Bristol or Basildon dilemma please help

machinor

hello!

I have been offered two identical jobs, one in Bristol and the other in Basildon, for which latter I have a slight preference.

I want to settle there for many years and raise a family

I have been told (and witnessed unfortunately) that Basildon is to be a shthole

Many chavs, crime, lack of stores/conveniences/amenities. (especially in Laindon where will work)

Basildon seems a very troubled area and definatelly not an area to raise children.

If I rent outside Basildon and commute, let's say from East London, I will pay increased rent, I will pay increased fuel, and I won't live in a much better area (as East London is also problematic).

At the other hand, I know nothing about Briston, Filton to be specific.

Any ideas?

Thanks

PasturesNew

Some parts of Bristol are sh1teholes... but easily avoided - and at a fraction of the price of being near London.

Bristol's got trains, the M4, close to Wales for nice holidays/days out, or the south west coast for days out.

geri1965_2

Bristol is great! I know nothing about Basildon, but I can't imagine it is anywhere near as nice as Bristol.

This weekend we have the International Balloon Fiesta, a Muslim Cultural Fair, and a Vintage Bus Rally. There are events almost every weekend and always something to do.

Filton is a couple of miles north of the city centre but very easy to get to by bus or train.

fiftyeighter_2

I live quite near to Basildon, about 30 mns drive. It is a good shopping area and often go their as do a lot of people I know. But I wouldn't want to live there. Although there are some really lovely places in Basildon.
What about a place further out. There are some lovely villages, small towns very nearby and very easy to get to Basildon. I live in a very lovely coastal town and as I've said only 30 mns away at most.
I'm sure you would find a place to live that would suit you if you looked around.

fiftyeighter_2

P.S I have friends that live in Basildon as did my aunt and cousin and they all loved it there. I don't think it's any worse than any other town.
I've been going there since I was about 11 yrs old, I'm now nearly 65 and I have never been attacked or seen any one attacked. Though I did see a young boy being caught for shoplifting once in toys r us. Nothing too exciting. Lol

mumsiemum

BRISTOL - BRISTOL - BRISTOL - BRISTOL - BRISTOL!!!!!


I live in North Bristol (3 miles from Filton) Its a brilliant city - check out this weekend in Bristol (Balloon Fiesta) is just one example of what we get up to over the summer. Others - the harbour festival and kite festival - so much going on for all ages.


If you're into cycling we are a 'cycling city' Bristol to Bath railway path is very popular in the summer.


I moved here in 1986 and have raised my kids here - both have done well.


I'll shut up now!

Good Luck


PS and the shopping is good!! Now I will shut up !!!!

Anouchka

Bristol is a great place with loads going for it. Don't know how old you are but my 27 year old son and his girlfriend moved there from Glasgow just over a year ago and aren't in a hurry to come back. They just love Bristol.

martin2345uk

I'm from Essex, I would pick Bristol over Bas-Vegas any day of the week

fiftyeighter_2

What about places like old Maldon town and pretty Burnham on Crouch and all the outlying pretty villages. All a short drive from Basildon?
I can't talk about Bristol I've never been there. Although I understand most parts of it has a lot going on their. Good luck whatever you decide.

Winter_Phoenix

I used to know both places slightly, and I would definitely choose Bristol.

But why don't you get a cheap coach or bus ticket and look it over for yourself?

You could also check out their online local newspapers to get a flavour of each:
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/ and
http://www.basildonrecorder.co.uk/

Good luck, whichever you choose, and well done for getting two job offers!

Living_proof

Bristol always - from an Essex girl!