What is Lockleaze Bristol like for families?

[ChirpyPeachTraybake]

We have the chance to buy a house (shared ownership) in Lockleaze. It's a new area to us and I feel anxious about moving somewhere I don't know, with my 1.5 year old daughter. I read that the area is a mixed bag, there's not much going on and a bit 'chavvy' (not my word!)
I feel worried to bring a daughter up in an area that may not have much going on for her as she grows, I worry about how kids entertain themselves in places where there isn't much to do! I'm probably thinking too far ahead, but the house is great, we couldn't afford anything else so this feels like our one chance to own somewhere if not the whole place. We currently rent and love the BS5 area so it will be a big change, moving away from the other mum friends I've made and I don't have any family in Bristol at all. Feeling anxious, but maybe I'm worrying for nothing. Thanks for reading this far x

I think you and I may be buying on the same estate! Is it the new one they are building to complete in Summer? If so, my friend lives in the area and I got a full scoop the other day as I am also relatively new to Bristol. She called that particular end of Lockleaze the "posh bit" and, aside from large number of students, there isn't any trouble. Stoke park is on your doorstep and there is plenty of public transport to comfortably get where you and your kids need to go. The bit around longdown avenue has shops, cafes and a couple of sporting facilities for kids and adults. There is also a park in the middle of the estate - we have a similar estate where I live at the moment and the park has basketball court, monkey bar circuit, swing etc. kids hang out there all the time with and without parents, playing sports etc.
It all seems to tick a box for me.
I am happy to offer neighbourly chat and a cup of tea if you indeed moving to the same estate (and if I get approved for the property, I have my AIP appointment tomorrow). Good luck xx

Is that Locklease one?

One Lockleaze, I assume.

@Catza Ah thanks for your message! No its not One Lockleaze although we did look at those funnily enough! We already had something else underway by the time one was offered to us. We are actually buying a resale property (its only been lived in for 1 year), but it's actually right off Gainsborough square which I don't think is the posh end. Thanks for saying that though because what you're pointing out to me is that Bristol changes so much from street to street and regardless of exactly where the house is there's really nice areas in walkable distance.
Good luck with your appointment!

@Welshmiss10 No its not that development, it's a resale place near Gainsborough Square

If it's your only chance to buy a property I'd do it but I have no idea what the area is like

Do you know why people are selling after living there for just a year? Have you been around there for a drive to see what the area is like? Neighbours?

So they are buying a bigger place in an area closet to their family, they seem like a nice couple and they said alot of good things about the house. They said the neighbours either side are nice and they've had a good experince, and i guess driving around it seems a little rough round the edges but I think okay. I guess I was just looking for other people's opinion on the Lockleaze area, I don't know much about it really. I might have a walk around and scope it out!

I wouldn't necessarily trust what the sellers are telling you. Don't forget they want you to buy. 1 year is a very short time to be a house.

Sorry OP, but selling after one year, if not a red flag, is very much a dark pink one. I’d do a little more digging before committing. Hopefully you’ll get some good guidance here.

Have you driven round at night?
They'll tell you any thing to sell the house so assume they're talking shit

I don't live there, but I've walked around the area a bit and it seems perfectly fine. There is loads to do around there, some lovely green spaces, good schools and it's not really very far out of central Bristol.

I live in Lockleaze and I’m in the process of buying shares ownership in One Lockleaze. I think the area is great and the schools are great.