Moving to Worcester in January. Any advice welcome.

[ToEarlyForDecorations]

Hello, we will be moving to Worcester in January 2017 as my husband starts his new job on 9th January near Worcester Woods.

What districts are ok ? We'll be renting initially.

Where's the supermarkets etc. We've been to Worcester town centre which was very nice but we shouldn't need to go on a major expedition every time we need groceries or petrol.

Where's the sports/leisure facilities ? Which employment agencies are good ?

All replies welcome.

[Corialanusburt]

Check flood maps.

[periwinklepickspoppies]

bill lives in Worcester but is here at the moment, he says you could live out of Worcester in pershore or Droitwich if the job is where he it is, lots of colleagues do and that they and Worcester have good leisure facilities not far from Worcester woods.

[CMOTDibbler]

On that side of Worcester, you could choose to live in Warndon villages, or out towards Pershore which is a small town - but has a swimming pool/gym etc. In Worcester, the new swimming pool and main sports centre is at Perdiswell. Theres a decent size Tescos in Warndon villages, with petrol station etc.

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

It's lovely and getting better all the time. Worcester itself is much nicer than droitwich or redditch imho. Big Asda in the town centre, Sainsbury's in St. John's, Tesco in Warndon Villages or St Peters. Warndon Villages and St Peters are the newer estates. Warndon is the 'dodgy' area (though really not bad). Barbourne, Rushwick both lovely. St Johns very studenty but also lots of families as that side of the river tends to be cheaper.

Rental market is pretty good so it might be an idea to rent for a while and get your head round it before committing to buying. Good luck!

[willdoitinaminute]

Worcester is a lovely city. Very few places I wouldn't choose and as it is small lots of villages in surrounding areas are an easy commute. Pershore side is expensive ( and a bit flat ) although the closer you get to the motorway the lower the price. Lots of reasonable flats in city centre to buy and rent. West of the river is much more rural and attractive.
We live to the North about 20mins from city centre, but as DS is at school in the city centre I have to drive in regularly. All the usual shops and supermarkets spread around the city including the new Waitrose with its own wine bar. Social housing (estate) lies between city centre and Warndon villages. Battenhall is nice and Bath Rd area, St Peters and St Johns also good. Diglis is probably expensive to rent .The residential districts North of the city centre are good too. As with everything it depends on your budget.

[CactusFred]

I live up the road in Malvern and can highly recommend living here - and only 8 mins into Worcester on the train! That said, if you decided to commute in the car it'd take ages!

I've lived in Worcester. Like previous poster said it depends on your budget - but based on my previous career as a drug recovery worker... Avoid Brickfields, Ronkswood, Tolladine, Dines Green, Wylds Lane area and some parts of Warndon Villages.

I'm not a great fan of big estates so I'd be avoiding Warndon, St Peters and the new estate in St Johns for that reason, but it depends on your preference. I like Battenhall, Barborne, Diglis - nice characterful areas.

Employment agencies - what kind of work are you looking for?

[ToEarlyForDecorations]

I will be looking for office support roles.

We drove past the New Waitrose on our way into Worcester after my husband's job interview last Thursday.

We had lunch at 'Boston Tea Party' hipster restaurant in Worcester. The food was nice.

We will be house hunting tomorrow in Warndon Villages. Which, I understand is different to Warndon.

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Yes, Warndon Villages is very different to Warndon. I've heard mixed reviews of Warndon Villages. Some people love the fact it is new(ish) and clean. Decent gardens, driveways, etc. Other people find it a bit faceless and lacking in facilities.

Do you have children? Are schools a factor?

[ToEarlyForDecorations]

We don't need to worry about schools.

We don't mind faceless. Wrt facilities there's at least a Tesco for groceries and petrol.

We will be renting initially whilst we get to know the area.

Thanks everyone for your advice. Much appreciated.

[CactusFred]

Yes, sorry for any ambiguity - Warndon Villages and Warndon not the same!

Boston Tea Party is awesome. Other cafes/restaurants in town that are fab are Chesters, Mac and Jacs, Karmic Cafe (above the market in The Shambles, is veggie but all eat there), Bills, Charlies.

Good luck with the house hunt. I don't know any agencies specifically for office roles. I've used Pertemps, Hewett and Reed in the past but ended up getting a job by other means.

There's a few jobs in Worcester Facebook groups too. :-)

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

Pershore, Inkberrow & Upton as well as the surrounding villages are all nice. Worcester itself is like any other city or town, there are good & bad areas. If you have a pet I can recommend Brentknoll Veterinary Centre.

Arden Personnel cover Worcestershire.

[ToEarlyForDecorations]

Thanks all, this is most useful. We went house hunting at Warndon Villages yesterday. Didn't like the first house but we did like the second house.

The letting agent is going to get back to us as it does not become vacant until the current lease expires on 3rd January.

We are going to be looking at other properties too.

Yesterday we had lunch at, 'The Hangar' café in Reindeer court. It was excellent.

[Frith2013]

I live about 20 miles away, Worcester being the nearest big place.

Mind the traffic!

I'd forgotten about Chesters, haven't eaten there in ages.

[Frith2013]

Now I've picked up on the Worcester Woods bit, Bath Rd or off London Rd would be pleasant and near to the new Waitrose.

We've had lots of picnics in WW and cups of tea at the countryside centre.

(I think I might be working for the same employer as your husband!)

[CactusFred]

I really hope the house you like works out for you then, unless you see a better one.

Am trying to work out where is 20 miles away with Worcester as nearest big place....

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

Technically it my closest city Cactus but only just.

[ToEarlyForDecorations]

Thanks for your good wishes.

The first house we looked at looked better in the photos. The second house was better but we will see.

More houses to view in the new year. All is well x