If you are looking to move to a new place, you may want to consider the coastal town of Felixstowe, as it has recently been named one of the best places to live in the East of England, alongside Dedham Vale. Felixstowe is located in Suffolk on the East Coast, surrounded by a beautiful coastline and countryside.

Moreover, property prices are getting more attractive, and you will likely find it more affordable than the rest of the region. It also offers excellent transport links to nearby Ipswich, so you will be able to get around easily. Within this article, you will find out more about what you can expect from moving to Felixstowe.

Researching The Area

Firstly, you may want to start by researching the area to decide whether it is the right place for you. For example, it can be a good idea to learn more about the climate, as well as the types of things that you can do there. Think about your priorities and needs to understand whether Felixstowe would be suitable for a permanent stay. Also, if you are looking to buy a property, you should explore the options available in the area, such as the Edwardian properties. 

Getting A House

There are a few key things to consider when it comes to buying a property in Felixstowe. It can be helpful to take a look at the properties available at the moment. Also, if you decide to undertake any renovation projects when you move, consider looking for local carpenters and joiners, who will make things easier for you. At MyBuilder, you can connect with vetted and reviewed carpenters and joiners near you, which will give you peace of mind that you are working with the right people. This can be especially useful when moving to a new area and you may not know where you can find trustworthy tradespeople.

Finding Good Schools

You may need to look for good schools in the region if you are moving there with your family and kids. Most primary schools in Felixstowe have received a 'good' rating from Ofsted, so it won't be difficult to find a reliable school. For example, you may want to check out Colneis Junior School, Fairfield Infant School, or Kingsfleet Primary School. In addition, you can find a number of parent and toddler groups and classes, as well as a variety of nursery and preschool settings to choose from.

Familiarising Yourself With The Transport System

The transport system is also easy to navigate, and you will find that the town is well connected by rail, bus, and road. Felixstowe train station offers connections to a number of other destinations, such as Ipswich and London. Also, thanks to their good bus network, you can go to other towns and villages. You can rely on a National Express coach service to take you to London, during which you can stop at Ipswich, Witham, Colchester, and Brentwood. Alternatively, you can use a small foot and bicycle ferry service, which runs from Harwich Harbour to Landguard Fort.

Taking Part In Activities

When it comes to activities that you may want to try, Felixstowe offers plenty of things to do, whether you want to go for a walk along one of the beautiful sandy beaches or go shopping in nearby Ipswich. You will find a wide range of high street and independent retailers to explore. Moreover, you can visit Felixstowe Museum, which has 14 rooms, full of artefacts to examine, including mammoth tusks, fossils, cannon balls, Medieval coins, and much more. Also, don't miss out on the Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, where you can admire stunning waterfalls, fountains, and sculptures.

Ensuring Safety

Moving to a new area also means that you will need to think about the level of safety in the region. It's important to research the neighbourhood where you are going to live and find out if there is any crime or anti-social behaviour that you will need to know about. As a potential homeowner in Felixstowe, you will be glad to know that this is one of the safest towns in the region and as a result, many people have chosen to move there over the last few years. However, it's still crucial to do some research into any neighbourhoods you are considering.

Going To Restaurants

Foodies will be in for a treat in Felixstowe, as there are some amazing restaurants and pubs that you will get to try when living there. Unsurprisingly, you will find that seafood is a local speciality, that you wouldn't want to miss. For example, you may want to try Winkles at the Ferry or go to a local pub with friends, such as The Ferry Boat Inn. Moreover, you will get to eat some delicious seaside fish and chips at Regal Fish Bar.

Enjoying The Outdoors

Apart from some great seafront entertainment and fantastic local restaurants, you will also get to enjoy the outdoors. There are some amazing parks and gardens, that you can visit when you need some fresh air, such as Langer Park. If you are looking for sports facilities, it can be fun to visit the Coronation Recreation Ground, as it has a play area, as well as cricket, football, and rugby facilities to enjoy.

Be sure to check out The Grover, which is right next to the Eastward Ho play area, that you may recognise from Ed Sheeran's Castle on the Hill music video.

Keeping Fit

It's likely that you will be wondering how you can stay fit while living in Felixstowe. Thankfully, there are many great options to consider, such as the Brackenbury Sports Centre, where you can take advantage of a sports hall, squash courts, and outdoor tennis courts. It's located in the heart of Felixstowe, and the best part is that there are activities and classes, suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Another fitness centre that you can try is the Felixstowe Leisure Centre, which also offers a wide range of sports clubs and activities.

Learning More About The Area's History

Another amazing opportunity that you will have in Felixstowe is to learn more about the area's rich history. Apart from the Felixstowe Museum, you can also visit the Walton Castle Shore Fort, which is one of the late Roman fortresses of the Saxon Shore. Moreover, you should check out the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Old Felixstowe, dating back to the 12th century. For more information on the area's history, you can check out various guides and blogs online, as well as stop by Landguard Visitor Centre.

Planning Your Move

Finally, once you have done enough research about living in Felixstowe and you are ready to move there, it's important to take some time to plan everything. For instance, it might be beneficial to declutter your current property and get rid of anything you may not need. Make sure you book a removal company in advance so that everything goes smoothly on the day. Remember to contact your utility suppliers and let them know you are moving. If you are buying a property, ask the sellers what will be included in your new home and check that you have all the important documents ready. Familiarise yourself with the route that you want to take and ask some friends to help you move.