Slough - is it that terrible?

[GeekLove]

I am currently looking for employment and Slough is an area where there is a potential vacancy.
We currently have a 3-bed mid terrace with a decent garden and separate garage, current market value ~140K, with just over half the mortgage paid off.

What's the price range of something similar within the vicinity of Slough? We would have a combined income of ~75K per year.
We also have two DCs of primary school age.

I just don't want to live in a gardenless rabbit hutch surrounded by concrete.

[Lindy2]

My mum used to shop in Slough but hasn't for quite a while now. Her reasons were, bad traffic and its all a bit run down and dingy. There also used to be a tendency for large groups of people to loiter around the town centre. As a lady in her 70s she found the large groups staring at her as she walked by intimidating. That might not have been their intention but it didn't create a good atmosphere and she felt vulnerable. She now shops in Uxbridge which she finds modern, light and airy and with a much nicer atmosphere. She feels comfortable there. Both places are very multicultural so that isn't the issue.

[GeekLove]

I'm not too bothered about it being urban or multicultural - I'm in Coventry now! I'm more concerned about ease of access, public transport, cost of living and at the risk of being a bit handwavy - atmosphere. As in I can go to the pub and not feel I have to be on high alert say.

[LuxuryWoman2017]

I've never ever felt on high alert in any pub here, besides which there are hardly any pubs left.
transport here is one thing that I can tell you is very good.

[Buckslocal]

Well TBF i've never gone out in Slough for an evening, so can't comment.

Although I've been to some pubs in Langley, Burnham, Wexham, Stoke Poges, George Green, Farnham common, Taplow, Iver, found them all fine. Some nicer then others.

I'd say if you do seriously look at moving to slough or nearby area, then definitely talk to
LuxuryWoman2017 I don't live in Slough just visit it now and then.

[CheerfullyIndifferent]

WhatIfWhatIf

[dollyollymolly]

Lots of work thanks to the industrial estate (largest in Europe I think) but it is a grey concrete jungle. Without meaning to offend, you'll be lucky to hear an English voice in the High Street nowadays.

Surrounding areas are pretty good; Burnham, Stoke Poges, Eton, Eton Wick, Datchet, Windsor, etc. If you go further out, you will find even nicer places. Be warned though, the traffic (especially onto the industrial estate) is a headache.

[CheerfullyIndifferent]

If you are reliant on public transport, I would look at places within walking distance to a train station, as the train is generally cheaper than the bus and a lot faster (and more reliable too). Buses changed recently and I'm not sure how it's like as I now drive everywhere but before the changes the last bus to my 'village' was something daft like 7pm and there was no Sunday service, so you might want to check that.

We mostly go to the pub for food these days, but my local is very family friendly. I assume if there's ever any trouble, it's beyond the hours we would be there so I've never encountered any animosity.

I have to say I hardly ever shop in the town centre, even before I could drive, mostly because Windsor is only 5 minutes down the line on the train or included on the bus day ticket that would have to get anyway if I'm getting a return ticket to town or because I felt safer cycling there as it's mostly off road - and there's a bigger variety of shops in Windsor. I do go a few times a year for specific shops. Used to go more often when there was a Portuguese café

The only thing I would say I hate about Slough is the cinema, it breaks my heart to see the state it's in, hopefully they will fix it someday. There are plenty of alternatives though if that's your cup of tea. We used to go to Maidenhead but now use the Showcase in Winnersh. Will miss it when we move

[CheerfullyIndifferent]

(Happy to report there's now a Sunday service )

[Buckslocal]

There's the Everyman cinema at Gerrards Cross, that's a good one.