Thinking of Moving from London_ _ _advice required! Priory

[Scootagal]

Hi All

Have been visiting Hastings regularly for the past year and mightily confused about whether moving there would be a good idea or not. This is maybe for another post though!

But main question for now is any advice on Priory Road or the West Hill in general_ _ _we've seen a nice place there but just wanted to find out if being on the hill is a bit inconvenient!

I know there is the funicular but it's not open late etc - so how do people get home on a late night - or not even so late night!

Are there any corner shops to get essentials? Are any of the roads not so nice_ _ _I think my worst scenario would be not very nice neighbours as we currently have some of those! Noise_ _ _smoking weed so it stinks out our joint hallway_ _ _a generally negative feeling from them_ _ _.would be good to avoid if we moved!

Equally we love the Old Town (like most I imagine) but the houses are a lot smaller / more expensive and I imagine it gets quite busy down there.

We have visited mainly when events are happening - Bonfire etc - what is the town like out of event time? Is it very quiet?

Any advice or thoughts appreciated!

[Anonymous1]

West Hill is actually quite convenient, Both the Old Town and Main Town center are within walking distance. It's reasonably quiet. Not a bad place to be really. On road parking may be an issue in places_ _ _..Some roads may be better than others. No doubt someone else will suggest which roads to avoid.

Corner shops are disappearing all over but a few remain. It is all uphill on the way home from an evening out, it'll keep you fit though.

If you want an Old Town residence but can't afford it or don't fancy the bussle then the West Hill is the place to live IMO.

[Scootagal]

Ha - well that was short lived! Something odd has happened with the house we liked - the agent was very odd on the phone and said that something had happened over the weekend and the owner was possibly selling privately_ _ _but they couldn't discuss for legal reasons and would call us if anything changed_ _ _back to the drawing board!!

Any other comments on the West Hill / general areas welcomed though!

[Herring_Gull]

The West Hill is s nice place to live and convenient for shops and trains.

You takes pot luck in so far as your neighbours. There are a high number of rental properties around and as such they can come and go. Most, where we live stay for 6 months to get into the catchment area of the local school (specialist sin autism I think).

Parking as has been said can be a bit problematic at times if you are like me and like to park outside your own home and not have to pay for it. On the whole you will find a space but often a few doors down and always when it is raining and you have a lot of shopping / children to decamp.

We bought a place on the West Hill and if I was to buy again I would set myself the following criteria:

1 Double glazed (we have the original wooden ones and a quote of 1.5k per window to replace is way beyond my budget at the moment).

2 Slate roof If it has one (and your surveyor can gets into the loft to have a look see) then imagine it is going to cost 6k + to replace (if it needs it).

3 The kitchen leading straight out into the garden and not up / down hill depending on which part of the hill you live.

4 (minor point) A street that is not a rat run through road.

Not sure of your budget but at the moment 150k is about the norm for a house that has had some 'restoration'.

The town can be quiet out of season but there is always summit going on even if it be what you do i.e. a walk along the East Hill / beach when tide is out.

Try renting for six months and get to know the area better that way?

Either way good luck.

[lixxsi]

Heya!

I recently moved to the West Hill and I find it extremely lovely here. I feel safe alone at night. There are many people come walk their dogs here on the hill and all seem friendly enough.

You will want to ensure that you live close to / can access a shop that is actually ON the hill - walking up this hill can be an absolute nightmare, especially if it's only for basic necessities!

The Old Town can be absolutely gorgeous here at night, and is mostly quiet it seems. Very very nice.