Moving to Rugby, Warwickshire (New Build)

[wll2546]

Hi everyone,

I am considering moving to Rugby in Warwickshire where there are new developments (TW Paddox Rise and Barratt Ashlawn Gardens). I don't really know much about the area so any pros and cons from locals about the area would be greatly appreciated.

But from my limited understanding it seems to be a nice quiet place with good schools around the area. Currently I can't figure out whether it is in Bilton or Overslade as the latter from google searching seems to be less favourable than Bilton.

However, with the population growth I am concerned that the existing road infrastructure e.g. Ashlawn Road will struggle to deal with more traffic and that there would be more pressure on GP surgeries in the area if new ones aren't constructed.

Thank you in advance!

Any thoughts on Houlton would also be appreciated :)

I haven't lived in Rugby, but not too far so I did go for various things. The traffic is an issue on several of the main roads. Houlton seemed great - I loved the park and the cafe! Just be aware if you're right next to them then you might get people parking on your street who couldn't get a space in the car park. I don't know the other developments but I'm sure someone will come along who does.

The town centre is okish - the retail park is better but also always busy. The area around the train station isn't the best, but the trains are good - you're on a main line for places like London, Birmingham, Coventry, Manchester, Edinburgh, maybe Glasgow too.

Hi @wll2546 I don't live in Rugby yet, but I'm looking to move in a few months. I've read that Overslade and Brownsover are areas 'to avoid', haven't walked around them but house prices do seem to confirm they are rougher. Bilton is definitely nicer. Agree with the town centre being Okish, and some beautiful villages and countryside around.

Thanks @Bootstoots , I agree with your views! I stayed in the area for an entire week just to get a feel for the area. The town centre is ok, has all the amenities needed in terms of core shopping and has some nice non-chain restaurants and cafes. However, I agree the retail park is definitely a better overall experience as it is very modern and is perfect if all you want to do is shop for clothes or eat at chain eateries.

Houlton seems lovely with the park, Co-Op, restaurant and the David Lloyd club that's under construction. It is definitely a lot more remote than the other developments in Ashlawn Road and a car is essential or a bus pass to get anywhere from Houlton. The houses near the village centre are far more convenient than the ones which are now being built up e.g. the Bellway/Redrow developments.

In the end I decided to reserve in Houlton however the big red flag is the management fees for any house built in the area that people should be aware of when considering that area. Whilst houses outside of that area don't tend to have management fees.

@Alex1121 I've heard the same views on Overslade and Brownsover but the latter seems to get more complaints from people. I did visit Coton Park which is the new development directly above Brownsover and it seemed fine to me but as you say house prices are clearly higher in the south than the north of rugby! The north seems a lot more urban and built up whilst the south is comparatively more rural, with more greenery and less housing density though I believe they are building 5000 houses in South West Rugby and 6200 in Houlton which may change that.

Having lived in rugby for many years, I would agree with the mentioned areas to avoid.
I would also add that hillmorton is one of the better areas for those with small children.
Hillmorton schools are over subscribed and if you don't live in catchment, you won't have access to them. The locals are very much aware of this, and often houses in desirable catchments aren't on the market for too long.
You'll also find that most hillmorton houses come with incredible amount of garden space. Perfect for entertaining.
As an established area, it has the facilities you'd require, Doctors surgeries, pharmacies, schools, shops, short drive to station (useful if you're commuter), easy access to the motorways M6 and M1.
The town itself, isn't too big so easy to get to any of the areas of required.