Relocation to Suffolk - advice please

[Cam2012]

Hi guys

I'll be moving to Suffolk soon. Anyone with experience/advice/suggestions with regard to living in the county?

I'll be looking for somewhere to rent.

I will be working in Ipswich (though my work may take me elsewhere within the county). I would quite like to live in a small country town. I have access to a car but would prefer to use public transport (I'm a new driver and rush hour frightens me! ). I'll be living on my own.

I'm interested in art, architecture, history and the countryside. I'd quite like to join local clubs/societies. Good transport links are quite important. I like to get about.

Thank you in advance! I'm very excited for the move! [shy]

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Have you looked at Bury st Edmunds?

Ipswich is a lovely place to work in. I might be biased as I live here

As well as Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Colchester could also be looked at in terms of finding somewhere to rent.

Sudbury is a good alternative to BSE. Nice market town which has a fair bit going on and the links to Gainsborough. To be honest I like Ipswich as well. Lot going on there and more historic than you might think. Woodbridge or snape are lovely but expensive.

I did consider Bury St. Edmunds. Woodbridge too looks wonderful (but yes, expensive!).

Ipswich does seem to be going places. I think a pret opening is a very good signifier!

I did look at Stowmarket but I thought it might be a tad boring? :/

Bury St. Edmunds looks great but for some bizarre reason you cannot buy a season ticket from there? Does anyone know about this?

Sudbury too looks great, for it's links to Gainsborough, proximity to Melford Hall and transport links... Choices! What's Colchester like?

Colchester is good, but is epanding rapidly and the infra structure is not improving quickly enough. It is very historic , but those Roman and medieval street plans don't suit modern life. The surrounding villages are nice. However driving to Ipswich can be hard work in the rush hour, often queues on the A12 up to the wonderful Copdock roundabout. Buses take quite a while so the best alternative is the train. There is plenty of rental by the station, but it can be expensive as there is a lot of communitng from Colchester. It is best to be in walking distance or direct bus route as the car parking is eye wateringly expensive.

Thanks Daisymay! Hmm. I'm not quite sure that sounds like the nicest of places. Having always lived in the commuter belt, I think I'd prefer something a bit more provincial in feel!

Sorry . I made it sound worse than it is! Ipswich, Manningtree and Colchester are now commuter belt for the City as housing is affordable here. A least you will get a seat as you are going to Ipswich.It is pleasant , near enough to London to be able to go to theatre and musums but far enough out to have their own theatre, good museums and tourist attractions. Colchester council website used to have a good promotional video. Aldham and Fordham are villages worth looking at, with commutng from Marks Tey worth considering

Depends how much you have to spend (are you buying?) And also how rural you want to be. It's a fab place to live as we have so much on our footsteps. Bury is amazing but quite a way from ipswich. What about kesgrave or rushmere close to lots of rural bits like fynn valley but very easy to get to ipswich. Or Trimley is nice too.

Sorry should read properly, you said rent.

Have you considered Hadleigh? Small town, but with everything you need - decent shops, denstist, doctor. Plenty of history and architecture, and lovely countryside on your doorstep. Hourly bus to Ipswich (but really not a terrifying drive); also 10-15 minutes from the A12, twenty minutes drive from Manningtree.