Bristol and Cheltenham - best areas to live?

[alfaman]

I'd welcome some advice from the SW crowd.

I currently live in Asia - quite likely to be returning to the UK (on-off) from next year .

I'm thinking of getting a base in either Bristol or cheltenham - looking for a period flat quite close to entertainment / restaurants / culture etc.... That could be rented out when not in UK.

Any thoughts on relative merits of the 2 places, and what are the good areas ?

I prefer to live in a town which is quite lively , has good food/ culture / entertainments - and close to nice countryside / outdoor activities ( and my family live in the north Cotswolds so don't wish to be far away when in the UK .

Any advice greatly appreciated

[alfaman]

miniman said:

For me, the downside to Bristol is that when presented with the opportunity to have traffic-free Sundays, this happened:



Oh aren't we all so alternative. Some manky sofas in the middle of the road. Smash the system etc.

Surprised the council would allow that - makes the street look like the local tip!

Thanks for suggestions

Any views on cheltenham?

[alfaman]

msduk said:

miniman said:

Bath

Yeah this! It does sound prefect given your wish list.

Sticking to the question though. I don't know much about Cheltenham.

But Bristol areas you might like are -:
redland
clifton
cotham

thanks for the advice everyone- I hadnt really thought about Bath .. thought too touristy /small but could be worth a look !

[alfaman]

Thanks for the comments everyone

Rail links would not be critical most days - though occasional good train times to London are useful ( i would prob be semi retired / retired ).

I guess all 3 places have individual merits(?)

Bristol : bigger , more going on - but maybe hassle on roads and possibly a few rough areas (?)

Bath : lovely architecture and art scene ... Good property looks rather pricy (like Bristol?)

Cheltenham: also good architecture and some nice parks/ squares. Property seems better value than the other 2 (?). Is there enough 'going on' socially and culturally - maybe...( probably easier to get in out of than the other 2 by car?)

[alfaman]

evenflow said:

If you want to live close to the action (such as it is!) in Cheltenham, then Montpellier is the place to be.

There are also some fairly decent places in Pittville, although this is much nearer the hoi polloi

There is an estate a mile or so out of town called Battledown that has some nice houses.

Hmmm. Have seen some nice flats n houses on Rightmove facing Pittville park.

( a huge 4.000+ ft2 one sold recently for 650-700 ... Seems kinda cheap for the size and location)

What areas in cheltenham rent out easily? ( if u are familiar with that)

And what areas do the hoi polloi live in? ( I would want to avoid 'ok ish' or rough areas... Stick to better areas)