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Does anyone live in Bath? Please reassure me!

10 replies

haggardoldmummy · 27/02/2015 15:22

Me, my DH and young DD are due to move from London to Bath this summer. It's been a long planned move - mainly for partner's job - and people keep telling us how lucky we are to be moving to such a beautiful place. So far, so good. BUT, the last time we visited, I suddenly found myself getting cold feet. The traffic was awful, which didn't help. But I also started to think that maybe it's a bit stuffy for us. I'm far from bohemian, but I do like a bit of edge - and Bath seems very rugby, very tory, which we're definitely not. Lots of men walking around in those rust coloured chinos, with quilted green jackets (no offence to owners of these :) I know it doesn't matter one jot what people wear, but it's an indication of a mindset maybe.... and we are very much Guardian R4 types rather than telegraph reading conservatives. Horribly blunt generalising I know but hopefully this paints the picture. I'm panicking... I don't want to feel isolated and we won't know anyone locally, so being able to meet people is very, very important to us. Where do all the people like us live and hang out? We are looking at Bathampton and Larkhall as places to live but again, we're not totally convinced. Should we be going to Bristol??!! Can anyone give any sage advice or personal insight? Thank you.

OP posts:
Marmitelover55 · 27/02/2015 17:40

Personally I prefer bristol for exactly those reasons, although I'm sure parts of Bath would suit you.

LadyCurd · 27/02/2015 18:23

I've lived here for 4years and haven't noticed it being particularly Tory. I'm a total ranting lefty and have lots of similar pals. I don't know bathampton or larkhall that well, I like round Victoria park and Newbridge end of town, bits of Oldfield park and bear flat nice too.

GotToBeInItToWinIt · 27/02/2015 18:27

The traffic is awful! I have lived in Bath, it's lovely but not particularly edgy. I much prefer Bristol for atmosphere, which is where we're living at the moment.

It is a great city though, lots of good food and places to drink.

stickyvicky71 · 27/02/2015 18:31

Don't panic. Bath is a fab place to live - I don't read the Guardian but do listen to Radio 4! I don't know anyone with rust chinos or who reads the Torygraph :-)

However Bath is definitely not as edgy as Bristol but there are lots of good things here (eg good state schools) and I know a few ex - Londoners who have settled and love it. After London, Bathampton will probably be a bit pedestrian, Larkhall a bit more quirky I think. ry the Bathmums website - lots of ex Londoners there who have taken the plunge.

Kitsmummy · 27/02/2015 19:08

And traffic will be worse in Bristol!

haggardoldmummy · 27/02/2015 19:45

Thanks everyone, reassuring words here! Maybe I don't need to buy a rugby top and chinos for DH's birthday after all Grin Interested to hear more about Oldfield Park if anyone lives there - are the (state) schools good? Are there particular roads which are very studenty?

OP posts:
stickyvicky71 · 27/02/2015 23:25

I don't live in Oldfield Park so not an expert. I know Coronation Ave is particularly studenty (its btwn Oldfield Park and Southdown). I think as you move towards Upper Oldfield Park and Bear Flat it's less studently but more expensive. Area around Brougham Hayes also lots of student shared houses.

I used to live in Lower Weston near Victoria Park and I loved living there. Easy flat walk to town with good playground. Couple of pubs nearby.

Schools all pretty good but not particularly diverse. Both primary and secondary are good. Many are over subscribed so you will need to think about that when you move.

Let me know if there is anything particular you want to know

dietcokeisgreat · 28/02/2015 18:08

Grew up in bath, been in oxford last 15yrs since starting university.

Bath's traffic is bad, but oxford is worse!

Shopping, eating, museums, small kids activities etc are all great. Lots of lovely countryside around.

Yes there are plenty of well off conservative types, but also plenty of everyone else. My family were not like this at all, i went to a state school with reasonble mix of people. My sister ended up at private secondary (long story) and definitely her friends' parents were mostly well off and 'posh' but very pleasant!

I think you will be fine there. Think about schools carefully - that might determine areas and the range of people you meet first off.

I would certainl move back to bath as it is a lovely city.

IssyStark · 28/02/2015 21:39

Depends where in Bath you go. I'm a Radio 4 Guardian reading leftie and I happily lived there for 10 years until moving to another uni took me elsewhere. It's pretty easy to avoid the green wellie brigade.

BlardyBlaaaaa · 01/03/2015 22:31

I live in Bath and I love it. Great mix of people, lovely as a base to bring up children. And the architecture/ countryside are so beautiful....

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