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Original poster

Relocate to Ipswich or Peterborough

63 replies

Poppie2023 · 27/12/2023 18:33

Hi all,

If anyone has knowledge of the above areas, can you please advise which area is more preferable to buy a property in and why? Ipswich appears to be closest to London in driving but my understanding is that both have good commutable connections to London by public transport. Please can you only advise on the above areas and avoid throwing other area suggestions in as I can only go where my purse will allow and don't want to go too far from London, and anywhere closer to London (even Colchester) will stretch me jugding by my research on RM.

Which out of the two locations, (if any) do you think might have the better potential for regeneration projects in the future or may already be underway?

I know the advise will be subjective to individual experiences, but it's still welcomed and I plan to visit next yr and get my own feel.

OP posts:
MadeOfAllWork · 27/12/2023 18:36

I live in ipswich. Plenty of people will come along in a moment and tell you it’s a shithole but it’s not. Yes it has its rough bits and the town centre is looking bleak but it has some lovely parts too, namely the parks.

I’m happy to advise on areas.

it’s just over an hour on the train to London Liverpool Street.

Original poster
Poppie2023 · 27/12/2023 18:44

@MadeOfAllWork Thank you for your quick response and info! I've seen some really lovely houses on RM in ipwhich but don't have a clue when it comes to location. Please do recommend some areas. 😀

OP posts:
MadeOfAllWork · 27/12/2023 18:45

It’s really hard because areas can change within a street or two. Near Christchurch Park is nice. If you want to DM me links to houses I’ll have a look.

crumblingschools · 27/12/2023 18:48

Have family who have lived in Peterborough, they vowed they would never live there again

RedRosie · 27/12/2023 18:55

I know both a little, but not enough to advise on actual areas.

I quite like Ipswich (people will diss it though), and have family there. The town could be lovely, but like everywhere has suffered from decline. I hope the good times come again. We live in London and the journey is pretty easy, driving or by public transport.

I have a friend in Peterborough who grew up there. Again, a bit challenged in some ways. Lovely cathedral. Transport (to and from London anyway) maybe not as good as Ipswich.

I always think both towns could make much more of their riversides!

If I were choosing, I'd probably go for Ipswich (or Bury St Edmunds, I'm assuming that's not on the table?). But I'm sure both would be absolutely fine. Most people are nice wherever you go, if you make an effort. I wish you luck!

KatyMac · 27/12/2023 18:59

Im in Ipswich and I love it - its great for my work and there are lots of creative opportunities here

Like all towns there are areas of deprivation but some lovely bits too

Karmatime · 27/12/2023 19:33

I know both areas, I much prefer Ipswich. I think Peterborough may be a faster train to London but not by much. Suffolk has some lovely surrounding countryside and I found it friendly. Peterborough city centre has gone downhill a lot and it wasn’t great to start with. I haven’t been to Ipswich for quite a few years but it had more of a country city vibe when I was there. Plus Lincolnshire is very flat.

EndOfMyTether11 · 27/12/2023 19:35

Do not move to Peterborough.

Everyone I know (I lived there for over a decade) are moving out of it. It's extremely high crime rates.

Lochroy · 27/12/2023 19:36

Ipswich would win for me because of proximity to the coast and some gorgeous countryside.

Exasperatednow · 27/12/2023 19:42

Ipswich is mixed and I know people who live there that love it.

My son goes to school in Peterborough and it has good train connections to north and south and a great waitrose. I know people who live in the Hamptons and like it. Most people I know live in the villages outside. I think Ipswich is similar.

Exasperatednow · 27/12/2023 19:44

To add, we live south of Peterborough and ds gets the train to school.

qpalbfy · 27/12/2023 19:52

I don't know Ipswich. I've always liked Peterborough, it gets a really bad reputation, is voted the worst place to live on that ilivehere website. But it's got great transport, easy to drive around, easy access to north and south via A1 and trains, easy to get to London (although check prices are in budget as the fast train is pricey). Like anywhere there are nicer areas, some are very rough and very over populated, the older areas like the Ortons are pretty, lots of open spaces, and there are some beautiful villages just on the outskirts and easy to get into thanks to the good road system. City centre needs some work doing to it, pretty in places but not a lot going on at night. Stone's throw from Stamford though which is beautiful to visit and lots of Peterborians will go there for a night out instead whilst benefitting from cheaper housing and better train routes in Peterborough (as Stamford is pricey). Honestly I think there are much worse places to live. I know plenty of wealthy people that live in Longthorpe, Castor and Ortons that use the private school, and train to get to London, and plenty of others that still happily live there with a less affluent lifestyle. But can't compare to Ipswich.

Original poster
Poppie2023 · 27/12/2023 21:10

@MadeOfAllWork thank you again for your quick reply. When I come across properties of interest, I'll send you the link of location. I am normally looking quite close to the station. @crumblingschools Thank you for the heads-up lol, did they say why? @RedRosie Thank you for the info! such a shame money isn't distributed better to these areas. I heard the waterfront is lovely. @KatyMac Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you always lived there and do you commute to London for work or work locally? @Karmatime Thanks for sharing your experience of both areas and your preference. I believe Peterborough has a direct train link to Kings Cross, but as you say I don't know that their is a major difference in commute time by train. @EndOfMyTether11 Thank you for your directness LOL. I'll defo take note of your advise. @Lochroy Thank you for sharing your preference and reasons😀@Exasperatednow Thank you for sharing what you know about both locations. @qpalbfy Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge of Peterborough. You have all being very helpful. Much appreciated. 😀

OP posts:
KatyMac · 27/12/2023 21:59

I work locally and travel a fair way to other places - Ive been here 6 years

DD regularly travels into London for work and we all go for the theatre

Original poster
Poppie2023 · 27/12/2023 23:22

KatyMac · 27/12/2023 21:59

I work locally and travel a fair way to other places - Ive been here 6 years

DD regularly travels into London for work and we all go for the theatre

@KatyMac Thank you your reply. You've been most helpful 😀

OP posts:
PlipPlopChoo · 27/12/2023 23:55

Everyone I know (I lived there for over a decade) are moving out of it. It's extremely high crime rates

I was surprised to read that and unsurprisingly enough it turns out to be untrue. I have dug out some statistics and compared it to various other Towns and Cities picked by whizzing about on Google Maps.

