Moving to Nottingham to live alone (for the first time)

Tigerlily85

Hi there

I would appreciate advice from those in the know of Nottingham please.

I currently live in south Sheffield, but work just off j26 of the M1. Recently, I have found myself single and feel I may as well bite the bullet, lose the [often horrendous] commute and move closer to work. I really don't know Nottingham at all as a place to live though, and having never lived on my own before (or out of Sheffield for that matter!) I want to make sure I choose an area I'm going to feel safe in-that is the main priority.

I'll be renting to begin with and my budget is no more than £600/month but ideally would prefer the £500 mark. Don't need schools and would ideally like to be round like minded people (I am a young (ok, in denial 30year old!) professional) so I can hopefully find a new social group . Don't want to house share really either although haven't completely ruled it out if something suitable came up.

I have focussed my search so far mostly on the 'm1 side' of south Nottingham (ie Wollaton, Bramcote, Beeston) but have also been told Mapperley might be a good choice (not sure what the journey to work would be like crossing the city though?) I also wondered what Stapleford is like? Or does any one have any other recommendations please?

Many thanks in advance. I have never used the forums here but love MSE and will be here much more frequently now in my quest to budget and save money as a single!

Tiger xx

Grumpelstiltskin

I don't know that side of the city but if I were you I would look for somewhere close to the new tram line that should be open later this year. Then you will have easy safe access to the city.


http://thetram.net/pdfs/a2%20Toton%20NET%2006_13.pdf

Horseygirl123

Presumably you've ruled out living near j26, eg. Kimberley, Bulwell, Eastwood or would you rather be nearer the city centre?

I was born and brought up in Beeston so know the surrounding areas very well. Beeston is a stones throw from Nottingham University and many graduates settle in the area so a vibrant place to live I'd say. Wollaston and Bramcote are more expensive and would appeal more to families. Stapleford is okay.

I live in Mapperley and there has been mass house building which has attracted many young professionals. A very popular gym and coffee shops and bars attracts people from miles away. Estate agents tell newcomers to nottingham that the best areas are West Bridgford, Wollaton and Mapperley. Rents are more expensive but ok or your budget.

I have always felt safe wherever I've lived though and so have my children.

Horseygirl123

Sorry forgot to mention commuting. Traffic to and from the city centre from Mapperley is pretty horrendous in rush hour. Excellent bus service also. If you drive, you wouldn't need to go anywhere the city centre to get to junction 26.

Grumpelstiltskin

Following on from what Horseygirl said if you are thinking about driving to and from work check the route out in the rush hour.

Tigerlily85

Thank you for the advice so far 😊

I haven't completely ruled out The areas around j26 but yes would prefer a bit closer to the city and also not *too* close to work!! I will drive to work as transport links aren't great round my workplace.

Mapperley and Beeston (I think the Chilwell side appeals to me more than the uni side) are my favourites I think. Stapleford a maybe too. Need to go for another drive around! It will mostly come down to what rental properties are available and where once my house sale goes through so I can actually move as well.

Any more pearls of wisdom? 😊

Tigerlily85

Horseygirl-what are the boundaries for Mapperley-is it north of 'Woodborough Road' or is the area down by 'The Wells Road' towards Thorneywood included?

restless6

If you work near J26 then Mapperley is not the wisest area as the commute would be bad.

It borders on to St Anns, (woodborough road border) which is a dump, so choose wisely.

Beeston is good, lots of pubs, shops and the new tram link.
If I were you , i would pick Beeston

GaleSF63

Any approach to junction 26 is pretty horrendous in the rush-hour (and not just then) so really the nearer the better. Worth finding out what Bulwell and Basford are like now (I'm out of date) as the trams go there so good links to city centre.

Which side of J26 is your work - Nottingham or Eastwood?

restless6

GaleSF63 wrote: »

Any approach to junction 26 is pretty horrendous in the rush-hour (and not just then) so really the nearer the better. Worth finding out what Bulwell and Basford are like now (I'm out of date) as the trams go there so good links to city centre.

Which side of J26 is your work - Nottingham or Eastwood?

Bulwell is still a hovel and Basford isn't much better.

tomtontom

restless6 wrote: »

Bulwell is still a hovel and Basford isn't much better.

I agree about Bulwell but Basford has its better spots and tends to attract young professionals. I'd also look at Sherwood for the same reason, nice shopping area there too.

I can't see why people are suggesting Beeston etc when it has the potential to be as long a commute as Sheffield!