Peebles: looking for feedback

[mychinagirls]

Good morning - I am in the midst of property search in the Borders, including Peebles, and would really like to hear about the experiences and any advice/tips from those living there on what it's like beyond what comes up on Google re shopping, eating and community.

I am a young at heart, active 60 year old, recently retired, and will be accompanied by my 18 year old daughter - who is on a gap year.

TIA

I live in the Borders, not in Peebles but it would be my preference of all the local towns if I was moving.

Near to Edinburgh, lots of local shops which is a rare thing and plenty walks to explore.

Maybe a bit of a trek to the local hospital near Melrose (maybe 40 mins driving) if that was something you wanted to factor in and like all of the Borders, you really need a car for an easy life as the busses aren't that frequent.

There is a mix of money vs poverty but Peebles and Melrose will be the 2 options with more wealth than poverty compared to the other towns.

Avoid Hawick and Galashiels if your are looking further afield. Hawick has a drug problem and Galashiels is a ghost town now with the majority of the shops boarded up and most were turned into giant cannabis farms!

Thank you @BibbityBobbityToo very helpful insights

Peebles is very pretty but a strange mix of touristy and insular.

Shops, coffee shops etc are very nice but usually packed with tourists. And the town has a nice community if you are “in” but otherwise is very, very cliquey.

It you didn’t already manage to be 3rd generation from the area, it helps if you are either involved with the church, join one of the cycling or running clubs (not enough to just cycle or run, you must be in the club), or go to the right yoga and pilates classes 😅

If you were popular at high school you’ll do fine!

(Similarly for Melrose - rugby and horses.)

My relatives moved there in retirement and loved it.

It's a pain to get into Edinburgh if you don't drive as there's only a local bus.

It's a lovely town with lots of nice walks around the river. It does flood tho, so watch out for that when looking at property.