Should we move to Swindon from Reading?

[theonlyconstant]

Hi all! Looking for some advice. We have been looking at houses to get on the property ladder and have seen a new build in Swindon that we like (nearby central Swindon). We have also been seeing other houses in Swindon and could also go for them...(North Swindon side)

We are currently in Reading. My husband would need to commute at least twice a week (1 hour drive) and we're okay with that. I freelance from home so don't have any commuting obstacles.

The other thing that I'm concerned about is as Muslims, we only eat halal. So is halal meat/food easily available? I've looked up and there seem to be options. I've also seen there's a Swindon mosque near the centre. But I'm just looking for advice from people who live there or know the area (because I really don't).

Would you recommend Asian Muslims to move to Swindon? And which areas are best to move to?

Reading is very multicultural so have never felt out of place here but I don't know if we could possibly feel that way in Swindon.

Thanks for reading this and I'd appreciate any responses :)

Swindon is v multicultural and you will have no issues sourcing halal food. Whether you would enjoy living there or not is another matter. It probably depends where in Reading you are comparing it to and what you are after in an area.

It may be a 1hr commute oy when three's no traffic...

I moved from Newbury to swindon to get on property ladder and found it was great with lots available. I still worked in Newbury and that wasn’t too bad with reading being one junction further down the m4.
only reason we don’t live in swindon now is a move with dh work to another part of the U.K.

Thanks for your replies everyone

@Sprig1 I'm in central reading with a 10min walk to the centre. We usually drive everywhere so no issues as such. Just wanted a feel of the place thanks for letting me know it's multicultural. That sounds quite positive

@EBearhug you make a fair point...

@SFHJ oh that's very helpful. I've had a feel of the town and looked nice overall but was looking for experiences so thank you for that :)

I live in Swindon and work in Reading Town centre. I drive to work and it takes about an hour. I'm east Swindon (near Honda) so it's about 6 miles to M4 J15 and then I drive up to J11 and on into town.

The centre of town is very culturally diverse and there and many specialist shops in the surrounding streets. The area does have a reputation for being rough (I can say this as I owned a house on one of the main streets for 15 years) however there are very strong communities of various nationalities and faiths. There is a mosque close to the central bus station. There is Queens Park too which is lovely.

The actual shopping centre is dire now and many people that I know tend to shop in other big towns as the shop selection is poor (unless you like coffee shops, vape shops and pound shops..). There is the Orbital centre in North Swindon with a big Asda, Next, M&S, New Look, River Island and DW.

I've lived here all my life and am happy. Transport links to pretty much anywhere are good - mainline train, close to M4 and M5, beautiful countryside on doorstep. Some nice pubs and restaurants in the surrounding villages. Old Town is nice- indie shops and restaurants with a lovely park (Old Town Gardens).

Happy if you want to ask any questions.

@AddictedtoCrunchies thanks so much for such a detailed response. Your post has made me more confident about moving. 😊

It's reassuring that there are people of various faiths and the places you've mentioned I'll definitely look up. We did see the orbital centre the other day that seemed of interest while seeing some houses nearby there..

I will definitely reach out if I have more questions, thank you!

Would you say the whole of Swindon is rough, in line with its reputation or just parts of it? Also, have you heard or experience what the nightlife is like or is it better to steer clear and go elsewhere? Many nice restaurants or wine bars?

I have lived in Reading for one year, and i really didn't like it - as much because of the layout as anything else and it just wasn't very pretty. I never felt comfortable there or relaxed