Moving to Somerset

[madcatladyforever]

Hi everyone
I am distraught to be leaving the South Downs national park and my beautiful home Ive worked so hard on over the last 15 years but I simply cannot afford it anymore and need to move to Somerset, I'm thinking Frome, where I have been offered a job and can downsize so I'm mortgage free.
I've looked on rightmove and can see a fair few homes in my new price range of £180,000.
I know I should be grateful but I don't really know Somerset and I'm wondering where the nice places to live are and if Frome is ok.
Can anyone reassure me?

I used to work in Somerset, and would say Frome or Wells area is lovely, would happily have lived in either place.

Lots of lovely places: anywhere in/in view of the Blackdown Hills: Taunton is a bustling county town surrounded by lovely countryside (traffic can be bad though), over towards Cheddar is beautiful, Wells, Glastonbury both lovely. Just over into Devon, Tiverton is a lovely little town. Sorry, but I think Bridgewater is best avoided. One part I’d also avoid is the levels because to my eyes they’re extremely flat and boring (appreciate lots of people love them) and of course future flooding will continue to be a major issue.
I know the South Downs and Somerset pretty well: you’ll be very happy there in the right spot.
It might be one of those rare occasions when a personal location finder might be worthwhile, working to strict criteria?

I grew up in Somerset and back then Frome would never have been on anyone's list - now however it seems to have undergone something of a transformation and is a really lovely little town. My sister lives just outside it in a tiny village and is very happy.

You don't say what in particular you're looking for in a location - if getting out in the landscape is important to you you might be better off down towards Wells and the Mendips.

i didn't know a personal location finder was a thing Langrish - that's news to me thanks.
I'm looking for a small country cottage not far from big countryside so maybe Wells and the Mendips would be better.

I live about a ten minute drive from Frome and it's lovely! It's a thriving market town with lots of independent shops and a proper community feel to it. It was also in the news quite recently because the GPs are pioneering "community prescribing" and it is having a marked effect on reducing A&E admissions and on improving wellbeing locally. Whenever I stand in the middle of Frome's shopping area and look around, it reminds me of those lovely bustling little French market towns with bags of character. As for proximity to countryside, you only have head for one mile in any direction and you are in either Somerset and Wiltshire rolling countryside.

I love the little village where I live now but if I had to move, Frome would be top of my list so don't dismiss it just yet - and happy house hunting!

Frome is gorgeous. Very alternative with a different type of yoga class for every day of the week. And of course a steiner school. Those things might be a plus or a minus to you, but there is a great community and lots of events and independent shops and cafes.
I live just outside it and the country side is gorgeous.

Somerset is a beautiful part of the world. Even areas around Bridgwater can be stunning.

It used to have a bad rep, but that’s long gone. Glastonbury however..go and visit make your own mind up. The fact it doesn’t have a bank would put me off.

Have a drive around if you can. Do you want town/village/hamlet? Would you be swayed by house or location?

There are lots of lovely villages/small towns. Some have pub/shop. Would you consider ex-council house rather than period cottage to get the location?

Love the area. So much to do around there.