Researching area? Anybody from Tonbridge?

kingkano

How do you go about researching an area to find out the good/bad spots etc I've tried a bit of web researching but I can't find what I want really....

Alternatively is anybody on here from Tonbridge? lol. Can you tell me what kind of areas are ok, good, bad, avoid at all costs, what its like to live there etc?

Thanks in advance :beer:

Generali

I live a bit up the road from Tonbridge so know it a bit. The area around the Co-Op and the centre in general seem a bit 'chavvy' - lots of kids in leisurewear hanging about in bus stops. The girls' state grammar is one of the best state schools in the country I believe. The surrounding villages all seem very lovely.

I'd consider moving Mrs G and the Generalissimos to one of them if I wasn't too lazy to do the commute.

kingkano

Where doesnt have the chav wannabees though? Bromley has more than a fair share. I heard the schools are very very good (most of them). Which is part of the incentive.

Its amazing in a sense. I am not that far away (Bromley) but I know nothing of it. I know your area a bit better, but not much is coming up at my price there....

The villages would be nicer, if we can find something there of course. But walkable to the station for London is a must really too.

Cheers for the input

mystic_trev

Lots of Charity shops and Estate Agents! Best shopping is in Tunbridge Wells and Blue water is only a half hour drive. One of the best things is the easy Commute to London as the Hastings and Ashford lines both meet at Tonbridge meaning loads of trains to the City.

Debt_Free_Chick

When you say "Tonbridge" do you mean the town itself - or are you thinking of villages around Tonbridge?

TokochickUK

In the north end of Tonbridge I would say avoid the areas around longmead football ground and the mobile homes. The town centre itself avoid at all costs, very noisy, nightclub behind mcdonalds theat can get trouble some,. The slade area is "ok" also along the hadlow road. The area around west kent collage is probably classed as the nicer of areas . I moved from Tonbridge in 2003 but both my mum and dad still live there feel free to pm if you want area info. Also might be a good idea to give the local police station a call and ask for "off the record" advice of areas they are normally really helpfull.

kingkano

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

When you say "Tonbridge" do you mean the town itself - or are you thinking of villages around Tonbridge?

Either really. Hildenborough is one we considered. But also Tonbridge itself.

kingkano

TokochickUK wrote: »

In the north end of Tonbridge I would say avoid the areas around longmead football ground and the mobile homes. The town centre itself avoid at all costs, very noisy, nightclub behind mcdonalds theat can get trouble some,. The slade area is "ok" also along the hadlow road. The area around west kent collage is probably classed as the nicer of areas . I moved from Tonbridge in 2003 but both my mum and dad still live there feel free to pm if you want area info. Also might be a good idea to give the local police station a call and ask for "off the record" advice of areas they are normally really helpfull.

Thanks thats very useful info.

kingkano

Thanks to people for their advice and to those that contacted me by PM and were very helpful. We have just started things moving on a house in Hildenborough, just outside Tonbridge, suits us perfectly

hpiper

The 'Up My Street' website has lots of useful information (or is it 'Up your Street')

kingkano

hpiper wrote: »

The 'Up My Street' website has lots of useful information (or is it 'Up your Street')

Usually do look here, but it does seem to be a bit generalised to be honest (I had the feeling its reporting on a whole borough not a street or area). Nothing beats good old fashioned local person's knowledge and feel Upmystreet is great for knowledge on schools and crime though.