Best areas to live/explore - Stroud, Frome

[Barefootblondie01]

Hi all

Coming down to the south with my husband and 3 YO son to explore areas to relocate to as a family. We want to look at areas around Stroud and Frome - can anyone recommend good areas/neighbourhoods to base ourselves in while we explore?

We like good cafe culture but we’re used to living in the countryside so thinking a village/Small town close by. We also like the look of Wells but never actually visited.

It’s just so hard looking online. Everything on Airbnb looks fab but I don’t want to end up booking a place and we’re in the rough area of town.

Help a mamma out please 🙈

If you are looking at Stroud there are lots of small villages and hamlets nearby, and some of them offer better value for money. There are not really any "rough areas" but you couldn't go wrong in looking for an Air BnB in Minchinhampton, Amberley, Rodborough, Chalford Brimscombe or nearby Nailsworth, which is a lovely little town.
for your house search don't forget Stonehouse which is a 10 minute train ride west, is very up and coming and has cheaper houses.

Wells is nicer than Frome in my opinion but both have nice villages close by. Wells has a Waitrose if that's of interest to you. Frome always features in The Times best place to live list but I'm not really sure why though it's perfectly pleasant.

Just south of Frome, have a look a Bruton.

@BikeRunSki

Just south of Frome, have a look a Bruton.

Although it’s not cheap

My in-laws live in Eastcombe, 3-4 miles from Stroud which is a lovely village with nice pub. Bisley, down the road is beautiful. Anywhere in Slad valley very pretty place to stay.

If I wanted a village close to Frome, I would go for Rode, Beckington or Nunney or Mells. These are popular close and have first schools. Bruton, is pretty and full of rich second homers from London. eg George Osborne now. But it is quite a way from Frome and also fairly boring.

If you want somewhere affordable, Westbury is much cheaper than Frome as is Warminster but they are both small towns

All of those villages have a pub as well.

If you’re looking for somewhere mid way between the 2 while you research then Corsham is a very small town with decent cafes and restaurants and surrounded by lovely countryside.

I agree that Wells is much nicer than Frome but also feels bigger and more city like which may not be what you’re looking for.