What is it like to live in Buxton?

I've lived all my 73 years in the Peak District, the last 45 of them 7 miles north of Buxton. Buxton is a lovely town, with fine architecture, loads of eateries (including some of the "chains"), excellent entertainment at the Opera House (not just for Opera), spectacular scenery and good access to both other rural towns/villages as well as Manchester. The Pavilion Gardens is a gem for all the family.

Three main downsides - among the coldest places in England, no general hospital (but an excellent minor injuries hospital), and few national shops.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

I’d say , speak to the locals!

Not all of the Peak District is in Derbyshire.

Some is in Staffordshire, Cheshire and up into Yorkshire.

Locals describe Buxton as being "2 overcoats colder than't town".

Where are you moving from ? If you are moving ‘up north’ you will find anywhere a bit colder ! I live in the Peak District but moved from Northumberland so find it warmer - and Buxton is not significantly colder than anywhere else around here. Climate change is anyway making a mockery of regional variations.! Move north west and it will be warmer - but wetter - move north east - colder and drier. Buxton is lovely and lots to do but like everywhere in the Peak district gets a lot of people - look at all the cities around it . If you like walking its a great place to be . I had a neighbour who decided on Hexham over Buxton - smaller, less touristy, great community and things going on, near wonderful coastline and the delights of Newcastle .. but I’m biased and lived there myself for 20 years only moved for family reasons.

The only problem with the summer tourists was the parking, as there’s not much of it. But as a resident you can find sneaky gaps if you know where to look. The pubs etc are a bit fuller but it didn’t seem too bad.

My daughter used to work at the Opera house and lived in Buxton. I loved visiting. She started off in a little cottage high up past the quarry. The views were stunning but it easily got cut off when it snowed (which seemed to happen often) She then moved to the Fairfield estate ( think that’s what it’s called) It had a bad reputation but the area she lived it was lovely. Her best friend lives in a flat near the Pavilion.
The weather was always a couple of degrees lower than Derby, and when it snows it really snows! It’s not a very big place, but very quaint. There’s often something happening in the Pavilion Gardens, and throughout the summer there’s markets and events. Nice places to eat and drink too. Oh, and a couple of big supermarkets. Trains to Manchester very regular, but not many other direct links. My daughter goes back often to see friends at the theatre. It seems like a nice place to live.

Not a resident but have visited several time in all seasons. Really enjoy the town. Would not move into the town though, jammed with visitors, especially the summer season.

We like to stay in Buxton in snowy weather, magical. Peak District is a lovely place to visit, I don't believe I'd want the live there.

CW52

Depends on where you are coming from surely? I think it’s a quaint place for a day trip but to live there ? No 🤔 way too quiet 🙆‍♀️

Way too quiet??

Depends what you want from life, I suppose.
We're all different, thank goodness.

Buxton is over 1000 feet above sea level and is within spitting distance of some of the wildest, highest and most exposed country the Peak Distict has to offer so you might expect it to be a bit cooler, and like the rest of the Dark Peak, as opposed to the Derbyshire Dales, it gets a fair bit more rain. But my goodness is it beautiful country.

Somehow, not somehow. Usually a capital is automatic after a full stop.

Didn't have my glasses on and thought the post said, 'Brixton'. somehow think it wouldn't be at all the same thing.

Depends on where you are coming from surely? I think it’s a quaint place for a day trip but to live there ? No 🤔 way too quiet 🙆‍♀️

I live in Penistone and truly believe that tobe the coldest place. We get the wind and rain from the moors and peak district. Truly fabulous Yorkshire beauty and a freezing cold market

Puddy - I suppose lots of us were thinking about living there rather than just visiting.

Yes. Lot's of tourist attractions close by but I don't expect people will be doing the caverns regularly.

The nearest hospital would either be Stepping Hill in Hazel Grove Stockport or Macclesfield.

Just to clarify, whilst the spa hotel is in administration, it is still open and accepting reservations for both the hotel and the spa.

On reading through this thread, no one seems to have mentioned any of the caves in and around Buxton. Poole's Cavern is actually in Buxton and it's wonderful to see the stalagmites and stalactites. Other Caverns, such as Blue John, Speedwell, Treakcliffe and Peak are just a couple of miles outside Buxton and well worth seeing.
For a step back in time, pop into Potters the drapers shop in Buxton. Like being back in 1950!

Living nearby and having a theatre obsessed child, now grown up, at youth theatre there, I spent many an hour in buxton, even pondered moving there, my thoughts are.
I guess it's cold, but I'm a softy southerner and with a good coat, never a problem, follow buxton weather watch on Facebook for accurate details.
Feels safe, in the centre, walking around in the evening never bothered me.
Definitely a town of 2 halves, so if moving there make sure you like that area of town.
People are friendly (is that an almost northern thing)
Trains to Manchester not bad.
Yes it is hilly.
Great restaurants- st Moritz my favourite
Fringe in the summer is great.
Opera house has all the usual touring shows small cinema
Frequent craft fairs, tea dances.
Good swimming pool and gym in the lovely park.
Can't comment on tourists as living in the peak park I think I'm a little blind to them.
Hope that helps

I used to live in South Derbyshire.
It’s a pretty bleak drive over the beautiful moors to Buxton in the winter from the south of the county and Buxton always seemed to get the snow first!

My DD was married in Buxton. We have some lovely photos taken in the Pavilion Gardens. I have visited several times but living there may feel different. My DD who lives nearby said it can get very busy in the summer.

Just remembered that our neighbours used to go to an annual jazz festival - don't know if that is still on.

Yes, we liked it.
I think there is a theatre there too.

Bakewell is a lovely place and I go regularly.
I think I would rather live there than Buxton.

Living somewhere which is a tourist attraction can be quite different from visiting. I've done both and it can be frustrating to find you can't park or can't even get into your town because of all the visitors.
I haven't lived in Buxton although I visited sometimes when I was young and liked it and again more recently, although the last time we tried to visit we had to leave because the place was packed and every single parking space was taken.
We ended up in Bakewell (for a lovely lunch!).