Areas to live between Cheltenham and Bristol

[OW0809]

Hi
Can anyone please recommend areas to live between Cheltenham and Bristol that works for commuting and family?

One is working in Bristol and the other in Cheltenham. Train links isn't a must to get to work but would be handy.

The wish list:

1. Excellent primary and secondary schools
2. Gym/swimming pool
3. Country side/ dog walks
4. Good old fashioned pub 😂
5. Budget upto £500k although property would have to be ready to move into with no alterations required in the future for that sort of £

We have ruled out Gloucester / Stroud / Stonehouse.

Cheltenham itself is a bit too far for Bristol so needs to be a bit further down the M5.

Have visited Malmesbury, which is a possibility, but not sure if we have missed anywhere else?

Or are we completely priced out and have unrealistic expectations?

Huge thanks

Yate. Closer to Bristol than Cheltenham. It does have a railway station and direct buses to Bristol.

I wouldn't recommend Thornbury. It seems to be dying on its feet.

Wiotton under edge is nice. Katherine lady Berkeley school.

I second the comment about Thornbury. I've got a relative who moved there a couple of years ago. It's dire.

Cam/Dursley? Has leisure centre with pool, lots of pubs, restaurants and takeaways, a train station with free parking(!), and really close to the m5. Town centre is small, but there's a Sainsbury's (with argos), Iceland, and Tesco, a bakery, butchers, and a few cute independent shops. Can get most things you'd need. Loads of beautiful walks, rivers, and scenary. Very rural, villagey feel to it, without being isolated as plenty to do within a 15 min drive.

Stonehouse? Stroud?

...with your budget I would not rule out Gloucester. Not all of Gloucester is the same 😊

If you choose Gloucestershire be aware it is a super selective 11plus area and that is what you are happy with for your dc. Some areas have excellent secondaries and some are dire.

Would second the last comment. People avoid Gloucester and then have their kids shipped in on the bus to the grammar schools there!