easy reach for Aberdeen.
There's a world of difference between the centre of Arbroath and villages within just a mile or so, or even the edge of town.
Are you wanting coastal? Town or village? Does it need to be on a train line?
Making this kind of decision based on passing through on a train seems odd

I think Carnoustie over Arbroath is nicer on the whole, though you'd find you'd end up in Arbroath for supermarkets. Have you thought about any of the villages around/between both? Monikie, Letham, Coliston etc. Also possibly Forfar tbh, unless you want to be on the coast and your DH doesn't want to commute.

Schools are generally all ok, and music tuition was fantastic in Angus overall when we lived there, though may have changed. I know the best brass teacher is now semi retired.

Highly recommend here for music lessons:
www.musiccollectivescotland.com/