Keynsham or Edge of Lansdown?

[jaxtoo]

Hi, we're moving to Bath area this summer having lived overseas for 14 years. We will be renting initially until we find somewhere to buy in Bath. We've found 2 properties we like, one in Lansdown near the racecourse and the other, a bit further out than originally hoped, but a beautiful property, in Keynsham. Husband will be working in Bath. Looking for advice on travel times and community feel etc. I'm worried that Keynsham is too far away and a bit too rural, but that the outskirts of Lansdown has no facilities (e.g. shops) in walking distant (although it's closer to Bath which I love). All help/advice gratefully received!

Hiya, I’m currently in the process of moving to keynsham from Bath as Keynsham much more affordable. In my opinion it’s a great option as the transport links are great, train is super quick only takes 10 mins into Bath and buses are regular and reliable. Also Keynsham high street is fab with almost every shop you could want on it. I did look at lansdown properties too but like you found that they generally weren’t close enough to local amenities. If you want my vote - go for Keynsham!

The road between Keynsham and Bath gets very busy. I wouldn't want to be making that journey.

Keynsham may be a bit cheaper but Bath is much nicer. Not that up near the race course is really Bath proper! What sort of property are you looking for?

Also Keynsham high street is fab with almost every shop you could want on it

..you clearly don't want for much. Keynsham high st is a typically crap semi-rural high st with the usual charity shops, and low budget shops like Poundland, ShoeZone, Greggs. It's a perfectly functional local town but hardly aspirational and no where near comparable to Bath in terms or vibe and amenities. But of course it's cheaper as a result.

Yes thanks @megansmandstop for your highly patronising reply. I happen to have lived in Bath for 8 years and I’m well aware that Keynsham high street does not compare - probably due to the fact that it’s a town not a city. As it goes I don’t want for much, Keynsham has a butcher, a grocers (both with a good selection of produce), a few nice cafes, a toy shop, local Sainsbury’s etc and a lovely library with a fantastic children’s section. The local park is also brilliant and they hold a music festival there once a year. If I want high brow shops and more variety in restaurants etc then I can easily get the train or bus to Bath so for me it’s the best of both worlds. I’m still currently living in Bath and honestly really don’t go into the town all that much. Moorland Road is perfect for a lot that I need but, horror of horrors, that also has charity shops on it. About 6 at last count.

When I was looking at moving from Bristol to Bath or surrounding areas many moons ago I plumped for Keynsham.
It has direct rail links to Bristol, Bath and London.
Within 10 minutes of Brislington park and ride.
Decent bus times to both cities.
Cheaper house prices. (In Bath I could only afford a flat or very small house. In Keynsham I was able to afford a large 3 bed).
There is a good selection of primary and secondary schools (many people send their children to Broadlands and Wellsway from outside the county.)
There are independent shops. A butcher's, a specialist food shop, and lingerie shop etc.
Several restaurants and pubs.
Cheap car parking.
All the usual stuff like vets, doctors, banks, petrol station.

I rejected Saltford and Peasedown st John in my quest.

I don't think you can compare Bath with Keynsham they are totally different. I think you need to decide if location is more important to you than the house or the other way round. They are very close to each other but if you are driving in the morning traffic it is utter grid lock.

Lansdown is also a much 'posher' area to live in and getting into town isn't such a big deal

What is your budget and what type of property are you looking for? If you are renting would a flat suit short term near a park?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-42092090.html

I wouldn't choose Keynsham, personally. Unfortunately the public transport is notoriously unreliable and as pp mentioned, traffic is gridlocked in the mornings. The racecourse would really be a bit too far out, for me, though. I would recommend Weston Village or Widcombe if you want a community feel while still being very close to the city centre.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-62144707.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-72165344.html