What is Colchester like now?

The short answer is "different".
We have lived south of town for 14 years and there has been loads of new building since then. Noteably up from the station to the A12 and most of the old garrison to the south of town....with new houses, roads, schools etc.
Out of town shopping has grown and the town centre is now just large chains, coffee shops and barbers....independents have been forced out.

Lived and worked here since 1992. It's changed drastically and not for the good. Like previous message loads more houses, into the thousands with not enough infrastructure to support them. The hospital at breaking point I know I work there! Big problem in town in is drugs with young teens getting mixed up with London dealers via county lines. I will get out when I retire would not want to stay here forever. Shops big chains and loads of coffee shops eateries, too many really. Some nice villages on outskirts of Colchester but if I was thinking of raising a family in Colchester I'd seriously think twice.

It has changed a lot but then so does every major town.

Just seen this thread, was about to start my own as my partner and I will be moving to Colchester in September. We will be living near the University. Was just wondering if anyone can recommend some quiet areas nearby. We have a one year old, so I’ll be looking into baby/toddler groups then nurseries.

Thanks