Does anyone know a lot about/live in Ipswich?

[LocationLocationLocation00]

I've accepted a good job in Ipswich and I will be looking to rent a place within the next few months.

I'm now very worried as previous threads/a quick google search seems to suggest it isn't the nicest place? Does anyone live there? is it that bad?

I'm a single parent to DD3.5 so I would like a safe area with enough things to do, a good nursury and school for next year. I need to live fairly central to drop DD at nursury and get to work on time. From what I've researched, Kesgrave and Christchurch seem to be mentioned as the better area's? Are there any particular parts to avoid?

It's made me hugely anxious as I'm currently living in a nice area having left somewhere that made me very unhappy (i don't want to re-live that again). Having said that, my training is for 3 years, so I will most likely move once I am qualified. TIA

Ipswich really isn't that bad - there are places that are a bit gross but isn't there everywhere? Normally, people that live in Stowmarket, Woodbridge etc really don't like Ipswich. East of Ipswich is probably the best - near schools like Copleston/Northgate (high) & Sidegate (primary) and obviously Kesgrave is lovely.

I live waterfront area, its lovely, like all small towns there are issues with anti social behaviour but I never feel unsafe after dark, there are some lovely primary schools, St Matthews/St Margrets/St Helens - the area around christchurch park is very nice for young families, lots of victorian terraces for rent, willow park is a really nice nursary.

There is a going independent store community although the main shopping area is pretty dire.

It seems like a very mixed bag, I'll have a look at the commuting time for those places!

I posted about living in Ipswich a little while ago, as we're considering it. Some interesting posts here. @thebabessavedme do you have any knowledge of the schools you mentioned? St Helen's especially. Just our of curiosity!

@LocationLocationLocation00 have you decided what you're going to do?