Why is Wiltshire so affordable in comparison to other southern counties?

[Craya]

This may sound very stupid. Dh and I are wanting to move out of Home Counties house. We live in a very unremarkable 60s house which we thought we’d like once done up. But it’s just depressing even though we live in what is a very desirable area (safe, well kept front gardens etc). We are paying way too much each month so looking to make changes.

We need to be in the south and commute into London a couple of times a week (we both are hybrid workers). I can go weeks without going into the office thankfully.

We’ve considered pretty much every southern county (barring Cornwall due to distance). And the only one place it seems we can afford is Wiltshire. Even the towns/Villages which are decently connected via railway.

Does anyone know why this is? Or is just perception we are moving away from a very expensive part of an already expensive area.

It’s decent value for money. Not many places are imo!

Sorry that isn't correct. Swindon to Paddington is around 53 minutes and they are reasonably reliable. I do this commute up to 3 x per week. Although I do choose to work west or Central London.

The train journey from Swindon to Paddington typically takes around 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The fastest trains can complete the journey in just 47 minutes. There are approximately 81 trains running daily on this route, providing frequent options for travelers.

Source: Trainline

I am not sure the crop circle comments are quite the lure that some pp think they are! 😂

We used to get pissed and make them as teenagers.

I live in West Wiltshire and it’s great! 20 mins from Bath which we love for meals out and shopping. 50 mins from Cribbs for some proper shopping.

I can get direct trains from Temple Meads to most places I need to be for work. I can also get a direct train from Westbury to Paddington that takes 90 mins.

Sounds good

What about the Drs though

a relative lives in West Wiltshire and commented about lack of GPs but it may have changed

any NHS dentists?

We personally have no issues with the GPs , we have a local health centre and can always get a same day appointment when needed. We are generally young and healthy so might have a biased opinion here as we probably use the doctors less than once a year.

NHS dentists are pretty scarce from what I see on Facebook.

Same here. We may live in same area! I got an appointment within an hour on Monday. NHS dentists, nope, same as anywhere. I have one but only because I registered in 2010, and once this one retires there'll be no chance.

BoA is already overpriced because it's pretentious!

I’m having to wait 5 weeks 2 days for a face to face appointment in Marlborough. It can be two plus weeks for a telephone appointment (aka a waste of time). Only the one surgery, servicing Pewsey as well. It’s dire.

Ah, I'm in the Trowbridge-Westbury-Melksham area. Our GP is a big health centre created when they merged 3 surgeries.

I’m Trowbridge area too. Seems the health centre is doing a good job!

Surprised to hear that. Tell me more?

@Selenassunsetsangria I’ve lived in Bath for 10 years - would recommend thoroughly but with caveats- useless if you don’t like crowds or can’t cope with a fair few down and outs, 2 weeks at xmas market time are a nightmare and Easter to October coaches litter lots of fairly central main roads -it’s also rubbish if you like indoor malls and edge of town retail parks - it has none.

it does however have in my opinion lots of bonuses, lots of hospitality at all price points, old pubs, trendy bars, lots of high end restaurants and also Nando’s, Bills, Maccy Ds , weatherspoons etc , theatres, an actual children’s theatre, several good live music and comedy venues, good shopping that is mixed , spanking new lovely M&S etc and glorious scenery on the doorstep and direct regular train to London - 1 hour 20.

if you like indoor malls and edge of town retail parks - it has none.
That's what I like about it.
Bristol's not far away if you like those.

When I say central I mean bang in the centre near the train station. So - mouldy Georgian flats where landlords use "listed building" to excuse rotten windows, parking very difficult even with a permit, crowds upon crowds from March to Christmas, not enough supermarkets.

I could quite happily have lived up Bear Flat way or out towards the hospital.

I lived in Wiltshire for 10 years and loved it but my hobbies were all outdoorsy - clay pigeon shooting, hiking, cycling, growing fruit.

Our village had a great community and a good pub but there wasn't a lot else for miles. The closest junior school was 4 miles, senior school was 12 miles and hospital 20 miles (where I had ds).

A limited number of towns - Salisbury, Trowbridge, Swindon. Devizes, Chippenham. You definitely need a car. There's two major railway lines, and two major roads (M4, A303). Not a huge choice of work, and pay rates are definitely lower than the Thames Valley or even Newbury.

I moved away for work, but will go back when I retire.

Me too!! But am aware some people do go for that often due to free parking , personally I would rather pay for parking and be in a proper town/city -

Ah I do get you on that - there really is some disgracefully crap central property . It’s not in my opinion a place to live unless you can get a nice place. Mind you Bristol had the same issue when we lived there - we rent , but nice highish end houses, I cannot tell you the number of houses we looked at in Clifton and Westbury park ( and not cheap ones) that had rotten windows and massive damp issues -

This is a good point. If you need to go to a proper hospital with A&E for example, there is nothing for the middle of the county. You have to go to Bath, Swindon or Salisbury.