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Original poster

If you had a choice would you live in Bristol or Bath?

42 replies

luvaduck · 19/01/2009 15:27

and why???
esp if you live in one of them I would love to know your thoughts

Say if money was no object (it is but lets just say if...)

Which do you think is the nicer city to live in? Good with pre school kids?

We are thinking of areas around the downs in bristol (clifton/redland/cotham/westbury park) which is looking more likely, but I have always wanted to live in Bath. Currently we are v rural after leaving London and not really liking that much so a move back to the city is in order.

Any advice? Tis going round and round and round in my head, and dh says i am spending too much time on rightmove!

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FiveGoMadInDorset · 19/01/2009 15:27

Bath

cmotdibbler · 19/01/2009 15:31

I'd do Redlands or Clifton in Bristol. Always seems loads to do in Bristol, and the zoo is fab

georgimama · 19/01/2009 15:31

I would rather live in Bath, the areas you have mentioned in Bristol are the nicest areas but my they are pricey. You could probably get more in Bath for that kind of money (although Bath also an expensive part of the world).

The fact is they are not far apart and if you live in Bath, Bristol's amenities are nearby and vice versa. Depends what appeals more - city-city (Bristol) or large genteel historic town (Bath).

With kids full stop I would prefer Bath, Bristol can be rough with a capital "r".

Riven will come along in a mo and tell me off for that!

lillypie · 19/01/2009 15:37

I have lived in both and if money were no object I would choose Bath, although Bristol is lovely definitely buzzier.It depends what you are looking for.

Bath has some very rough areas too.

bluebump · 19/01/2009 15:46

Bristol for me. I prefer the whole buzz of the city and all the things that Bristol has to do in it.

traceybath · 19/01/2009 15:49

have lived in both and would definitely choose bath.

MadameCastafiore · 19/01/2009 15:51

Bath all the way.

Just speaking toa friend who has to go to Bristol for a casting - they are staying in Bath and driving to Bristol for it as not to have to stay there - she has lived in both places.

jenkel · 19/01/2009 15:51

Bath - with kids

Bristol - without kids

thequietone · 19/01/2009 15:51

lived in Bristol for 11 years in various areas from Clifton and Redland to Windmill Hill and Knowle. Bristol has more to do and is more diverse and funky. However, I would prefer Bath for raising children. We moved abroad in 2007 as we were unhappy about raising DS1 where we were and the opportunity arose to move to our current location.

sarah293 · 19/01/2009 15:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:02

thanks for quick replies!

hmmm opinion is divided. Just like my head!

Ideally we would rent in both and see which we liked best before buying but seeing as we're already trying out rural life and don't like it i don't think we could justify another housemove with young dc.

I always thought bristol was a bit on the rough side but it seems if you live round the Downs you don't really need to go into the centre, and its quite villagey (? like west london)

what about things to do with toddlers and small dc? Are there lots in each?

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georgimama · 19/01/2009 16:02

OK - Riven did not tell me off!

georgimama · 19/01/2009 16:03

You do realise how close together they are? You really don't need to see activities and excursions as an either/or option.

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:04

Yeh not sure we are posh enough Riven - we might just afford a flat there, but a house in Redland.

traceybath - why??

Do you think there's enough to do in Bath and do you get sick of the tourists??

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traceybath · 19/01/2009 16:05

bath v gd for small children and good schools

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:09

Yes georgiemama - know them both quite well to visit and are living nearish now - but HATE being reliant on the car with a child who hates his car seat. Want to walk everywhere - want nice little local shops/cafes/parks and things to do with kids. oh and restaurants etc for when they are older and I'm back at work.

Its more about which is the nicest to live in rather than visit.

My heart is with Bath but Bristol is much more convenient for work so trying to see if its do-able without always feeling like its 2nd best (is anyone else this indecisive?)

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georgimama · 19/01/2009 16:12

In that case it is going to depend exactly where in either you would be living.

If in Bath you are able to afford somewhere as close in as Julian Road/Rivers Street area (or that close to town centre), or in Bristol you would be looking at being right on the Downs/in Clifton Village then there isn't much in it. Both would be very close to a good range of shops and amenities.

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:14

okay well thats good to hear

do you live in either??

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bratnav · 19/01/2009 16:16

We live on the other side of the Downs in Stoke Bishop (next to Westbury) and we love it, buzzy Clifton just up the hill, but lovely and quiet where we are, along with about a million various pre-school/toddler/baby groups.

It does come at a price though, we have a 2 reception, 4 bed house and it costs us £1400 pcm rent

DP grew up in Bath and we both love it

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:16

sorry to be a PITA but can anyone tell me some good toddler stuff (groups/activites that I'd be welcome to etc) to do in either as we are near enough to go along for a morning or afternoon, and could try them out - rather than just shopping which is what i end up doing...

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bratnav · 19/01/2009 16:17

Also there are 3 fab primary schools within walking distance.

georgimama · 19/01/2009 16:17

No but I live very close, I lived in Bristol as a student. I would love to live in Bath

Summer days often find us in Bath either having a picnic in the park or lunch in Cafe Rouge or somewhere similar!

petrovia · 19/01/2009 16:18

No

Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:18

Bratnav sounds fab thanks, and our sort of budget for renting too. will check out that area - can you walk into clifton village??

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Original poster
luvaduck · 19/01/2009 16:20

no to what petrovia? as in you wouldn't choose either?

i bet we live near each other georgimama

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