Buying property in Luton

suziqqq

Born and bred in Luton no complaints I live in Wigmore LU2 which is a nice area just sold our house to a couple form Hemel moving in same area and would not want to be anywhere else.

KaceyTray

I had to move to Luton for work a few years back, and bought a small flat near the city centre. When I first moved here (2005) property prices were quite high and Luton was actually a pleasant place to live in, but over the years it has deteriorated. A lot of religious and political extremism, crime rates, unemployment etc have been rife. I've had to sell my flat for less than what I paid for it, had been on the market nearly 9 months which is common for property in certain areas. I would have a very thorough look around the area you want to buy in, I have felt scared walking alone at night, you can find terrible people around the city centre

But on the upside property is very cheap and even though resale price can vary, rental prices have always been high, I guess its a matter of people needing to live in Luton but not wanting to invest in property. I only lived 10 minutes from the train station and the trains to London are very regular (8-10 minutes) and you can get into London St Pancras within 30 minutes (this varies), and return tickets can be as cheap as £9!

vandiola

Thank you for the advice, everyone! And kacey, so through, thanks!

harrys_dad

movilogo wrote: »

Luton has no good school (not even any private school)!

What a ridiculo9us sweeping generalisation. See below.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109685

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109713

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109686

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109707

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109699

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/135337

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109709

Seven out of 9 Secondary Schools in Luton rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

I don't have the time to work through all the Primary Schools.

J_i_m

Luton definitely has a reputation for being a bit 'rough around the edges' and there are plenty of rundown areas with the gang crime culture.

The multi culture aspect isn't a problem, just so long as you are a reasonable person who values diversity. But there do seem to be some micro communities within Luton who manage segregate a bit.

I currently work in Luton Town centre and my impression of Luton in general is that it's a medium sized town trying to be a city. It has a reasonable shopping centre, good transport links, train and airport.

But there's definitely this vibe here that every other person on the street is a would be 'dodgy geezer'.

However, in reality that probably isn't any different to anywhere else, and there are plenty of nice places near to Luton.

Dunstable for example, is on the doorstep of some beautiful Chilterns countryside, and with the new bus way, public transport into Luton has improved considerably recently.

movilogo

Ofsted ranking is based on some framework and metrics. Teachers often put nasty students on detention during inspection.

A school can be rife with bullying, drug crime, gang culture and still be rated outstanding by Ofsted.

harrys_dad

movilogo wrote: »

Ofsted ranking is based on some framework and metrics. Teachers often put nasty students on detention during inspection.

A school can be rife with bullying, drug crime, gang culture and still be rated outstanding by Ofsted.

That is unmitigated rubbish.

Coveredinbees!!!!

KaceyTray wrote: »

I have felt scared walking alone at night, you can find terrible people around the city centre

!

It's a town not a city.

I used to live in LU4 it was OK and we never felt unsafe but we had horrible neighbours and moved out but we have horrible neighbours again outside of Luton, so it's swings and roundabouts. The Busway is running now so you don't necessarily have to live right near the station as long as you are near to a bus stop it will get you to the station quickly.

ethank

movilogo wrote: »

Ofsted ranking is based on some framework and metrics. Teachers often put nasty students on detention during inspection.

A school can be rife with bullying, drug crime, gang culture and still be rated outstanding by Ofsted.

You appear to be substituting your opinion for fact. How long have you been an Ofsted Inspector?

J_i_m

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

It's a town not a city.

Yes it is a town. But it's definitely trying to behave like a city. It even applied to become officially acknowledged as a city.