Moving to area.advice please,

[ali_nightingale]

Hi. I am also thinking of moving to East Sussex. I have visited Lewes a few times, and fell in love with the area. I am an artist and into holistic medicine and music etc. I really want to become involved in a community that has the same kind of 'buzz' that Lewes seems to offer (but the prices are too high for me to buy a 2 bed home!) I also love the sea and was looking on line at Hastings and St. Leonards and wondered if they have the same 'friendly feel 'to them? I must admit ( I would love to be told otherwise) I have always thought Hastings was more of an retirement area? I would be very happy for any feed back.

[st_leonards_duffer]

Hi Ali

I think Hastings and St Lens have all the things you are looking for. There is a very friendly vibe and lots of artistic/cultural activity which will get a big boost from the Jerwood gallery.

I think Bexhill is more of a retirment place than Hastings.

Cheers

[bigchris]

bexhill is much quieter and relaxing, but only a short train trip or GBP6 taxi into hastings_ _ __ _ _. depends what you want, i have dome both and prefer the more relaxed and safe feel of bexhill_ _ _ to be honest , both have lots of history and stuff to do

[ali_nightingale]

Thank you both for replying.
It's going to be a big life changing event for me!
I've always wanted to live by the sea_ _ _ and paint 'full time'. Also I make jewellery and I'm a qualified Massage and Reiki Therapist. Is there much (or any?!) call for 'proper' massage in the area? I know with the annoyingly named 'credit crunch' people don't seem to have the money for what is seen by some, as a luxury but maybe in the future?
It' is going to be hard saying 'goodbye' to my friends _ _ _ quite daunting moving to somewhere where you don't know anyone_ _ _I hope you are a friendly
bunch_ _ _and definitely no bangos in sight!!!

[ali_nightingale]

Thank you both for replying.
I am very excited at the prospect of moving. I've always wanted to live by the sea! Quite a life style change for me. It will be really hard saying 'goodbye' to my friends _ _ _ It will be hard to start afresh_ _ _I hope you are a friendly crowd down in Hastings_ _ _no bango players tho'!!!. Time to move out of my comfort zone and change my life style too. I want to paint much more and illustrate a childrens book. I'm also a qualified Massage and Reiki therapist although I 'm not counting on earning a living through that at the moment, due to the horribly named 'credit crunch'
I really would like to find a small house with a outside area (again however small) but not sure how much I can get for around GBP130k ish..

[st_leonards_duffer]

Hi Ali

The Jerwood is going to be a big boost for the town - see link http://www.jerwoodfoundation.org/?lid=2173

I reckon you should be able to get something for GBP130k - have a look at rightmove. Big Chris is right that Bexhill feels a lot safer and more relaxed but on the basis of what you have said about yourself I reckon Hastings and St Lens will be more your cup of tea. By the way I love Bexhill!

What Meteorman says does reflect one valid school of thought which you'll hear quite a bit - have a look at the other message boards. Ultimately you'll have to decide for yourself but I've been down here a few years and I love it.

[jackie]

Hello
With regards to the massage and reki I go to the Wellington Square Natural Health Centre. They offer all sorts of alternative therapies including those you mention. Perhaps they would be interested in your services.
Good luck. Jackie

[Peachy]

Hi, i would definately say hastings is the place for you.
It is very daunting moving to a new area but with all your interests i think you would settle very well here. There are plenty of places where you can get your art work shown plus the massage and reiki side of things would be welcomed to.
The credit crunch has affected alot of shops and things in hastings but there is also alot of regeneration going on at the moment so i like to think the future is looking positive.
Being by the sea and having plenty of green areas would also be inspiring to you.
Good luck