Ipswich (marina) or Woodbridge

[Gabby2]

Good day Mums and Mumsnet readers,

I have gained a lot of useful information on here, so thank you for that. I recently moved to the area, and am currently staying in Ipswich, while working in Felixstowe. I am super torn on where to find permanent housing to rent long term. I think I have narrowed it down between the marina area in Ipswich and Woodbridge. I looked at a couple nice homes in Kesgrave, but feel it's too family/residential, which is great for some, but probably not me. I am by myself, so would like to get out for nearby coffee/glass of wine occasionally. Any suggestions/thoughts? Thank you in advance! x

Ipswich Marina!
Woodbridge is terribly twee. Ipswich is hardly London but does have lots going on.

@PickledHoneybuzzard, thank you for your response. To be honest, I had to look up twee ;) That it is! And that's why I am so torn, but maybe I can't go wrong. Thanks :)

I agree Kesgrave probably isn’t the right area for you. Both areas have their own advantages and disadvantages which you’ve no doubt already thought about. I love to visit Woodbridge but have to agree it can be a bit twee and cliquey. Ipswich does have a lot more going for it in terms of entertainment, shopping, parks etc and the re-generation planned near the marina can only improve things. I would consider Airbnb in a couple of flats there to get a feel for the buildings within the area. I believe the build quality and ambience varies greatly. The marina does border some of the less savoury parts of town so you may need to consider personal safety issues. Whatever you decide, good luck and I hope you are happy in your new home.

@GrannyD57, thank you so much for your reply! I appreciate it. You mention some really good points. I do suppose both places have pros and cons. Woodbridge does feel safer, which is a bonus. Lots to consider. Thanks again! Have a wonderful evening =)

Kesgrave is really a family based area- good schools, near BT, hospital and police headquarters so many of the workers are employed in those areas. Very busy when the school pupils are moving about, really quiet when they aren’t.

The marina has lots going on, great for socialising. Yes, there are some less lovely areas, but nothing too awful. It’s safer than other parts of town where drugs and gang violrnce are an issue (County lines causing problems here).

Woodbridge- lovely, make sure you join in things so that you develop a social group. There are lots of second home owners in the area, so it’s good it make sure people know you are living in the area- not visiting for the weekend.

@QueenofLouisiana, good morning! Thank you for your reply. That is a great idea to join some social groups to get to know people in the area. I would love to feel the "community" of a neighborhood, so that means putting myself out there :) After reading all of these, I keep coming back around to Woodbridge. Thank you for your time and the information!

Good day everyone! Thank you again for all of the useful knowledge you have shared. I have a place that I like in Woodbridge, but it is quite small. I would be able to walk to the shops and the river. BUT, tonight I was hanging out in Ipswich town center, did some shopping, went to an Italian restaurant, and feel slightly in love with the Ipswich area. Now, I am really torn on perhaps living closer to Ipswich for the social aspect. I don't think the marina necessarily, but perhaps near Christchurch Park or just East of Ipswich?! I am so torn! From what some people are saying, I am a little concerned that Woodbridge will be too sleepy and an "older" crowd? Any thoughts on that? Thank you in advance!