Moving to Somerset- help please

[Cranberry2020]

Hi all

I’ve just got a job where I’m based in Taunton and have to travel to Yeovil. DH has a job in Bristol (Clifton). We have one DD who’s 3 soon. We’re moving from the South East and have 3 months to be on location.

We’ve been down a few times and more trips planned but we’d appreciate your advice. We literally know no one in the area. In addition, my parents are coming with us, they’re both retired but active but would like to be somewhere nice and convenient for shops/doctors/walks etc.

I currently live in a medium sized village and I like that. I’ve been keen on Trull but I’ve been reading about some current issues and there’s no property for sale in the central village for our budget. Also would like to know what Norton Fitzwarren is like?

We’ve also started considering Wellington. Thoughts?

Thanks for any help and insight you can give...

Trull isn't brilliant. Norton Fitzwarren is ok, but there's some large new build estates there that aren't trouble or anything but do change the feel of the place. Wellington is lovely generally, but personally I'd avoid the Rockwell Green end. If you want somewhere more villagey Milverton is also quite pretty and not far from Wellington. It is quite a commute up to Bristol from these places though, doable, but not nice on Fridays in the summer months as the traffic can be crazy.

Personally I'd avoid Norton Fitzwarren. Have a look at Stoke St Gregory, North Curry and Langport. North Curry and Langport both have GP surgeries. Langport also has a dentist, nice cafes, hairdressers, small boutiques, etc. You will find community run shops, cafes and pubs in Stoke and North Curry. Those areas are good for your commute, especially North Curry and Stoke St Gregory - near Taunton, the M5 and easy journey into Yeovil. Very good pre-school and primary schools also.

How is your DH planning to commute to Bristol (Clifton)?
Unless there is guaranteed parking at his office, parking in Clifton is really difficult as there are resident only parking schemes in the Clifton area and also lots of restrictions close to the University. It is also possible that Bristol will be introducing a "congestion zone" type scheme in the near future to dissuade car commuting.
Train to Bristol Temple Meads then local train to Clifton would be possible, but you would need to live close to a station.
Some areas near Langport are prone to flooding.

Thanks everyone, really helpful! I keep getting into a panic as I know the area roughly but not enough yet so your help is really valuable.

Defo going to look at Wellington and milverton- thanks. Langport (and beware of flooding-thx for the tip!) also north curry and surrounding areas.

DH is actually working at Bristol Uni and only has to go into the office for a max of 2 days per week, which may (hopefully!) get even less as he settled in. My job is 4 days and at least 1-2 days WFH. So although the commute might be painful when DH does it at least it’s not daily. He’s planning two ways to get there- 1) driving and getting a parking permit which we’ve looked into and he should get on basis of distance and caring responsibilities and 2) going from taunton station (parking up for the day if we end up living not walking distance to the station which seems v.likely- this is £7.60 a day so is affordable for twice a week...) then get the train as you suggest which is 30mins.

We currently come from Kent and our pre-Covid commutes were pretty hefty anything from 50 mins daily and upwards including getting into London which (including getting to where you’re going) was about 2 hours.....

We’re hoping this move is a better work/life balance and also good career moves for us both (which we’re lucky to find).

Thanks again, please keep giving us any tips, much appreciated

There are also several buses that go from Temple Meads station concourse to the university area as well OP.
It's still at the planning stage, but Bristol university are extending their campus to an area within walking distance of Temple Meads station.

All generally nice areas. Loads of new builds going on down there too.
Not sure what your budget is?
But all that areas is fab -Close to the Quantocks and Taunton, and not too far to south Devon coast either. Lovely!

Thanks for info on Bristol catndogslife.... good to know there are buses from the station too... lots of options

Ferret- budget is up to about £550,000 at a stretch but would do for the right property. We would like 3-bed minimum detached if possible...

OP, absolutely no problem with that budget.
Good luck searching!