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Original poster

Moving to Shrewsbury

38 replies

LoveMySituation · 11/10/2021 12:34

As it says really. I have no ideas about areas. I've lived relatively locally for a long time, and have been often and know my way around, but nothing else.

I don't drive, so need to be relatively close to the centre(half an hour or so walking is fine) and I'm obviously looking to avoid areas that flood. I don't need schools, I'd just like a nice, quiet, friendly area. It's just me, and I don't currently work. I'm also looking for opinions on what it's like to live there, and what there is to do there, as I really have no idea what I'm doing
Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
LoveMySituation · 12/10/2021 12:54

Anyone?

OP posts:
MNHQ
LilyMumsnet · 21/10/2021 14:08

Bumping for the OP!

Brew
Paq · 21/10/2021 14:20

I lived in Shrewsbury for a while but haven't been there for a while. I liked Coleham/Belle Vue/Kingsland (some parts of Coleham at risk of flooding). Also The Mount. Personally, when I lived there it took a lot of hard work to make friends so I'd recommend joining groups to get to know each other.

It's a lovely town though.

Themusicis0utside · 21/10/2021 17:36

Shrewsbury is lovely. I lived a 40 minute drive away.

It has fabulous parkland and gardens by the river Severn, relatively good nightlife (fondly remember watching performances by the Shrewsbury Philharmonic Orchestra who are excellent) and night clubs.
A great flower and folk festival, great shopping, fantastic public transport via trains to the scenic Church Stetton and the Long Mynd if you like hiking and stunning scenery. I think the Heart of Wales line starts in Shrewsbury. Gorgeous Tudor and Georgian architecture...and the library is stunning.

A caveat....the river Severn has flooded a fair bit so you would be wise to purchase away from that risk.

All in all...a great town I would highly recommend.

Jessicabrassica · 21/10/2021 21:56

Quite a lot of the town centre floods but I agree with paq about nice parts of town.

There are a lot of clubs and groups in town so lots of opportunities to join in with all manner of activities. Lots of music, sport, outdoor activities etc.
There are also a good number of cycle lanes if you want to get around town quicker but don't drive. No idea what buses are like in town; they're a bit few and far between in rural areas.

Moonopoly · 21/10/2021 22:05

Belle Vue is nice and doesn’t flood

Moonopoly · 21/10/2021 22:07

Also if you want Victorian properties Wellington is having a huge amount of investment and is only 15 minutes on the train to Shrewsbury. Houses are much cheaper.

Original poster
LoveMySituation · 21/10/2021 23:10

Thanks for replies. Flooding is one of my concerns, I've been checking the flood risk of anything I'm interested in before anything else. I seem to remember buses are a nightmare there so I'm glad to hear about the cycle lanes, it's one thing I'm looking to start doing again, and even though I'm in the countryside now, it would be dangerous to cycle here.

Just looked at Wellington, and it didn't seem any cheaper than Shrewsbury to me. Most things on estate agent websites seem to be sold. It's mad at the moment. Things are going in days. Missed a few already. Does anyone know Sundorne? I know it's not seen as the nicest of areas, but in a nice country town, its all relative. I've seen something there, not seen anything in Belle Vue I don't think

OP posts:
Moonopoly · 22/10/2021 07:34

Have you looked at Greenfields? Not as nice as Belle Vue but close to the town. Not sure about flooding though.

Moonopoly · 22/10/2021 07:36

What’s your budget? Requirements for bedrooms etc?

EekThreek · 22/10/2021 07:59

Sundorne is a bit further out so you'd need to drive or get a bus into town. It's not the best area, but like you said, it's relative.

You'll find that the north of town is generally kinder on the budget than the south. Greenfields/Herongate/Castlefields all have a nice community feel, flood free and are walking distance from town. Heath Farm/Mount Pleasant are ok but maybe a tad too far for walking.

On the other side of town, Cherry Orchard is nice, as is Copthorne. Coleham too, just look on the away-from-town side to avoid flooding. Belle Vue too, as PP mentioned. But you get less for your money on that side (again, this is relative depending on where you're coming from). I'd love to live on that side of town, but it's an extra 75-100k on average that we can't afford!

