Affordable place to buy between Bristol and Bath

Helen224488

Currently live in Redland, Bristol (renting). Looking to buy a 2-3 bed house max 175k, cannot afford Bristol. Husband works in Bath, I work in Redland, Bristol and daughter aged 13 attends school in Redland, Bristol.

We are looking at villages between Bristol and Bath. The idea is I will use our 1 car and commute to Bristol (taking daughter to school). I work term time only full time so this will be 39 weeks out of the year. Husband will get a motorbike or cycle to Bath. I have been looking on Rightmove and Radstock or Paulton look OK but I just read an article on Radstock which said it is known locally as Sadstock or Toxic shock. Here is article: http://www.ilivehere.co.uk/radstock.html

I don't want to drive for more than 1 hour hopefully leaving house 7am to get to work for 8am, I start work 8.15am and daughter starts school 8.25am. I have factored in petrol costs.

Now I'm not sure what to do. We are hoping to move next year so have time to research places. My sis lived in Peasedown St John for a few years which was a nice location.

I did look at across bridge Newport and surrounding areas but the commute from here to Bath would be crazy and the bridge cost is huge.

Any suggestions anyone?

Davesnave

There's nothing terribly wrong with Radstock/Midsomer Norton/Peasedown, which are your main choices on that side of Bath. They are all former mining villages so the architecture reflects that and their working class histories, but I'd rather live in any of them than the dodgier areas of Bath!

Your 'article is very tongue in cheek and not written from the perspective of a mature, family-orientated person. I'd ignore it. They are relatively safe places with decent schools and services.

There are also little enclaves, like Clandown, where you might find something, but most of the smaller villages, like Englishcome or Priston will be well out of your price bracket.

On the other side of Bath there's Longwell Green, Warmley and similar areas to the east of the A4174. These are well served with supermarkets, DIY sheds etc and have a higher proportion of modern houses than the villages south of Bath.

I don't keep tabs on prices in this area now, but I know it was getting hard to find anything decent in Bath at £175k when I left there 6 years ago...and prices have risen there and in Bristol. I remember getting into Bristol from Bath could be a bit of a nightmare too.

Good luck!

MortgageVirgin

Radstock isn't so bad, but it's a hilly ride into Bath. PSJ is also nice, though it does feel a little 'out in the sticks'.

It seems like, for a few grand more, you may find somewhere more suitable. Have a look at these.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35901531.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-53931434.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35720541.html

Prices in Bath are extortionate. Have you considered somewhere like Chippenham? It's further away, but great links via the M4 for Bristol and the A4 for Bath.

MortgageVirgin

Clandown: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-35543379.html

LandyAndy

I was born and brought up in Midsomer Norton. My mother still lives there although I moved away 40 years ago.

I would certainly pick MSN over Radstock. I don't care for Paulton but I think that is prejudice from years ago when it was a dump. I believe it is much more 'up and coming' now.

You will certainly find decent three bed semis for your budget.

Helen224488

Thanks everyone for your replies.

MortgageVirgin - It's funny as your 3rd link is for a property in Broomhill (Longwood). I used to live on that road for 3 years. It is very near the Park & Ride in Brislington. I wouldn't mind buying a house there as we rented previously it is opposite very nice stables/horses but very close to a council estate. The only problem is the 3rd bedroom is tiny and the bathroom is also tiny and this particular house has no bath. My current flat has no bath and I really want a bath.

I will look into Chippenham and also Clandown. We really need 3 beds as although we only have 1 child living with us we have 10 children between us and we need a 3rd bedroom for when the others visit.

WestwoodRKO

Stoke Gifford? You could go to work by bus and your husband could go to bath either by train as its close to parkway or drive.

Jon_B_2

WestwoodRKO wrote: »

Stoke Gifford? You could go to work by bus and your husband could go to bath either by train as its close to parkway or drive.

Going to struggle to find any half decent 3 beds in North West Bristol at £175k, you're looking at Lockleaze, Patchway/Filton at that budget...

dragonsoup

Paulton is fine - about to get its own Italian restaurant now too. Definitely a sign of improved fortunes!

Peasedown St John though still has a poor local reputation.

DRP

Surely your only choice is to join us in keynsham?

Equidistant between bristol and bath, easy train, bus and car to both and perfect for cycling. It is a decent little town, with good infrastructure & amenities, parks, shops. A mixture of Victorian housing and several new build developments.

Definitely on an upward trajectory in terms of house prices, but there's value to be had too.

What's your budget?

Helen224488

My sister used to live at Double Hill, Peasedown St John, BA2 8PT. It was a row of cottages. Over 200k so out of our price range. We don't want to live in Filton or Lockleaze. My husband lived in Filton and was burgled several times and had car vandalised etc. Unfortunately our budget will only get us an ex council house in a rough area of Bristol. I think Radstock or Paulton or Midsomer Norton is our best bet.

Just watched neighbours from hell hilarious TV programme, wish I could afford a detached house!