Anyone local to Largs?

[JustAMum31]

Possible relocation on the cards - we have older family there so are familiar with the town etc from visiting but more wondering what living there is like for younger families?

What are the nurseries like? From what I can see there are 3? Do any stand out from the rest? This would be for pre-school year so don’t need somewhere that takes babies etc.

Any particular areas to look at/avoid when it comes to housing? We have seen a couple of houses on the market over the last while that seem to suit our needs - most described on Rightmove as in “The Glen” - how is this area?

Grateful for any advice you can give!

I have family near there - relatives with younger kids seem to like Inverkip, which is close by.

@Bobbyelvis4ever Thank you 😊 we have driven through Inverkip but never visited it. Relocation would involve taking on some care responsibilities so being in Largs itself would be our intention

We also moved to Largs a few years ago, DDs were beyond nursery ages, went to the non-denom primary and had a good experience, one now in secondary and so far same. I’ve heard from other parents that the early years centre is good and also a lot of people recommend Summerlea - near town centre, not sure if they also do pre-school.

Even if you didn’t already want to be in the town for caring needs, I would recommend it for future as the parents in the smaller villages up and down the coast seem to spend all their evenings driving to and from Largs for extra-curriculars. Also, once kids are upper primary it’s safely walkable to school from most parts of Largs - although the lollipop ladies are under threat from council budget cuts. It also allows DC more freedom at secondary age as they’re not reliant on the limited train and bus services.

I don’t know the Glen area well, we didn’t view any houses there as we were lucky to find one relatively quickly in a different part of town but I believe it to be quiet and not heard anything negative. Only downside is that it’s a little further walking distance from town centre, but hardly far. Property of family home size (other than the very high price end) moves really quickly - as does any size of bungalow - due to the high demand from retirees, so you need to be ready.

I would recommend joining the large local community Facebook for an insight - alongside the usual moans about dog shit and roadworks! There is also a property sub group amongst others. Probably some parent ones with more info on the nurseries.

Feel free to send me a message if any other questions.

Thank you @cumbraesunset 😊 That’s so helpful 😊 I’ll take a look at the Facebook groups you have suggested!

We’re currently in the process of selling our house and heading to a rental which will leave us chain free. I’ve been keeping an eye on the property market in the town so I know things don’t tend to stick around long and wanted to put us in the strongest position that we could be in 🤞🏼

Are there any other specific areas of the town that you would recommend keeping an eye on in terms of housing? I don’t mind being further out. Ideally 3 bed - would be happy to look at converting a 2 bed in the right area. DC currently walks 25 mins each way for nursery and I walk a further 20 mins each way from there for work so wouldn’t mind similar 😊

Im assuming your family like it there?

I'm in my 50s, divorced and with an adult child who doesn't live with me, so completely different demographic from you, and just wanted to say that I love Largs! I live elsewhere most of the time, in tied accommodation, but have had a small flat in Largs for 6 years now.

I don't know anyone who stays in the Glen, but it always seems to me to be a very quiet and pleasant area. If I was to move from my flat to a house, then the Glen would be an area I'd definitely be interested in.

The Largs People FB group is the one I'm on.

In my opinion there aren’t any bad areas, just some less nice streets, it’s a normal blend of council (or former council) houses mixed in with private. Locals complain about the areas closer to Nelson/Gateside Streets (fairly run down tenements/flats) as ‘full of junkies’ and there are occasional stories of thefts from gardens in the streets closer to town centre - most sound opportunistic. Having lived in cities it barely registers. I would walk home alone at night through any part of town. Would pick up DD though as there are sometimes groups of teens, both local and not hanging around. Parking and driving around can be annoying in some streets, since the enforcement of the pavement parking ban.

Housing is quite mixed throughout the town, I would struggle to name one area, it’s the smallest town we’ve lived in, we were open to options anywhere within Largs. If you’ve spent time here/on rightmove you will already know a big proportion of the property is mid-century bungalows (either already extended or with potential to) or retirement flats. Not as much in the way of new(er) build housing. People seem to like The Rise and Noddleburn areas for these. Rooms are bigger in the bungalows.

So many properties have amazing views. And even if they don’t face west, you can be on the seafront or up the hills in a short walk. We all love it here and plan to stay for good. Lots of lovely wee shops, cafes and restaurants. Ferry trips to Millport. Fish and chips and ice cream. Market on Saturdays and Viking festival at end of summer. Great for a young family.

Not having to sell will put you in a stronger position - will you rent here? That’s quite limited but if you are open to flats you should find something.

Good luck with the move!

Agree with avoid Nelson st, George street, Seamore street, Gateside and Morris street - the tenements which I'm guessing are not where you are looking.
I grew up around Lovat street, Scott street and Stakehill areas - all good areas and ideal for all ages. Walkerston very nice and far enough out to not be affected by the tourist crowds.
The south side is not as well served by the local bus as the north but that may not be an issue.
The train service may be improving according to the local paper (but it's elated about the alleged cable car (puke) so meebe aye mebe naw.