Swindon info please

[Sonya]

I've recently submitted an application for employment in Swindon at the intersection of A419 and A420. I'll be moving without a car, but could arrange for a bicycle. I see the train runs past this location, but is there a stop within walking distance. The station appears to be at city centre.

Also, any tips on finding temporary housing? I'll move first and my spouse and daughter will follow within 6 mos.

[LSainsbury]

http://maps.google.co.uk/intl/en/help/maps/streetview/

Check for yourself?

[Hugh]

Sonya, do you mean the White Hart Roundabout? (on the right of the attached picture).

If so, the nearest rail station is Swindon (about 1/3 of the way in from the left of the attached picture) as you stated - there appear to be no local stations.

A good site for temporary accommodation is Gumtree Swindon. (http://swindon.gumtree.com/)

Here is a link (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/swi/localarea.html) to the bus routes from the Swindon rail station, which may be of use.

[Sonya]

LSainsbury: The Google maps I had tried to use already for a street view with no success. It is in an industrial park. I'm not sure I could get a rail view near that location.

Hugh: Yes, it is at the White Hart Roundabout, northeast of there anyhow. The opening is at the BSF. I'll try Gumtree for housing.

Thanks to both of you. I'm not familiar with rail use here in the states. I found the station in city centre, but wasn't sure if it was like bus lines here where you can pull the cord and stop to get off. Of course, that won't do for the return home at night. Would a bike trip from city centre be reasonable? Is there a bike lane or safe path to that area? I thought if I could get some idea from city centre then I would have an idea of where I might want to find accommodations.

Any thoughts about life in Swindon? If selected I interview next week. I want to be prepared with questions and a negotiating strategy.

I appreciate the insight.

[LSainsbury]

BSF = Book Storage Facility - yes?

There are no rail stations there - the main one is in town as you've found out - that's about 3 / 4 miles away.

There are no surban rail services either - like the metro that kind of thing. For public transport your best bet is a local bus but it may involve a few journeys.

If you drive you can always get a car after a few months. Cycling from town is on main roads - I don't think there are any cycle lanes.

Swindon is known for being a bit rough and rundown. Not my idea place to move to.

Where in the US are you moving from?

[vanman]

number 66 bus from station

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Station+Rd&daddr=Thorn+Hill+Rd&hl=en&geocode=Fa7SEgMdYMXk_w%3BFfMOEwMdgpjl_w&mra=ltm&dirflg=r&ttype=dep&date=14%2F02%2F11&time=14:00&noexp=0&noal=0&sort=def&sll=51.572749,-1.746655&sspn=0.026353,0.077162&ie=UTF8&ll=51.571682,-1.756439&spn=0.026353,0.077162&z=14&start=0
up my street is good for properties to rent and general info about swindon
http://www.upmystreet.com/findmynearest/swindon.html

http://www.upmystreet.com/properties/to-rent/swindon.html

[Sonya]

Thanks so much. The information from you both is greatly appreciated.

Rough and run down doesn't trouble me. I'm concerned about being near work so my commute by foot, bike, or bus (not train now) is minimal until I can pick up a cheap car.

We'll be moving from Nevada, a western state...of course, only moving once the job is mine and my visa is approved. Many, many "what if"s. I just like to be prepared.

Have a great Valentine's Day evening. Just starting the day here.

Cheers,
Sonya