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Moving to Norfolk

housematehousemate
in Not Sports Related
Appreciate this is quite a niche post but I believe there are a number of lifers who are based in Norfolk. We are looking to relocate & have just accepted an offer on our property & now need to start looking for our new home. We have friends who live in West Runton so are focusing on that area (Sherringham, Mundsley etc). We have a couple of trips planned in September to view as many properties as possible & wondered if anyone had any tips/advice they could offer.

Also, does anyone still travel down to the Valley. Going by train, via Norwich, seems both exhausting & expensive. Wondered if anyone drives part way & completes by train or is it just easier to drive door to door ? 
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Comments

  • Rob7LeeRob7Lee
    Can't help on the buying or going to the valley, but have holidayed in both West Runton & Sherringham (also our friendly society bought the life boat there), nice places.

    Nice part of the world, although Winterton is still my favourite, should have bought the thatch cottage I was offered some years back for £85k ......... doh.
  • red10red10
    Moved to north Suffolk around 7 years ago, certainly a different pace of life and the roads so much quieter and enjoyable. Good to be near amenities if you can be couple of pubs, village stores etc. Join as many groups you can from day 1 which we did and met so many more people.I find it a bit far to get back to the Valley to be honest so in the main use CAFC TV when I am Paris 😉. Village life can be a bit brutal when there is nothing for some to do but gossip. Land boundary issues can also be a problem depending on who you have next door. Good luck with your house hunt.
  • eastterrace6168eastterrace6168
    Lived in a Suffolk village called Mendlesham, close to the Suffolk/Norfolk border for 9 years, and can say it was a very nice county to live in, village life is not for everyone, and you have to muck in and become involved, or it will turn out very quiet and detached and probably not what you were expecting, visited Sherringham a few times, found it very much a touristy hotspot, and not a place I would like to live, visit yes.
    You will find life very much different in East Anglia, if you land in a nice village you should love it...
  • DyerConsequencesDyerConsequences
    Been living in Suffolk for the last few years, in a small village. Definitely very different from London, but personally we really enjoy it, and a good place to bring up our kids. Lots of places to go walking, much more relaxed pace, and plenty of things to do within half an hour driving distance.

    I still go down to The Valley for every league home game, for 3pm games I normally leave around 11 and am parked up in Westmoor Street by 2 normally, including a 20-30 minute quick stop on the way. Coming back I'm normally home by 7/7:30pm. Have done the train a couple of times, but with the strikes, prices etc. I've not found it worthwhile. From Norfolk though it could be a bit more worthwhile given the extra driving distance.
  • AddicksAddictAddicksAddict
    SuedeAdidas said:
    sam3110 said:
    You can buy detachable fingers on Amazon too to fit in when you go out in public
    To fit in where?
    With the locals. 
  • Briston_AddickBriston_Addick
    I got married in West Runton :smile:

    Briston isn't far from Runton, 10 miles tops - head west and Briston is the other side of Holt. 

    I may be slightly biased but North Norfolk is absolutely wonderful ... but you'll need to get used to not having shops etc on your doorstep!

    The trains from Norwich are expensive and then you'll have the ball-ache of getting to the other side of the river to get to Charlton. If I went by train I'd go from King's Lynn (Lynn is a little bit further away from me but just as quick to get as Norwich) which would be cheaper but there'd still be hassle (and time) of connecting to Charlton. Evening matches (and, I presume, Sundays if we ever had any) would be difficult as the chances are you'd miss the last train home unless you left The Valley before the end of the game.

