Moving to Swindon - general advice required please

[EV11NED]

Hi, I'm after some advice and local knowledge please. I've got a new job (with the worlds biggest building society :-) ) and start in July or August. Initially I'm going to rent a place, and don't want to be too far from the office. The searches on right move are showing some suitable flats in Old Town, but I wondered if there are any other areas I should consider?

Also, what is there to do / go in the area? I'll be free and single, so all suggestions welcome!

Thanks.

[otolith]

Pinehurst, Park North, Park South, Penhill.

Avoid.

[Pints]

Red House and Taw Hill are nice areas if you're after a newer place, although they're slightly further from your office (if you're at the main site) than Old Town.

[otolith]

The parking situation at NH is horrendous, so there is certainly something to be said for being able to walk or cycle into the office. Old Town has some of the nicer pubs, though some of the housing is a bit ropey.

[huwp]

If you want town living the I would go for Old Town every time. Otherwise if you prefer a more rural existence then you have plenty to choose from. Renting to begin with will give you the opportunity to do some research.

[m444ttb]

otolith said:

The parking situation at NH is horrendous, so there is certainly something to be said for being able to walk or cycle into the office. Old Town has some of the nicer pubs, though some of the housing is a bit ropey.

I live in Redhouse which is c6.5 miles from work. Easy enough to cycle if you wanted to although the old railway line is unlit if you want to avoid the road. I've been driving in for 6:40 to go for a run for years now to avoid the parking nightmare!

[m444ttb]

EV11NED said:

Hi, I'm after some advice and local knowledge please. I've got a new job (with the worlds biggest building society :-) ) and start in July or August. Initially I'm going to rent a place, and don't want to be too far from the office. The searches on right move are showing some suitable flats in Old Town, but I wondered if there are any other areas I should consider?

Also, what is there to do / go in the area? I'll be free and single, so all suggestions welcome!

Thanks.

To answer the second point I wouldn't say there is loads to do in Swindon vs say Bristol. However the town in 90 mins or less from so many places. I like living here. There are quite a few Nationwide PHers too. From time to time in the summer you might see three Westfield's lurking in the multi-story car park.

[Master Bean]

+1 for Old Town and Redhouse/Oakhurst. I rent a flat in Redhouse which is new and clean and is only 2 minutes from Asda Walmart. Old Town is where you want to be for pubs and bars because buses don't run that late.

I'd recommend The Weighbridge as a good restaurant. It's expensive but you won't leave with an empty stomach. There's a bushquackers and Vodka Revs it town if you are under 25 and The Goddard Arms up the hill if you are 40 plus.

[Master Bean]

This must be a pretty good reason to avoid either Park North or Park South.

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/11197953.P...

[EV11NED]

Master Bean said:

This must be a pretty good reason to avoid either Park North or Park South.

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/11197953.P...

Thanks, moving from the town where Gary Newlove was beaten to death I am keen to avoid troublesome areas!

Now looking like I will be starting at the beginning of July, so I need to find somewhere to live within the next month!

[Mr E]

Old town and a bike to commute on should do you.

There's a mountain bike trail next to nationwide for lunchtime amusement.

[Wozy68]

All ill say about swindon is this...

I entered the town a week last Tuesday to get my poor old car serviced. 5 minutes in and my sat navigation failed.
I'm still here, tired and exhausted.
Anyone know the way out to the A417, oh and a good restaurant, I'm getting hungry

OP buy a good town map.