pammy68

Hi, has anyone moved to this area recently, Im just looking for info on what its like these days, I heard lots of shops closing down and sitting empty, not many job opportunities(although online I am finding jobs advertised, hence why I want some input)and a huge drug and immigrant problem, also re the housing market, is it picking up, good time to buy or should I wait a while?

Many thanks for your input

Sparkleydiva

I haven't been back in about 8 years so can't help, but hopefully oztennis will see this and give you some info as i think he's in Castle Douglas now. I have also seen jobs for myself but think DH would struggle, so will have to be nearer the big cities for work.

Gillymonkey

Hi
We've just moved back and and are currently staying with family in Newton Stewart.

I dont think things are as bad as you have heard. Stranraer, however does have a huge heroin problem but I've never seen any evidence of it. Newton is a bit of a bubble due to all the retirees but from what I've seen of Dumfries things are no worse than elsewhere. I can't comment on jobs, both my husband abd I have specialist fields so need to be in major cities so we won't be here long term.

fulwood

gillymonkey I have a dear friend who lives in Newton Stewart. I have visited there several times and love the area.

pammy68

Thanks everyone

Im hoping to visit shortly after new years, been trying to contact a few friends who are back there and family, been awhile, you know how that goes

fulwood

Please keep us updated. It's part of country I would consider moving to as well.

Gillymonkey

We went for a drive to Dumfries today via Castle Douglas. It really is a beautiful part of the country, so scenic. It's my in laws that are here and anytime we visit I feel so peaceful because of the beautiful country around us. Castle Douglas looked to be doing Ok, no obvious signs of economic depression.

scot47

Castle Douglas seems okay. Dumfries has declined and now seems to have only charity shops, banks and an Army Recruiting Office. Wigtown has improved since it became The Scottish Book Town.
The whole area is being settled intensively as a result of White Flight from the South.

Hazelnut

It's somewhere we looked at four years ago when we were debating moving within the UK or emigrating. I have relatives there so we'd have had help to settle. I don't think I'd want to be right in Dumfries as it is a little run down but it's no worse than other towns that were hit badly by the recession. It's a beautiful place to be with lots to do on a weekend that doesn't cost a lot. Lots of castles and big houses to explore with gardens and playgrounds for the kids to run rampant in.

Wigtown has a festival every year that I've been to a few times and really enjoyed and MrH meets up with fellow astronomy enthusiasts as much of D&G has dark sky status.

It is a long way from there to any major city so it depends on what you do for a living as to whether there's work. MrH couldn't get a job there as his work is too specialised, we need to live within commute distance of a UK City for him but I'd probably be able to get freelance work. It would be lower paid than the job I have in the city. There's seasonal work due to the tourist trade times but thats not ideal.

Climate is milder than much of the rest of Scotland which is a definite plus point for the area.

You get more house for your money compared to the Glasgow/Edinburgh belt.
Check for industrial developments being put near any housing you look at though.

elonii

I've sent you a PM Pammy, bit late to the thread but I moved to Newton Stewart area a year ago from Australia and am really liking it.

pammy68

Thanks!

Ill reply later, just heading to work in a mo, thanks so much

fulwood

I have signed up on Facebook for Dumfries and Galloway's Police Division postings. After living in US it is comical to read some of the stuff that is nicked (don't mean to say crime is a good thing).. The other day a German Shepherd was at station as it was a stray. Policeman posted that he either wanted owner to come get dog or get he some earplugs as dog barking so much To those who live in Newton Stewart my friend lives on Cunninghame Terrace in one of the big houses on the hill. Used to be old doctor's house/surgery..

jamesmc

well....as somebody that is D&G born n bred and left to Canada aged 47 wae my family ...can only speak for Annandale and nithsdale that drugs are bad you don't hae tae dig deep to find anything you want ,,jobs that's an other story since elopak,carnation ,gates rubber left good jobs are hard to find it was always known as a low wage area but nowadays even farming /forestry work for the council or drive a truck the wages are awful (if you can get in ) near every month I have old friends wanting to leave and come to Canada .one friend has had his house in Dalbeattie for sale for over a yr now,,,another friend 2 yrs as said earlier its only the settlers from down south buying. Now someone mentioned newton stewart I have family next door in Minnigaff and the kids leaving school have to move to find a half decent wage,,,,,,,,maybe the kids that go to uni will do better but my nephews cant find anything fulltime . I miss D&G badly but you have to do whats best for your family

pammy68

Lol!....I saw that posting on the police site, early morning giggle!

I see they have had a huge spate of break ins this past week, even when people are in their homes, would be interesting to see them get past my crazy huge loud vicious dog, sounds like I may need him more than ever!

pammy68

Im 47 now, been here 13 years almost, been feeling the pang to go back past 2 years, hubby not so and having other issues in our marriage it looks like I will be returning alone, I havent visited in about 8 years, Im more than certain Im going to move back, just a question of when and exactly where, Dalbeattie, CD area is high on my list, does your friends house have a big garden or paddock?!

I used to work for carnation then gates power!, Im sure I will find work, I left on a good note with all my employers and if I have no or next to no mortgage I dont have to make a small fortune, Ive been looking at indeedjob site and there are lots I can apply for but not until I move, Im not big on skype interviews and would like to meet them too.

But you are right, you have to do whats best for your family, so I guess I am too, I soon will be my family so that makes sense!....I do have family back there but we havent spoken for a couple years, long story, but I am attempting to make contact again, not easy but necessary.

Reading over my post it seems Ive made my mind up, now just to do it, thanks everyone and any extra advice, input or links to friends house ads very much appreciated