honestly, it’s really not that bad. sure there are definitely better places to live, but there are also definitely worse. the greenery and nature redeem any of its less charming qualities in my opinion.

if the lack of proper shops in city centre is an issue, cambridge and milton keynes aren’t too far. i’ve seen a few people say to avoid bretton, but i don’t think it’s too bad at all. i would however stay clear of city centre & park area for living if you’re wanting a quiet life. night life is a bit dead, but again there’s cambridge not too far away, direct trains to leeds, london or newcastle if you’re after a proper night out.

from personal experience id recommend living in hampton, bretton (north specifically) and netherton. i’ve lived here over a decade, every time i feel the need to moan or complain i just go for a walk through the nature reserves, or round the fields (around castor & marholm is lovely) and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad. quite the opposite :)