What's your budget? I'll happily trawl Rightmove with you! Grin

Mabelface · 22/10/2021 10:08

Sundorne is okish. Castlefields might be good for you. It's a fair few years since I lived there, mind. I lived in Copthorne, Greenfields, Longden Coleham, town centre and Monkmoor. Also look at Reabrook and Radbrook. I had a great time living there and made lots of friends.

Original poster
LoveMySituation · 22/10/2021 10:53

This is all brilliantly helpful. As I understand it, Sundorne is about a 40 minute walk into town, I'm fine with that distance. I need a two bedroom, top budget is £170k. I've seem houses up for sake in these areas, usually with a 'sold' banner next to them!

OP posts:
Mabelface · 22/10/2021 11:49

Just to say, if you like music, there is a thriving folk scene there just turn up at the pub and join in if you want to. Dog and pheasant in Castlefields for one.

Stressybetty · 22/10/2021 14:50

What about Springfield/Sutton Farm or Abbey Foregate? We live out by the column Shirehall which is a lovely area.

EekThreek · 22/10/2021 18:25

Ooh yes, the Dog and pheasant is a great pub!

I think 40 mins from sundorne to town is ambitious for walking, I used to live on St Michael's street (one of the main roads into town from that side) and it would take about 40 mins to walk to my friend in Sundorne.

Have just had a look at 2 beds in Shrewsbury and I'm shocked at how expensive they are! There's a 2 bed in Castlefields for 260k, and a 4 bed round the corner for 275k!

Roseyleaf · 22/10/2021 18:34

Getting a taxi in the morning or afternoon is a bit of a nightmare in Shrewsbury, every cab is booked for school drop off/collection.

Original poster
LoveMySituation · 27/10/2021 15:11

Really Rosey? This happens where I currently am, however there is only one taxi firm! I would have thought there would be loads of taxis in a much larger place. Who are all these people who can afford taxis every day?!

OP posts:
TrickyD · 27/10/2021 17:00

We lived in Castlefields from 1973-78, when our DSs were tiny and DH was in his first job teaching at what was then the grammar school, by the English Bridge, which meant he could walk home along the river bank for lunch.

Pleased to hear the pub is still thriving.

I loved living there, we had lots of friends. I was very sad when DH got a job miles away and we had to move. As we drove up our street all the neighbours came out to wave us off. I was in floods of tears.

I hope you find a nice house and will be as happy living there as we were.

Jessicabrassica · 27/10/2021 20:17

I assume the taxis are booked by the council for school transport. Either kids living v remotely and away from a bus route or for those who need transport to a specialist setting. Most kids in Shropshire are bussed to school but busses aren't suitable for all.

Original poster
LoveMySituation · 28/10/2021 17:25

Thank you Tricky. It's good to hear you enjoyed it so much. It's not where I would want to be forever, but it's OK for now.

I can see that for the rural place I am now Jessica, but I suppose I thought Shrewsbury, being larger, and with more schools, more would walk, as I did, in all of the many schools I went to, both city and country.

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TangoWhiskyAlphaTango · 28/10/2021 17:40

I have just moved to Shrewsbury from Brum and live in Cherry Orchard. Sadly house prices have rocketed around here over the past twelve months. For your budget I would also second Castlefields or Greenfields as still lovely but slightly cheaper. Castlefields deffo my fave DH rented there fro a while and it has a lovely arty vibe to it, plus its very close to the river but never floods as slightly elevated. Here are some links - all sold sadly but gives you an idea of what you can afford. I would 100% recommend visiting and really walking around the areas and then the walk into town.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/111427232#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/81569169#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/109824728#/?channel=RES_BUY

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/114131816#/media?id=media0&ref=photoCollage&channel=RES_BUY

Blushingviolets · 28/10/2021 18:46

I’m in Cherry Orchard too, moved here 5 years ago when it was a fair bit cheaper but @TangoWhiskyAlphaTango is right, prices have gone up. Also, not actually that many 2 beds in Cherry Orchard. I remember Greenfields being a bit cheaper and 2 beds were more common. That area look lovely and we did see some really nice houses there. Castlefields is also a good shout and seems to have an amazing community.

maddy68 · 28/10/2021 18:50

South of the river. Don't go north.

Original poster
LoveMySituation · 28/10/2021 19:14

This is the problem Tango and Blushing. Everything seems to be sold. My mobility is getting quite bad too, so I can't cope with steep, Victorian stairs anymore. I'd love a bungalow ideally, but have to see if it works out. Need to move as soon as I can

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