    I drive down every home game and normally try and leave about 10am so that I can get a parking spot without needing a 10-mile hike and it normally takes me 3 - 3½ hours although you're at the mercy of the traffic and roadworks!
  • Mrs. BrightsideMrs. Brightside
    We moved to Mundesley seven years ago, love it. Walk to the beach in 10 mins, garden is full of wildlife, Muntjac deer that eat everything and will jump over fences.
     See peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks now and then. 
    Award winning Dr`s surgery, all the essential shops, Norwich about 40 mins drive.
    Lots of stuff going on in the summer. Live music, cinema in the park ect.
    Very low crime rate, elderly population and armed police up the road at Bacton gas terminal.(where up to half UK`s gas comes ashore)
    all help to keep things quiet.
     Good luck with your property search, it`s a buyers market right now.
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  • WheresmeticketWheresmeticket
    sam3110 said:
    You can buy detachable fingers on Amazon too to fit in when you go out in public
    Excellent wondered how many posts it would take before extra fingers were mentioned.  Four is beyond my best expectations.
  • SDAddickSDAddick
    I lived in Norwich while on exchange at uni and it's a really lovely city. Large enough to have everything you need but not so huge that you get lost all the time. The market is great at the weekend. The surrounding area is beautiful. Highly recommend it in general. 
  • KBslittlesisKBslittlesis
    One of my besties moved from Crouch End to North Norfolk (Wells by the Sea) after she retired from the job.
    Stuck it for nearly two years before they moved into the centre of Norwich.
    It was mobbed during the summer so they couldn’t enjoy it and completely soulless in the winter which drove her mad (she’s a social animal).
    She wishes she had rented before deciding.
    She absolutely loves being in Norwich as it has the buzz of a city but you don’t have to go too far for some country too.

    Good luck with your move 💚
  • housematehousemate
    Mrs. Brightside said:
    We moved to Mundesley seven years ago, love it. Walk to the beach in 10 mins, garden is full of wildlife, Muntjac deer that eat everything and will jump over fences.
     See peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks now and then. 
    Award winning Dr`s surgery, all the essential shops, Norwich about 40 mins drive.
    Lots of stuff going on in the summer. Live music, cinema in the park ect.
    Very low crime rate, elderly population and armed police up the road at Bacton gas terminal.(where up to half UK`s gas comes ashore)
    all help to keep things quiet.
     Good luck with your property search, it`s a buyers market right now.
    Thanks Mrs B, that's all good to know. We are travelling up for a couple of days next week & have arranged to view 3 properties so far, 2 in Mundesley & 1 in Cromer.  
  • housematehousemate
    KettsJohn said:
    I moved to Norfolk 36 years ago. I lived in Norwich but would love to live on the north coast. My preference is Cromer, Overstrand or Trimming ham. Property use to be so cheap but has increased over the last few years. Lovely place to live. I hope to move to Cromer in the next few years when I retire. I had a season ticket for years and always drive to the valley. Don't go as much now but still do about 10/12 home games and a few away. I do miss not living near my local club. I was born in the old Woolwich hospital so a stones throw from the valley. Drive from Norwich is pretty good. I go with 10 year old grandson who is a Charlton fan and we are nearly always back in Norwich by 7.30 and this includes a stop at MC Donald's at Mildenhall for his tea! Let's us know how you get on. Happy to provide any specific advice. Norfolk is a great place to live. I have no regrets and would never move back to London now. All the best. 
    Thanks KJ & your right about property prices ! Had a season ticket since we returned to the Valley (apart from the protest years) but decided against it this year due to potential move. The dross of recent years made me think I could get by with just attending the odd game if living in Norfolk but now that's getting nearer, I've realised how much I'd miss it. Seems driving is the only realistic option but means I will have to forgo the pre match drink up with my mates.
  • housematehousemate
    KBslittlesis said:
    One of my besties moved from Crouch End to North Norfolk (Wells by the Sea) after she retired from the job.
    Stuck it for nearly two years before they moved into the centre of Norwich.
    It was mobbed during the summer so they couldn’t enjoy it and completely soulless in the winter which drove her mad (she’s a social animal).
    She wishes she had rented before deciding.
    She absolutely loves being in Norwich as it has the buzz of a city but you don’t have to go too far for some country too.

    Good luck with your move 💚
    Thanks KBslittlesis. I think that Wells became known as Chelsea by the Sea due to the number of Londoner's who bought 2nd homes there & that probably explains why it is so dead in winter. We really like Norwich but are looking for something more rural & appreciate it's about getting the balance right. We haven't ruled out renting first but that would be a last resort, as don't fancy effectively moving twice !
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  • Briston_AddickBriston_Addick
    housemate said:
    KBslittlesis said:
    One of my besties moved from Crouch End to North Norfolk (Wells by the Sea) after she retired from the job.
    Stuck it for nearly two years before they moved into the centre of Norwich.
    It was mobbed during the summer so they couldn’t enjoy it and completely soulless in the winter which drove her mad (she’s a social animal).
    She wishes she had rented before deciding.
    She absolutely loves being in Norwich as it has the buzz of a city but you don’t have to go too far for some country too.

