Stroud and the larger settlements in the area (Stonehouse, Cam & Dursley) are pretty average (read: rough), but some of the outlying villages are very pretty indeed.
as per the previous post. but there are a lot of surrounding villages which are v nice to live in and close to trains - stroud and kemble as well as easy m-way access. lived in are all my life (approx 6 miles from stroud) and have no intention of moving.