Moving to Derby area

[johnnyrod]

Nothing to do with bikes, but I'm hopefully going to relocate to the Derby-ish area for a new job in chemistry, when I find it. This isn't an area I know well at all, but we'll have to look to living somewhere in reasonable distance of Nottingham etc. as i might well be working on the right instead of left of the M1. I know this is a bit of an open-ended question but I'd really appreciate a few words from the locals on what's good and bad, to start to get a feel of the area. Is Derby good for a night out? Where are the "nice" villages? etc.

[G]

To be honest Derby does not really have a nice part as such, and its not really a place for a night out. The Westfield Centre is ok for shopping. But your much better off going to Nottingham for food, shopping and the night out. There is not really that many nice villages 'close' to derby either, most villages/towns between nottingham and derby are pit towns and fairly run down.

You need to look towards the small villages to the east and north east of derby if you are after your typical quirky countryside villages, but then you also further from nottingham.

You really are best to just spend a day or two driving around to get a feel for areas you like.

Pretty much what G said. Nottingham is a great night out. Plenty of good pubs and places to eat. I'm not sure about the clubs as that's not really my scene. There are some nice villages and but property prices are high in them. It's cheaper in the ex-pit villages, but they're not as nice. Once you get a job you'll have a better idea of the sort of area to live.

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by johnnyrod

Nothing to do with bikes, but I'm hopefully going to relocate to the Derby-ish area for a new job in chemistry, when I find it. This isn't an area I know well at all, but we'll have to look to living somewhere in reasonable distance of Nottingham etc. as i might well be working on the right instead of left of the M1. I know this is a bit of an open-ended question but I'd really appreciate a few words from the locals on what's good and bad, to start to get a feel of the area. Is Derby good for a night out? Where are the "nice" villages? etc.

Not sure about for a night out but I was in Derby city centre for the first time today and thought it was suprisingly pleasant.

[DavieSV]

I like Derby for a night out more then Nottingham. Not so much hussle & bussle, but then again I'm getting on a bit

There are loads of nice villages all around the area but you do need to be choosey.

You don't have to go far to get to the country side and the local roads are fantastic

Come to the Peak District ride out for a sample of what Derbyshire has to offer.

[johnnyrod]

I'm on holiday when the ride is on - thanks anyway! Going to Derbyshire again this weekend to troll around and find out more. I though Nottingham was a bit,er, over-lively in the evneing? We're not really into culbbing etc. any more, decent restaurants and good pubs/bars, that sort of thing.

[G]

Nottingham is not that lively. It depend which part you got to, Upper Parliment end has some nice resturants and is fairly quite. Hockley and Lace Market side of town has more expensive resturant and bars and is a bit more lively.

To be fair I would never go on the opinions of people on the internet to pick where I wanted to live, you need to go around the place several times and at several different times and days to form you own opinion.

I am trying to find somewhere to live south of nottingham and north of leicester at the moment and people tell you so many different opinion you done know what to think. I have spent probably 8 whole days driving around so far and know the rough area I want to live now.

Infact have you considered the villages south of nottingham, the leicestershire countryside is amazing you and your never more than 30 minute away from notttingham/leicester/derby and birmingham is a little bit further. Because of this you pay a high premium though. Have a look at Rothely, Qourn and Barrow upon Soar on the map, they are nice places.

i agree, you really have to spend time in the area. many people have a completely different idea of what is a good place to live.

I can say that Nottingham is a good night out if you like clubbing, or just decent food. There's plenty of nice pubs in most villages surrounding as well. I cant particularly recommend where I live im afraid, I don't know what you are used to. Certainly there are plenty of great riding roads in derbyshire and a few popular bike meets

[johnnyrod]

Totally agree about opinions but it's another source of info! I do appreciate all your thoughts here. Not looked south of Nottingham yet.

All I know about the city is that it's the no.1 place to get into trouble on a night out, not exactly encouraging. Doesn't line up with comments here though.