Where shall we live Bristol/Bath area ?

[stiltonontoast]

We're looking to buy our first property, we've rented for years and lived in Oldland common and Henleaze in Bristol. Both very different areas!

I work PT in Bath and DH works in Brislington so need to be able to get to those places fairly easily altho flexible with modes of transport.

We like quiet and set back from busy roads but somewhere to walk to and get milk, or even a pub would be nice. We also have a DS, now 8 months so nearby good schools are a thing we'll need in a few years!

Budget is 300k or thereabouts, DH set to inherit the money so we'd be cash buyers.

Ideas? I liked the sound of Keynsham but need real life opinions.

I'm not a fan of Keynsham myself - it's convenient but feels a bit of a commuter town. How about somewhere like Wick or Pucklechurch? A bit more rural but still access to local shops and easy to get on the Ring Road for Bristol or the A46/Lansdown Road for Bath.

I've lived in Keynsham for over 15 years and at various times have worked in Bath and Brislington.
The train to Bath takes about 10 minutes with a similar time to get to Temple Meads.
Driving to both places can be a nightmare. The A4 is incredibly busy.
Buses (I only really get the bus to Bristol) is ok during the day although Sunday and evening services can be a bit scarce if nonexistent.
There are 5 primary schools in Keynsham, and although we only have experience of one of them I wouldn't say that any of them are to be avoided. There's also several nurseries and playgroups.
What sort of property would you need? (I've just seen this fixer upper media.rightmove.co.uk/dir/78k/77929/67629949/77929_718_IMG_01_0000_max_656x437.jpg

Thanks for your replies.

@bathsh3ba I know what you mean about it feeling like a commuter town, I do get that vibe slightly too. I think that’s why I’m not set on it, it’s just the right sort of location and size place. Hence, asking for other ideas.

@MrsMoastyToasty Thanks for the info, that’s very helpful. We’re looking for a 3 bed house, not fussed about detached or semi or even terraced. Medium sized garden is a must as we are outdoorsy and I don’t want to be anywhere near a main road so cul-de-sac or tucked back out the way is perfect.

Funnily enough DH is from Pucklechurch and hates it, but Wick is certainly worth considering I think!

We had this dilemma when we moved from north Bristol. We looked at Salford, Peasedown St. John and the west side of Bath. Saltford didn't offer enough amenities and even now doesn't have a train station despite being on a main line. PSJ just didn't feel right and we couldn't get anything decent for our budget in Bath.
Most of my friends who live in the outlying villages like Marksbury and Timsbury seem to spend half their life shuttling to and fro to Keynsham Bath and Bristol to buy things that they cannot buy closer to home.
The local sports centre is being refurbished and will have a kids pool when it's finished. High street has a good mix of shops with a scattering of independents.