Whats Gloucester (Kingsholm) like

[BitterIwasntfurloughed]

Looking at a house near Denmark school over the weekend. Ive been away from Gloucester for many MANY years and back then only visited the area on Rugby match days.

It looks like a lovely tree lined street and the schools look good for my DD. I also work in a industry that requires me to have a large population of young adults close by (Driving Instructor)

Im worried that uprooting my family from my nice quiet suburb of Bristol would be a bad move however i'm also aware id be absolutely devastated if this property got away from us as it ticks every single box we wanted and I think maybe being coddled and always being "safe" in the suburbs has mad me a bit snobby and soft!

Thanks for any helpful input that isnt just "Gloucesters a s**thole look at Cheltenham" (we are also looking at Bishops Cleave but it looks a bit soulless)

Gloucester has got a bit of a bad rep which sounds like you're already aware of but I think it also has a lot going for it. (I for one would hate to live in Cheltenham!).
What you need to consider carefully as you have kids is the grammar school system. Great if they're likely to get in (Denmark Road school is excellent) but if they don't the comps really are terrible.
The town centre is pretty rough but the docks are great. There are some fantastic pubs and you're close to great countryside. It hasn't got as much going on as Bristol does, but Bristol has its own issues which you're also probably aware of.

Thanks I grew up in Quedgeley which was very boring and vanilla I lived there until I was maybe 19 and moved in with my significant other who lived in Bristol and ive settled and had a LO in the Bristol Suburbs. Im sick to the teeth of hearing about stabbings, Gun crime and junkies.

Were actually looking at a house in Stinchcombe as well which I think ticks all the boxes (and is just about near enough to civilization)

Gloucester City itself is fine ive actually started spending more and more time there and its 1000% better than it was in the early/mid 2000s ive just had very little exposure to the housing areas near the city. (Grandparents lived in Longlevens and Barton very different vibes to each other!)

How old are your children?
School wise wouldn't recommend the primary school.
Secondary schools - unless you get into Denmark school kids will have to travel

Denmark Rd is okay to live in. Traffic is mad with school traffic & rugby days.

The park by the primary school can be a bit rough.

You're within walking distance from the city centre & the Quays.

Gloucester is a good place despite the bad rep, but it's relatively quiet. Or my kids would say boring!

Shes only 18 months old at present so secondary schools way way down the pipeline but we would like this to be our last "big" move and where we really put down toots until we retire.

I grew up and my family still live in that area - it's nice. I mean Gloucester is a bit of a mixed bag but it's much better than it used to be. I agree the houses are very lovely there and you won't get that much house for your money in Cheltenham or Bristol.

The grammar school system is a nightmare not to be under estimated. I still remember the stress of this 30 years on and I believe the pressure is only higher now than it used to be. At 18 months I'm not sure it would be a choice I would make - I have considered moving back with my children but the school dilemma made me rule it out pretty quickly.

I'm very local to Kingsholm, Denmark Road is OK and surrounding roads. Gets very busy on match days though but you probably know that! Kingsholm primary is outstanding ofsted I think. I wouldn't even think about grammar or secondary yet at 18 months! The comps are fine with Chosen Hill and Churchdown secondaries a 30 min bus away. Although the past few years anyone in Kingsholm area are allocated Newent comp.