Quality of life makes Swindon a great choice for commuters

Swindon was named in the top thirty places to live in the UK by uSwitch's Quality of Life Index last year. The town, under an hour’s commute from London, was placed 27th out of 138 towns surveyed, which ranked regions according to 26 different factors including salaries, disposable household income, and the cost of essential goods including food bills, fuel costs and energy bills. The study also factored in lifestyle issues like hours of sunshine, working hours and life expectancy.

Swindon is home to many global brands such as Intel, Nationwide, National Trust and Honda, as well as a host of smaller flourishing SME’s all set within the UK’s largest silicon design cluster – twice the size of Cambridge. Those working in the town centre are expected to contribute £7.2 million in spend potential to Swindon, over and above its residents. This figure excludes any edge of town office and business park locations, such as the Nationwide head office, which would increase this contribution significantly.

From small independent stores to big-name outlets, Swindon delivers a great mix of shopping choices. Shopping in Swindon includes the ever-improving town centre, boutiques and specialist retailers in Old Town, the major brands of the Swindon Designer Outlet, and conveniently located retail parks dotted around Swindon’s suburbs. Scores of bars, pubs, venues and restaurants are on hand or for a little quiet time, while Swindon’s surrounding countryside is accessible within 20 minutes and is a welcome retreat from the bustle of business life.

Swindon is home to many festivals and events many held at the Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre. Sports lovers will find a great selection of leisure facilities and clubs. The Link Centre includes an ice rink, swimming pool, climbing wall, gym, eight-court sports hall, squash courts and football pitches. The Oasis Leisure Centre features a lagoon pool while the Health Hydro features Turkish Baths and therapy rooms.

Swindon delivers a great selection of quality schools and educational facilities with 76% of schools rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. There are 62 primary schools in Swindon. Several new schools are also being built as part of major developments around the town. Swindon has 11 secondary schools including the top performing Swindon Academy that works in partnership with leading independent school Marlborough College to provide a grammar stream for its pupils. Swindon has two further education colleges – New College and Swindon College. There are also ten universities within 45 miles of the town.

A monthly season ticket to London costs £794.90 from Swindon (£8,280 annually) with the fastest journey time between Swindon and London 59 minutes. Trains to Bristol take 24 minutes (£314.20 monthly, £3,272 annually); Reading takes 28 minutes (£505.40 monthly, £5,264 annually).

Swindon is 80 miles from London via the M4 which also connects to Bristol, Reading and Cardiff. Oxford, Cirencester and Gloucester are also within easy reach. Bristol Airport has a range of national and European services and can be reached in just over an hour. Heathrow Airport is 70 miles away reached in an hour by road.

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Swindon:

Coate at Badbury Park (Redrow) - Situated on the edge of the picturesque Coate Water Country Park, yet within easy reach of both the M4 and Swindon town centre, there’s a huge selection of superb homes to choose from, from stylish two-bedroom apartments to magnificent five-bedroom executive homes. Prices from £518,995. Read more about Coate from Redrow Homes
Blunsdon Mead (Barratt Homes) -  A range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, these light, bright and spacious homes are within easy reach of great schools and convenient transport links. Prices from £282,995. Read more about Blundsdon Mead from Barratt Homes
Electra House (Taylors Swindon Central) - This ideal commuter development build by the MCR Property Group in Swindon town centre comprises 68 studio, one- and two-bed apartments a short walk from the station. Prices from £95,000. For more details visit www.taylorsestateagents.co.uk; 01793 467063.
Tadpole Garden Village (David Wilson Homes) - A stone's throw away from rolling countryside yet close to many amenities of Swindon, is driving buyers to this development of two- or five-bedroom properties. The homes are also within the catchment area for outstanding schools. Prices from £215,000. For more details visit www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes; 0844811 1877
Liberty Park (Bellway) – Commuters looking to take advantage of Swindon’s rail links are heading to this development of 152 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. An influx of buyers from Hounslow and Reading who work in London will have a 59 minute journey time. Prices from £155,000. For more details visit www.bellway.co.uk; 07966 878803	​​​​​​​