Dunstable

whitesatin

Does anyone know this area and, if so, how would you rate it as a place to live/buy?

I read lots of negatives about Luton and Dunstable but would appreciate some positive input too. I don't need to be near to a train station and I do drive.

It looks fine to me but just wanted some input, thanks. Are there particular places to avoid or better parts in which to live?

Keith

What you looking for? We live in a 2 bed semi, just over the border into Luton, been here 4 years.

We moved here as it was fairly cheap, we don't use the schools yet, shopping is ok but we'd normally go to MK or Watford, public transport is poor.

whitesatin

Thanks. We are looking for somewhere to retire to, somewhere with nice walks close by (Dunstable Downs e.g.). We have friends/family in Hertfordshire but you can get so much more house for your money in Luton and Dunstable. OK, we don't need a huge house but like our space.

I suppose my concerns are regarding crime rates, especially in the centre of "town" should we go out to eat in the evenings. I have looked at official statistics and it doesn't rate too badly. I just wondered if there are areas of Dunstable to avoid or more desireable parts there.

Keith

Eating out? Good luck, there is a Pizza Express in Luton, a few all you can eat chinese places, lots of carvery type pubs. There is little chinese/italian restaurants dotted about with very good reputations but selection isn't great.

Walking - I agree, it's brilliant, we go to the Downs at least once per month.

The places that are desirable are along the Bedford Road of Luton and near the "good" schools, I'd come and have a look at some of the places in Dunstable some of the tree lined streets are lovely and I doubt we'll move back south where we came from. Depending on budget, the village of Studham has some beautiful properties on the otherside of the downs.

Crime wise - The local paper is always full of muggings and fights. But in times like these, I guess these occur everywhere.

pimento

There's no station in Dunstable.

P_O_W_L

Hi,

I live in Dunstable so thought Id try to help.

It really depends what type of property you are looking at. The area I live is really nice (although Im moving out tomorrow!! haha its my parents house). For retirees who wish to stay as far away from anti-social areas as possible I would immediately say steer clear of these areas:

Downside, Houghton Regis, Spoondale, Central Dunstable.

West Dunstable, by the bottom of the downs is really nice. Totternhoe road and the roads coming off it (Marina Drive, Badgers Gate, Beacon/Coombe Drive, The avenue.). Also up by Queensbury High School (Canesworde road and those off it). There are some nice big houses up off of Lowther Road too.

I would suggest getting your google maps up and having a little look on streetview of the roads Ive suggested. Also, take a look at some of the local villages such as Totternhoe, Eaton Bray, Ivinghoe, Edlesborough etc. If you are looking more up-market then those areas are lovely.

General rule of thumb is the further away from Luton the better, and I mean that in the most respectful way possible as I was born and bred in Luton.

Hope this helps!

Mayflower10cat

We lived in Luton for almost 15 years and were very happy. I originally worked in London complete with horrible commute, then was lucky enough to work in Houghton Regis. Dunstable itself, is a pleasant enough little town, but sadly has lost a lot of it's little local shops in recent times. However, the L&D hospital is close, halfway between Luton & Dunstable just by J11 of the M1. My simplest advice would be to go and stay in the area for a few days and explore like mad - make your own mind up about where you think would suit you best.

I always defend Luton as so many people seem to be very negative about it! Pluses include a mainline train station to London & decent bus service. Some very lovely parks thanks to the Victorians, a revamped shopping centre (admittedly built in the 60's which involved tearing down some lovely Victorian buildings and the Carnegie Library) but with all the shops you need. A good library and and a nice little theatre. A huge amount of eating places, depends on what you like of course, but if you love Indian or Chinese you'll be spoilt for choice. I also wouldn't say that there was any more crime in Luton than you'd get in any average large town. We lived off Old Bedford Road and it was very quiet and leafy.

There are many little villages just on the outskirts of Luton which you might like to consider. You'd be on the edge of a large town but with local shops & amenities and the countryside on your doorstep. One village that sprang to mind was Barton Le Clay.

Anyway, good luck and keep us posted!

lincroft1710

whitesatin wrote: »

Thanks. We are looking for somewhere to retire to, somewhere with nice walks close by (Dunstable Downs e.g.).

I wouldn't retire to Luton/Dunstable, but there are some nice villages nearby, Caddington, Eaton Bray, Totternhoe, Kensworth, Studham, Whipsnade, but the latter 3 are expensive. Avoid Houghton Regis.