Swindon?

Gingernutmeg

We've just found out that our current property is going to be sold (to developers, as the site is worth more than the house) and so our rental contract isn't being renewed as the house won't be here in a few months lol. We've been looking round at areas to move to as we've decided to leave London, and Swindon keeps popping up in terms of job offers and being a nice/safe/up-and-coming place to live. I don't know that area at all so I'm wondering if anyone has any info - what are the areas to avoid, what are the nice bits and is it actually a nice place (I know that's totally subjective but it'd be nice to hear a few points of view). As we'd like to move to somewhere less urban I'd be particularly interested to hear if anyone has anything to say about the villages/small towns in the surrounding area - is public transport into the town fairly reasonable and reliable, are the villages full of 'locals' (;)), that kind of thing. Any info will be very gratefully received!

narced

I once worked for a company that had its head office in Swindon. I always thought the place was awful.

Having said that there is some really nice countryside around. Cirencester is not that far away and is a much nicer place IMHO.

lostinrates

Swindon itself is preety dire achitecturally, but in lovely (but very expensive) surrounding contryside. There are all the necessary supermarkets and shops/cinemas etc in Swindon, though, so its convenient, and as I say outside swindon is beautiful, but VERY expensive.

Gingernutmeg

Thank you I've been looking at rental prices today and thinking how cheap they are lol, but that's what living in London does for you ...

lostinrates

Gingernutmeg wrote: »

Thank you I've been looking at rental prices today and thinking how cheap they are lol, but that's what living in London does for you ...

Actually, I wouldn't know about swindon itslef, just the areas outside, and buying rather than renting. I should have been clearer. Within minutes from Swindon you are in the prime weekend zone and prices I think are high, but I have notices not so high in comparision to newer weekending places now lol.

But yes, you'll find it a lot cheaper than most of london Note, public transport is very different out here and etrol consumption higher because things are generally further away than in Town.

Ishtar

narced wrote: »

I once worked for a company that had its head office in Swindon. I always thought the place was awful.

Having said that there is some really nice countryside around. Cirencester is not that far away and is a much nicer place IMHO.

I've just moved away from Cirencester (back to Oxfordshire!) and have to say that it's an OK place to live - a bit sleepy, and you have to watch out as there is often an 'atmosphere' in town in the evenings. Bit of a drug problem as well.....

However, as with all places there are some very nice areas - we lived just to the north of Cirencester in Stratton (not to be confused with Stratton St Margaret, which is Swindon way), and it suited us fine. Nice place, nice neighbours, safe for DD. Depending upon the area you go for it can be really expensive - some of the villages are good - Kemble has a train station and isn't hugely pricey.

It would probably take about 15 minutes to commute from Ciren to Swindon by car outside of rush hour (nearer 25 mins if central Swindon), so if you picked your times you wouldn't be waiting in huge queues.

I'd have to say, much better to commute into Swindon than to live there......

HTH
D.

scope

Swindon is currently going through a massive regeneration where they are rebuilding big parts of the town centre, and yes, it needs it. Its got some ok shopping centers (Outlet Village, Greenbridge) outside the town center, and a growing number of stores in the centre.

It does have some nice nature not too far away, and is in the middle for access to Oxford, Bristol, B'ham, etc.

Places to avoid (well, I would, personally): Park North, Park South, Penhill.

I used to live in West Swindon and after 8 years in Swindon still thinks its the best side of Swindon.

Massive developments to the north of Swindon (Priory Vale) with some nice estates.

House prices are very affordable compared to London, and if I were you I would rent first to take advantage of the current drop in house prices, and also to see which areas you like the most and want to live in.

So to sum up, you'll enjoy living in Swindon if you dont plan to spend too much time in the town center, as its full of chavs.

lesley1960

I live in swindon too ( well on the very edge) , loads of houses being built but few buyers i should think lol

depends on your budget , but the villages surrounding swindon are nice , tbh its much the same as any town , crap shops tho