What is Bude in cornwall like to live?

Might move there and wanted some opinions.

I live about 20 miles away, and go there to do charity work, otherwise I'd never go near the place. Some of my friends live there, but I wouldn't want to. The only high street chain shops are Boots and Somerfield. There is also a grocery Coop, and out of town Morrisons. Apart from Wroe's department store, the rest of the shops are for the holiday trade, mostly gift shops and cafes. No current greengrocers except supermarkets and one small sell-it-all place. Both former cinemas have ceased, and the night spots aren't what they used to be. There is a big leisure centre near Morrisons.
There are some nice walks around, especially around the canal and river. Two beaches, Crooklets isn't so popular, but Summerleaze is a large, safe, sandy beach, with a seawater swimming pool. You are near Widemouth Bay, which is a large, fairly isolated beach, which is good for walking, fishing, and perhaps surfing. All North Cornwall parking and Council Tax expensive. Westcountry water rates highest in the country. Housing extortionate. Weather can be bad, strong Atlantic gales come in without hinderment.
Wages are low. Most jobs within the tourist industry/shops, although there are a few firms on the industrial estates. A lot of people in Bude travel to other towns to work. But the access roads to the town are awful, and throughout the year we hear of accidents on those roads, often fatal.
It is a laid-back way of life, you may enjoy it, it all depends on what you are looking for.

Its like Bude in Cornwall

My answer is don't. A friend of mine went to live there about six years ago, we went to visit and found that Bude is good for surfing but that the shops were stuck in a time warp back in the 60's with the rubbish they sold. There are only two decent shops there, one sells electrical items and the other is a department store. The pubs aren't a lot better with only two being any good. One has special events held on the green outside the pub which are very good the other is a "posh" hotel. Oh by the way, the friend moved to Germany in desperation!!!!

I dont know what its like to live there but Ive been there a few times for holidays and its lovely. It depends on what work you do I suppose, you would have to make sure that you get work and Id say it would be pretty difficult because all the locals will have taken the jobs, its such a small place.
I got talking to a good few taxi drivers and a lot of them have moved there from London and absolutely love it and wouldnt come back, they said although they dont earn as much, the place itself (the most beautiful views) make up for it and they all seem really really happy.
If you do decide to move there I really hope things work out well for you, and perhaps you could invite me for a holiday!
Seriously though, good luck xxxx

Aries is right about the shops (well she has exaggerated slightly) but there are plenty of other shops a short drive away.
Look on the Bude tourist information site for good pubs and restaurants.xx

Beautiful...very relaxing and great people

It's the kind of place you visit on holidays, and it's brilliant for that. But I'm not sure I'd want to live there, because it is SO tourism orientated.