Living In Lancaster

~Diamond~

We could be soon moving to the Lancaster area and I'm trying to find out what it's like living there. I've checked lots of sites police.uk, check my area etc but the people that live there should know what it's really like.

We're looking around the Williamson Park area for renting a 2 bed with garden/decent yard but not finding a lot that's much good for us on right move or zoopla. I do like one in Morecambe but my OH doesn't want to have to commute over the bridge if possible as he's heard it gets backed up at peak times and would prefer to be nearer to work in Lancaster.

What's it like living in Lancaster? What areas are rough and to be avoided if any? Is there many good not packed dog walking areas/fields that you're allowed in around?

I probably have more questions but will leave it at those for now, my brain is fizzing at the thought of moving soon and just want to know all I can before we make any decisions.

Thanks.

Wyndham

Lancaster is divided by the bridge, and your OH is right about the traffic - and not just at rush hour! At one point we were living in a place just north east of Liverpool called Maghull, and some days it took my husband less time to get to work than it did his boss who lived in Morecambe's west end.

On the plus side, property on the north of the bridge is cheaper!

Where are you going to be working? Willimanson Park is lovely, but not necesarily on any bus routes, and also it's at the top of a hill. As Lancaster is a smallish city, it is dominated by Lancaster University, and if you want convenience, being near one of the bus routes between the city and the University can be helpful. Lancaster itself has various bars, restaurants, a cinema and two theatres, so it can be good (if not really good) for entertainment, but if that's your bag you need to think about getting home afterwards.

Personally I'd avoid these areas: The Ridge, Scale Hall (well, parts of it), Skerton and I'd pick carefully in Hala. You can usually tell by the prices though, if you think something is cheap, there is probabably a reason!

If you have somewhere particular in mind, PM me and I may be able to give you specific detail. But I hope this helps for the moment.

Wyndham

And on dog walking - check out the cycle routes which are mulit use, and Lancaster has quite a few of them. You need to keep the dog on a lead though I think.

ronmiel

Further areas best to avoid in Lancaster are Ryelands,Marsh and some areas of the Vale.
Bowerham area and up to Williamsons park area is fine, as is Scotforth apart from Hala estate. The area near the Castle station is also nice, Westbourne Road, the side roads off it and then it continues over to what is known as Abraham Heights, all of which are fine until you get to the Marsh area.
It is a great city to live, so I hope you find somewhere.
Wyndham has given some good advice. You can also PM me if you need anything further.

artbaron

Rents are fairly expensive at Standen Gate & Standen Park, which is where I assume you mean by Williamsons park area, and rented properties are snapped up quickly. It's the best area in the city, though, by some margin (for smaller properties). I doubt you'll find any 2 bed with a yard or garden on that development as almost all 2 beds have communal gardens and parking. You might find some 3 or 4 beds with private yards but you're looking £1100+. Personally I wouldn't consider the area towards Bowerham, it gets worse quickly. And don't even think about Morcambe, it's full of junkies.

ronmiel

It just goes to show how one persons perspective differs from anothers.
It really all depends on what type of property Diamond is looking for. I am presuming as they are looking for a 2 bed property with decent yard area they are not likely to be wanting the Standen park area, indeed I would hate to live there as it is so far out and with little or no public transport.
I can assure you the Bowerham road area of Lancaster is definitely not 'run down' I have recently sold a three bedroomed terraced property on there, where I lived for over 20 years. It is a great area, well served by public transport, shops, chemist etc and has a very low crime rating.
Incidentally I have moved to Morecambe, another no no as far as artbaron is concerned. I haven't seen any druggies yet. I would not like to live in Morecambe though if I needed to get into Lancaster often, but I have moved to be near my family who live and work here.