London to Bristol - as a single, potentially solo parent

[Skippy02]

Hi all

Looking for any local advice and/or recommendations on areas in and around Bristol that are good for a mid-thirties single woman, who is looking to date, but also potentially looking into solo parenting in the near future.

Originally from Gloucestershire, I’ve been living in SW London for nearly 13 years now and I think I’m just about done with it. Looking to move back to the South West as I am able to work in Bristol.

Hoping to be able to buy a house (£350k) around Bristol but unfortunately can’t quite afford the price tag of a central Bristol location. I’ve been looking at Chippenham and Keynsham, but would hugely appreciate any advice or other recommendations.

Many thanks in advance.

I can't particularly advise on Bristol - I'm further south west than that - but as an SMBC my advice would be to look for a property that you can see working for a good number of years (in terms of things like number of bedrooms, local schools and resources etc) even if these things seem like far-off prospects now. Mortgage companies will often take childcare costs into account when calculating affordability so you can find yourself for a good few years in a position where you wouldn't be able to get the mortgage you already have, let alone more. Best of luck!

Where in Bristol will you be working? Do you drive? What about your DC? Are they in school?

As I read the OP's post she doesn't yet have children, but is considering starting a family.

No kids as of yet. Yes, I drive. And I'm freelance, so have the option of working from home or from various companies based in central Bristol - all dependent on what jobs are available.

That's great advice, thank you!

If you decide on one of the satellite towns I would suggest that you choose one that has a railway station as well as a good bus service (because one or the other is usually beset with delays). So that would mean somewhere like Yate, Nailsea or Keynsham. I have family in one, have worked in another, and currently live in Keynsham.
Driving into Central Bristol is becoming increasingly difficult as it has a Clean Air Zone (which affects pre 2015 diesel cars) and a couple of Residents Parking Zones. (Look at Bristol City Council website for locations).

I'm in Portishead which has a good lively pub scene, your budget will get you a house, though not detached. We are supposedly getting a train station though there is currently a decent regular bus service into Bristol though we drive to work as don't work in the centre (under 15 minutes for both of us).

Keynsham is lovely! Also have a lot of time for Winterbourne, Pucklechurch and Frampton Cottrell. Aylesbury also, though the M5 noise is a lot. Wotton-under-edge also has a lovely community, though much further from the city.

Within Bristol, BS5 is up and coming. It has a great community vibe, lovely parks. Downend, Fishponds etc Easy to cycle to the centre.

agree with previous poster you should find something in your price range in south gloucestershire area of bristol: Downend, Winterbourne, Hambrook, Frampton Cotterell, staple hill, fishponds