Moving to Deal and Walmer

Elsewhere in the country you won’t find many people who have visited Deal because those who have, have been so captivated by the place that they’ve already moved here. Some might have been for the fishing or the golf or perhaps had a Royal Marines connection and be stuck elsewhere by work commitments but they’ll be back. We think you’ll want to live here too.

Housing

Many are attracted by the centuries old houses and cottages in the conservation area and others by the thought of living where they can overlook the sea. More spacious accommodation and grounds are available at Kingsdown and elsewhere or you might want to escape to the country in one on the nearby villages but still with easy access to Deal’s facilities. You can select from grand apartments in converted barrack buildings and churches, a compact flat or more traditional housing. New build, modern or older; choose according to your preference. Most sales will be handled by agents in the town. Complexes designed for older residents are located near the town centre where Age Concern’s Deal Centre for the Retired is popular.

Education

There are 6 primary schools in town ranging in size from The Downs and Warden House with over 400 pupils to Sholden at 110 with Sandown, Hornbeam and Deal Parochial in between. Sholden and Parochial have admission criteria that include a faith element. In addition there are nearby village schools in Kingsdown, Northbourne and Worth. At 11 children go to either of the secondary schools, Castle Community or Walmer Science College or those that qualify can go to grammar school, co-educational in Sandwich or separate boys and girls in Dover. For those preferring a Roman Catholic ethos St.Edmunds in Dover is a popular choice and a few choose to go to Sandwich Technology College for its vocational emphasis. Travel by bus is provided to Dover and by train to Sandwich. The nearest public school is Dover College and Northbourne Park offers private education for younger children.

Work

Most employment within Deal is in the retail and service sectors. Many workers travel from Deal to Pfizer’s large pharmaceutical research plant at Sandwich or to Dover for companies associated with the cross channel trade, either at sea or shore based. Neither journey is anything like as stressful or tedious as a big city commute and cycling to Sandwich is practical.

Health

Victoria Hospital has a minor injuries unit and visiting consultants hold outpatient clinics. Recuperating patients stay on the wards. Patients needing more acute care are taken to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital at Margate. NHS dentists still operate in Deal. There are three large and one small GP practices.  Ancillary medical services are available from various locations.

Police

Each of the wards in the town has at least one dedicated Police Officer or Community Support Officer. Recorded crime rates in Dover District are nearly 40% lower than the national average and in Deal are less than the whole district. When asking for more police resources the answer always is “…. but there’s not enough crime”.

Quality of life

Seaside, countryside, urban tranquillity. All are appreciated by Deal residents, but in addition to the activities for visitors listed elsewhere there are clubs, societies and associations for as many sporting, artistic, social and specific interest activities as you could think of to keep life interesting. Two cricket clubs (Deal Victoria play in Walmer and Walmer play in Sholden?!), Betteshanger Welfare Brass Band, Deal Lioness Club and Deal and District Camera Club are but examples of each from a much longer but not exhaustive list.

Any one want a roundabout or set of traffic lights? We’ve only got one proper example of each and don’t really need those. Come and visit us and then come and live with us.