Peterborough 122 crimes per 1,000 people 2022 statistics. Only a little higher than Ipswich which is at 106 per 1000.

Other cities and large towns I checked are
Darlington 111
Leeds 172
Blackpool 162
Liverpool 141
Birmingham 145
Lincoln 138
Coventry 111
Hull 132
Rochester 105
Halifax 170

When you look at the finer details Violence and Sexual crime per 1000 is lower in Peterborough than Ipswich. Source crimerate website.

Can you elaborate on what statistics you have found @EndOfMyTether11

I visit Peterborough a few times each year to see a former colleague and now good friend. She often takes me for a cycle ride around and I feel the city is improving slowly. Yes there are probably a few less shops but a plentiful supply of eateries and drinking establishments for its size.

There is a country park located a short ride from most of the city and is wonderful in the spring and summer to have a stroll around and then a coffee overlooking the lakes.

VanWeezer · 28/12/2023 00:22

I live in Peterborough. Loads of people will hate it. The town centre is rubbish and run down. The council are spending money doing up the river side bit. Also a lot of flats popping up for the uni which may change the feel eventually.

But further afield it is lovely. I live on the outskirts. 5 minute walk to a doctor/dentist and shops. Schools a short walk away. Go the other way and it's countryside. It is incredibly flat though.

Can get to London on the train easy enough. There is a quick train and a slower one. The prices vary widely so please research. You can get direct trains to kings cross or st pancras. Nottingham, Leicester, Leeds, all fairly easy to get to for a change.

Sorry no idea on Ipswich.

MinnieMountain · 28/12/2023 06:45

I knew the Peterborough haters would pop up!

I’ve lived in Peterborough for 20 years. DH is from here. I’ve never felt unsafe. I love the lido, Ferry Meadows country park and walks along the river. 20 minutes drive away are the more rolling hills of Northamptonshire. The hospital was good when I had cancer. There’s plenty of sport (DH and DS play hockey).

Agree you need to research the areas. We’re happy in Woodston.

Exasperatednow · 28/12/2023 09:19

I do agree that the Lido is great. We travel in to go.

Original poster
Poppie2023 · 28/12/2023 14:41

PlipPlopChoo · 27/12/2023 23:55

Everyone I know (I lived there for over a decade) are moving out of it. It's extremely high crime rates

I was surprised to read that and unsurprisingly enough it turns out to be untrue. I have dug out some statistics and compared it to various other Towns and Cities picked by whizzing about on Google Maps.

Peterborough 122 crimes per 1,000 people 2022 statistics. Only a little higher than Ipswich which is at 106 per 1000.

Other cities and large towns I checked are
Darlington 111
Leeds 172
Blackpool 162
Liverpool 141
Birmingham 145
Lincoln 138
Coventry 111
Hull 132
Rochester 105
Halifax 170

When you look at the finer details Violence and Sexual crime per 1000 is lower in Peterborough than Ipswich. Source crimerate website.

Can you elaborate on what statistics you have found @EndOfMyTether11

I visit Peterborough a few times each year to see a former colleague and now good friend. She often takes me for a cycle ride around and I feel the city is improving slowly. Yes there are probably a few less shops but a plentiful supply of eateries and drinking establishments for its size.

There is a country park located a short ride from most of the city and is wonderful in the spring and summer to have a stroll around and then a coffee overlooking the lakes.

Edited

@PlipPlopChoo thank you so much for your research, comparisons, statistics to other areas as well as your own experience when visiting Peterborough. I will defo be visiting in the new year to get a feel. Might do a couple of nights in airbnb too!

OP posts:
Exasperatednow · 28/12/2023 14:47

By the way, what's your budget and what are you looking for in particular?

Original poster
Poppie2023 · 28/12/2023 14:56

@VanWeezer Thank you for sharing your knowledge of Peterborough and other developments going on. I didn't realise there were direct links from Peterborough to Nottingham, Leicester and Leeds. This is good to know thank you. I now need to check where Ipswich trains connect to other than London. @MinnieMountain Thank you for sharing your knowledge/experience of Peterborough. I have seen a few properties on RM in the Woodston area which have been lovely. I shall be looking up the park and river when I visit as sounds good, hopefully some local cafes nearby too😀Glad you had a positive experience at the hospital and hope you're in good health now.

OP posts:
TizerorFizz · 28/12/2023 14:59

Overall, I think as Ipswich is so close to the Suffolk coast it has to be the better option. Lots of lovely places nearby. Just go up to Woodbridge for a more attractive town!

Peterborough has the most glorious cathedral but the countryside, although pleasant, isn’t the Suffolk coast. Although Cambridge isn’t that far away.

For me, it would be Ipswich.

Exasperatednow · 28/12/2023 15:51

It depends though doesn't it, on what the rest of your needs are. I travel a lot for work and the one big advantage of living relatively near Peterborough is that's its really easy to travel both north and south.

But I do get what you mean re the coast.

Mynewnameis · 28/12/2023 16:00

Ipswich has decent facilities, a nice waterfront and lovely countryside and parks. I don't know Peterborough.