Moving to Dunstable or Bedford?

[AquaToaster488]

Hi all,

Me and my husband are thinking of moving from London to Dunstable. But we've seen some negative reviews about it...

Is it a good place to raise a family?

Or is Bedford/MK a better option?

Dunstable might have negative reviews because it's very close to Luton. It's arguably got a lot more to do than Luton. It's not the prettiest place either but by no means run down. It's also considerably cheaper than Bedford and a little cheaper than MK.

Have only been to Bedford a handful of times (am going this week actually) and I definitely see the appeal. Architecture is beautiful, town centre very pretty. Milton Keynes is almost like a city - it's where everyone in Bedfordshire goes for the cinema, the shopping centre and even some more rural nature places like Willen Lake. My advice would be to look in the centre or the surrounding villages of MK, not the surrounding towns.

Maybe you could do a trip around Bedfordshire to get a feel of each town as that's probably the best way to know for yourself.

Bedford has some very rough areas. Queens Park and Kempston should be avoided at all costs. The roads surrounding the hospital are horrible too. Traffic can be awful during rush hour. The town centre is dead on its feet, used to be lovely 10+ years ago. Riverfield Drive area is nice aswell as is the area surrounding Mowsbury Park. There are some other lovely parks too. Lots of amenities, great access to motorways and London is really quick via train.

This is outing but f it. I lived in Bedfordshire for 20 years, my husband is born and bred in Bedford. We now live in a county surrounding Bedfordshire and still have lots of family in Bedford. You couldn't pay us to live in Bedford.

Dunstable is also vile. Only worth going for the zoo but I'd never live there.

Bedford has some ugly streets but not truly rough. Even Queens Park has lovely bits and nice streets. Kempston is not that bad and above poster is exaggerating.

It's easy to get around but town centre declined in pandemic, it has all new pavement and looks nice but decline is in many shops closed down. ( like many parts of the country.)

Bedford has many nice areas, lots of parks, the river, priory marina and good amenities.

Traffic can be bad and around hospital is awful.

However many many many nice outer areas and villages 2, 3, 5 miles away for a quieter pace.

Overall good schools and lots of private provision too.