where to live? Swindon and surroundings

[J B L]

Hello all.

I have an opprotunity to move to a new job in Swindon. I was having a quick look on property websites but there is nothing like the Locals experience.

New job would be situated south west of Swindon, I am not against some commute time (say up to 1 hour) and I like rural-ish locations - too much in the sticks and wifey won't be pleased...not enough shoes and handbags shops y'see; seriously, as a regular traveller, she'd feel safer in a nice area with people around.

So, where to go, where to avoid?

Thanks PHers.

[spitfire-ian]

A friend of mine lives in Highworth which seems quite a nice place. Near Swindon but far enough away to not be Swindon if you get what I mean

[mat205125]

spitfire-ian said:

A friend of mine lives in Highworth which seems quite a nice place. Near Swindon but far enough away to not be Swindon if you get what I mean

Small world

[Pints]

I'm in North West Swindon (Taw Hill) and it's a rather nice area. A good indicator is the quality of cars owned by neighbours.
It all depends what type/size of house you're after.

[Ray Singh]

Generally avoid anywhere that starts with a P in Swindon itself.

Pinehurst, Park North, Park South, Penhill etc.

West Swindon can be quite nasty too. North Swindon has a lot of new houses and the estates are nice. Bargain houses there compared to Reading etc....

You need to be more specific about where you are going to be working and also if you intend to buy or rent?

I would choose Purton or Lydiard to live (rent or buy) - nice areas and far enough away from the town to be nice and rural.

Alternatives would be Wanborough, Liddington, Bishopstone, Idstone etc - but like i said, it can be a 30 min drive to South West Swindon from this side......

PM me if you need more help. I have been living in the "Jewel of the West" for over 20 years......

[Allanv]

I work in Swindon but I live in Bristol 40 min commute. Beats living in Swindon

But you have lots of options, Chippenham, Bath, Bristol or you can go the other way.

[anonymous-user]

move to wooten basset or something

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 3rd November 12:58

[sday12]

Ray Singh said:

I have been living in the "Jewel of the West" for over 20 years......

Bath?

[s1rallyemark]

Marlborough/Pewsey/Ramsbury area is nice and only 30 mins south of Swindon

[Ray Singh]

Marlborough or Bath +1

I live in Swindon - for my sins. 8 mile.

[Mark Benson]

s1rallyemark said:

Marlborough/Pewsey/Ramsbury area is nice and only 30 mins south of Swindon

Lived in Little Bedwyn for 10 years up to last January, nowhere better in the area IMO.

If she likes shopping, Marlborough has a fair few pricey boutiques and such, Hungerford for antiques etc. and only an hour by train to the Smoke.

Not cheap property wise, but there's a reason for that.....

[J B L]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

When I said she likes shopping...she's not a kept woman and will have to find another job once she's done with maternity leave (ha yes there's that as well )

Property wise, I was thinking: rent first - maybe - and then buy! 4 beds, garden, garage, drive for 2 cars. around £250k

[Duke Thrust]

Cheltenham, approx 30 mins away, in the Cotswolds, just lovely.

[Scamper]

yammyfan said:

move to wooten basset or something

Edited by yammyfan on Tuesday 3rd November 12:58

Wootton Bassett .....i live there. Should be able to get a 4 bed detached for that, one sold at the end of the road for that last week.

SW Swindon easily accessible from there, although rush hour is still a pain.

Whereabouts will you be working, i.e. which trading estate? It can make a difference on your commuting time dependant on where you live. Some places are easier to get to than others.....

[mat205125]

Allanv said:

I work in Swindon but I live in Bristol 40 min commute. Beats living in Swindon

Commuting time can be very important. Although no two parts of Swindon are much more than a 10 mile drive from each other, this can be an hour at the wrong time of day. I live in Highworth to the north of Swindon, and used to have to endure a 40+ minute commute into the centre when I would take the car for a 9am start.

[Don]

Marlborough area I'd say as a compromise between facilities, commute to Swindon and potential for rural idyll.

Or you could look at areas west of Newbury - Stockcross wouldn't be THAT far in the car and is lovely with a couple of good pubs and quick access to the M4.

[Smart roadster]

Wanborough, Highworth, Wootton Basset are all nice as are parts of Swindon itself. If you are working to the South West then Lynham might be worth a look. Loads of villages around all have something to offer. One thing if the local pub is Arkells pick a different village! A bit further out you have Chippenham, which is on the doorstep of Castle Coombe. Prices are a bit higher the nearer to Bath you go so places Like Malmsbury, twinned with Malmsbury. Are a bit dearer

[Pints]

Smart roadster said:

One thing if the local pub is Arkells pick a different village!

What's your reasoning?

[anonymous-user]

Arkells beer is an acquired taste...

[mat205125]

J B L said:

Thanks for all the replies so far.

When I said she likes shopping...she's not a kept woman and will have to find another job once she's done with maternity leave (ha yes there's that as well )

Property wise, I was thinking: rent first - maybe - and then buy! 4 beds, garden, garage, drive for 2 cars. around £250k

If you want all that, for that money, then forget about the "nicer" places like Marlborough. I've been window shopping for a place in that direction, and that kind of budget is 2 bed terrace without parking money.