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Original poster

Relocating to the South West

12 replies

jonquil · 24/04/2007 21:25

Hi .. we are thinking of packing in a life in London with two little ones and heading off to the south west of england for a little work/life balance and fresh air! We are thinking in particular of setting up home in Bradford on Avon. Anyone know it and have any views on whether its a child/family friendly place to live and whether there is plenty to do there with a 1 year old and a three year old? Thinking of working in Bristol or Bath and I know the train goes to both of those directly. Any advice gratefully received!

OP posts:

twocatsonthebed · 24/04/2007 21:32

Snap! We did this a year and a half ago! Left London for the SW with the idea that I could work in either Bath or Bristol (I've been working in Bath but am now on maternity leave). And overall we don't regret it at all.

We're a bit further south than BoA, so can't advise you about this in detail, but you don't get as much property for your money there as you would do in some other towns that are just as commutable. What we did - and I am mighty glad of - is rent for a bit before we bought. Partly this was so that we hadn't completely burnt our boats with London property, but it is worth testing places out. We're now looking for a house in a town that probably wouldn't have been our first choice at the start.

Do CAT me if you want more detail and I'll happily tell you all about the area, just don't want to put too many of our details out there.

Arriety · 24/04/2007 21:35

Out of interest why Bradford on Avon? Lovely town but bit prone to flooding! Think the schools are pretty good but like twocatsonthebed says you can definitely get more for your money in some of the other towns.

Original poster

jonquil · 24/04/2007 21:39

I'm not signed up for the CAT facility but will sort it out and do so.. thanks!

We thought BOA looked pretty, seems to be a good halfway house between London and going completely country, with a swimming pool, shops, restaurants and most importantly a direct link to Bristol and Bath. Am not sure i want to swap commuting on the tube for sitting in the car in traffic jams??

What other places should we be looking at do you think?

OP posts:

twocatsonthebed · 24/04/2007 21:41

not to worry, I'll CAT you. We're in the same boat, didn't want to live in a village and have to get in the car to get a pint of milk!

littlelapin · 24/04/2007 21:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

twocatsonthebed · 24/04/2007 21:44

I've always rather liked Devizes, it's a bit like living in the early 1960s. But I wouldn't fancy commuting to Bristol from there...

Arriety · 24/04/2007 21:46

The train link is definitely one of the really good things about BOA. Wells and Chew Valley areas are lovely but transport links are lousy. From experience of moving to places I didn't know before I would second the idea of renting somewhere for a couple of months while you check out areas.

Original poster

jonquil · 24/04/2007 21:51

yes, I think renting is definitely the way ahead.. thanks for your responses

OP posts:

crayon · 24/04/2007 22:22

I moved from London back to the SW, then met my DH and dragged him down with me .

I don't really know BOA, but my concern would be that on the two or three occasions I have been there, I haven't really found any shops! OK, it has gift shops and antique-y shops, but we couldn't find much else. You could consider Bath, Marlborough, Malmesbury ...

portonovo · 25/04/2007 10:19

Bradford on Avon is a gorgeous place. From what I've heard there seems to be a good community spirit. But it is pricey, and for all but very basic shopping you'd be going elsewhere.

Corsham is good (lovely deli, bread shop, health food shop!), but no train line (although signs are looking good for the station to be re-opened in the near future).

Devizes OK, don't know about schools.

Melksham not great, Calne absolutely awful.

Chippenham is a good all-round solution. House prices not too bad, and lots of choice re housing. Schools good, secondary schools excellent. Great train links to both Bath and Bristol. Great for families.

You're looking at the right area though, the south-west is great!

Malmesbury is supposed to be good for families, but don't know it well myself.

Bath is great but pricey and depends if you want city life.

Marlborough - nice to visit, but traffic is horrendous and I don't think there's a station?

crayon · 25/04/2007 14:14

Portonovo - I had forgotten about the parking in Marlborough. We used to go house hunting there and on one occasion had to give up because we coudn't even park to view houses!

Lookingforahome · 25/07/2020 13:33

Hello! Wondering where you moved to in the end?!

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