Should I?

[JJFA]

I currently live in Eastbourne, I'm moving to Hastings to be closer to work (Bexhill) and get out of Eastbourne. I'm a single 25 year old man. I'm in to photography, art, media, socialising and like a good restaurant and a few drinks, but don't want too much of a night life (don't want to be clubbing just a few pub drinks)_ _ _

So, my question_ _ _ Should I move to Hastings? Is it the right place for me? Will it be fairly easy to meet new people with similar interests? I just need a general idea as to whether its going to suite me_ _ _?

I think it will and I will get to know the area a bit more before moving but thought this would be a good place to start.

[Richard]

JJFA, hello - without knowing what it is like living in Eastbourne it is hard to know what you want / expect of Hastings.
As Hastings is very zonal in terms of housing and people types it is important to choose your base carefully - you would probably want to be close enough to walk into Town but not too close to be overrun by kids running wild some of the time (but hey, uncontrolled youthful spirits, that's fairly healthy I guess)

To find people with similar interests you might need to get in touch with the college up by the station as they cater for media, photography students and would have contacts.
There are more new "art galleries"/venues than ever these days and lots of cafe's to pop into and pubs, especially in the 'Old Town' which is becoming more 'gentrified' by the day.

Lots of 'exchange students' milling around in the spring and summer-breaks generally having fun and learning about the history.
Some lovely old Victorian Properties, especially up in the Baldslow Road area and ofcourse the nearby Alexandra Park, with Cafe and beautiful gardens in abundance enough to excercise and relax.
The 'Old Town' is quirky with ancient houses in parts and some dubious junk shops and boutiques which seem to keep proliferating. some with pseudo-junk fripperies.
Infact the New Town is now becoming saddled with a great number of expired shops turning into mock victorian 'junk shops' for survival.
Money is fairly tight as you might expect and charity shops are ever present.
We seem to have some largish projects on the boil for improvements to derelict buildings and ofcourse The Pier is set to be upgraded into a new lease of life which will lift the spirits of locals and visitors alike, I think it should be totally revamped inside a couple of years !!
Last but not least there is The (controversially sited) Jerwood and Fishing Fleet to turn to for inspiration.
Should be enough to kep you going for a while.

[roy]

But no primark lol



Enjoy life.you never know when it will end.

[JJFA]

Richard, thank you. Nice and in depth. I'm thinking of basing myself close to Old Town or some where just off or near West St Leonards.

When ever I've visited I've spent most of my time in the old town_ _ _ It seems to have the same feel I had when out and about in Lewes (where I lived a few years ago).

Think I'll just have to wander about to work out where I feel would suite me best. It does sound that the town is much like Eastbourne town despite less night clubs etc but I've had enough of Eastbourne and do think living in Hastings will be a refreshing change without moving to far from from family, work and friends.

Roy_ _ _ No primark? Definitely a plus!!

Any more tips or advice?

[Herring_Gull]

Stayed in a B and B in the Awled Tarn on the High Street a few year ago. Got a bit rowdy after chucking out time so might be worth considering a quiet street.

[JJFA]

Thanks Herring_Gull_ _ _ Will do my research re how busy the road I base myself in is.

[drwatson]

If you are buying somewhere don't write off areas around Warrior square. Used to be a bit rough but that was long time ago and it seems to have a real problem shaking off this reputation which means prices are cheaper than Hastings. Fantastic architecture and feels grander than Hastings. Lovely avenues of huge houses and whilst parts are still a bit shabby right now I think the sensible money is being spent here as there is a lot of investment happening in the area.

[JJFA]

Thank you drwatson_ _ _ Found somewhere near to there actually_ _ _ In Magdalen Road. Looking forward to the love which should be in around a week and a half if all goes to plan. Not buying just renting for now until I work out where I want to be.

[drwatson]

excellent!
good luck with your move