    Good luck with your move 💚
    Thanks KBslittlesis. I think that Wells became known as Chelsea by the Sea due to the number of Londoner's who bought 2nd homes there & that probably explains why it is so dead in winter. We really like Norwich but are looking for something more rural & appreciate it's about getting the balance right. We haven't ruled out renting first but that would be a last resort, as don't fancy effectively moving twice !
    That's Burnham Market.
  • cantersaddickcantersaddick
    Got your extra fingers ready?
  • LargeAddickLargeAddick
    We love Norfolk, expect to ‘retire’ there eventually. Normally stay in the Happisburgh area but love Cromer, Sheringham (lovely park there, great walks), Holt. Like a day to Wells but couldn’t live there for reasons stated above. Wroxham great for The Broads. Expect we will settle somewhere east of Aylsham.
  • AlwaysneilAlwaysneil
    Couldn't understand how the 4 extra fingers brigade decided that Happisburgh was pronounced Hazebrugh
  • BerkshireBobBerkshireBob
    Love Norfolk, spent holidays there as a child and more recently on the north coast. If you want somewhere away from it all with quiet villages, beach walks, wonderful bird watching, NT places (Felbrigg, Blickling, Sheringham Park) cosy pubs (recommend The Dun Cow at Salthouse) and impressive churches then Norfolk is for you. Not keen on Wells, Blakeney or Burnham Market - red trouser country - but Holt is a lovely town and the NN Railway is highly recommended. However, living there is different from holidaying and I think you probably need to have friends or family nearby because it’s a surprisingly long way from anywhere, especially The Valley!
  • LordflashheartLordflashheart
    Briston_Addick said:
    housemate said:
    KBslittlesis said:
    One of my besties moved from Crouch End to North Norfolk (Wells by the Sea) after she retired from the job.
    Stuck it for nearly two years before they moved into the centre of Norwich.
    It was mobbed during the summer so they couldn’t enjoy it and completely soulless in the winter which drove her mad (she’s a social animal).
    She wishes she had rented before deciding.
    She absolutely loves being in Norwich as it has the buzz of a city but you don’t have to go too far for some country too.

    Good luck with your move 💚
    Thanks KBslittlesis. I think that Wells became known as Chelsea by the Sea due to the number of Londoner's who bought 2nd homes there & that probably explains why it is so dead in winter. We really like Norwich but are looking for something more rural & appreciate it's about getting the balance right. We haven't ruled out renting first but that would be a last resort, as don't fancy effectively moving twice !
    That's Burnham Market.
    The only place in North Norfolk I don’t like - visited once, never again - bellend central
  • LordflashheartLordflashheart
    LargeAddick said:
    We love Norfolk, expect to ‘retire’ there eventually. Normally stay in the Happisburgh area but love Cromer, Sheringham (lovely park there, great walks), Holt. Like a day to Wells but couldn’t live there for reasons stated above. Wroxham great for The Broads. Expect we will settle somewhere east of Aylsham.
    Won’t be long, and Happisburgh will have disappeared !!!
  • Crusty54Crusty54
    My brother and sister-in-law live in Aylsham. Nice town. The bus service to/from Norwich and Cromer/Sheringham has improved recently
  • Siv_in_NorfolkSiv_in_Norfolk
    I wouldn't rule out train from Norwich, @housemate

    I've driven down and back more than I've  used the train... but I must say that I've noticed I enjoy the experience more if I train it. If you have a pre match drink ritual with mates, you may find the same.

    Time is about the same for me , too... 2h15m-2h30m to The Valley whether I drive or get train to Stratford then Jubilee line to N Greenwich for bus.

    Tickets can be £20 return if bought about 8 weeks in advance 

    I'd factor in your ability to get down to Norwich and back to keep your options open... 

    Once the drive feels like a slog it can put you off going. Train is a nice option to motivate attendance.

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