Do You Live in Melksham or Rudloe, Wilts?

Due a relationship breakdown I am having to leave my dream home in the countryside near Chipping Sodbury and downsize to a more affordable area. I need to be close to work, which is 15 mins from Corsham, but Corsham itself is over my budget so am looking at both Melksham and Rudloe. I am relatively local, but when I was at school in Corsham back in the mid 80's Corsham, Melksham and Rudloe in particular weren't particularly nice places to live. Corsham is much nicer these days (hence wanting to move there) but I have no idea about Melksham (Forest side) or Rudloe. And also - am I better buying the best house in a crap area, or a crap house in a nicer area?? I'll be on my own and don't want to feel like a prisoner in my own house once I move - its stressful enough as it is!! Help!