Let's move to Matlock, Derbyshire

What's going for it? Hope (or is it delusion?) springs eternal in Matlock. It has just planted its first vineyard. In Derbyshire! This town apparently thinks it's a seaside resort marooned by the Peak District after a Great Flood – its parades are lined with amusement arcades, splendidly tacky shops, chippies and caffs, despite the fact that Matlock is about as far from the sea as you can get on this island. Also known as "Little Switzerland", on account of its romantic geography. But you've got to admire its chutzpah. Matlock is an old spa town that, alone among British spa towns, has decided not to take the Bath and Buxton route to geriatric poshness, but modelled itself instead on Margate. Bless it. And what a fine figure it cuts, notably on summer nights when legions of bikers arrive, and the parades hum with revving engines and the smell of oil and leather.

The case against Some won't like the tat (though look past it – see below). It suffers chronically from traffic, with a perfect storm of tourists and roads squeezed into a valley bottom. Light on decent shops.

Well connected? Hourly trains to Derby (34 minutes) and thence the rest of the universe. It's a 20-minute drive to the M1, and 15 to the A38 dual carriageway.

Schools Primaries: Darley Dale, Castle View, Matlock Bath Holy Trinity CofE and Bonsall CofE are all "good", says Ofsted, with St Giles CofE "outstanding". The local secondary, Highfields, was given a notice to improve last autumn, but is stuffed full of action plans.

Hang out at... "Pub-style antipasti" (scotch egg et al) and music at the Fishpond. Or go posh at the Peacock at Rowsley.

Where to buy Look past the seaside veneer, and you'll find a handsome town with great, affordable property tucked up its alleys. North of the centre, above the town, explore around Bank Road up to Wellington Street – under the turrets of the old "hydro" or spa are some rather fine Victorian houses with good southern views. Farley Hill, Darley Dale and Two Dales are good for posh suburbans, as is Starkholmes to the south. Bonsall village just outside town is my pick: great old property.

Market values Large detacheds and farmhouses, £375,000-£800,000. Detacheds, £180,000-£375,000. Semis, £145,000-£350,000. Terraces and cottages, £100,000-£180,000.

Bargain of the week Three-bed Victorian semi on Bakewell Road, requiring complete modernisation, £99,950, with Fletcher & Grant.

From the streets…

Derek Robinson "Trevor's Green Way cafe for superb vegetarian, organic and locally-sourced food (ideal for Guardianistas)."

Alan North "Little Switzerland (Matlock Bath) on one side and White and Dark Peaks on the other – I have a great commute 'over the tops'. Matlock's busy reinventing itself while keeping some essential character, though it's a shame the tram up Bank Street has gone."

Mike Garner "The town's been badly hit by a classic supermarket-funded one-way system that pulls cars away from the old town."

Live in Matlock? Join the debate below.

Do you live in Whitsand Bay and Rame Head, Cornwall? Got a favourite haunt or pet hate? If so, please email lets.move@theguardian.com by Tuesday 29 May.