Why Families Are Choosing Swindon

For those looking for the best balance of space, value and convenience, Swindon is quietly becoming one of the South West’s most appealing hotspots for families with children.

The industrial and commercial beating heart of Wiltshire, with fast rail and excellent road links for accessing the rest of the country, Swindon manages to combine the essentials of a good old fashioned working town with excellent green spaces, good schools and an active community that celebrates both cultural heritage and cultural diversity.

In this article, I’ll explore why so many families are choosing Swindon – and why, here at The House Group, we’re convinced that demand is only heading one way.

Swindon Offers Fantastic Schools

Schools remain close to, if not at the very top of the list of priorities for families moving home. Swindon more than delivers.

Primary schools: Many parents speak highly of Lethbridge Primary, East Wichel Primary, and Even Swindon Primary… that is to say, the school itself is called ‘Even Swindon’ – located in a place called Even Swindon, probably named after its very flat and level topography or level water table… anyway, the school was rated ‘Good’ at the last Ofsted inspection, as were all these primary schools mentioned, if not ‘Outstanding’ in the case of East Wichel. All three have good reputations for nurturing environments, and there are plenty of other primary schools locally that share similar ratings and reputations for excellence.

Secondary schools: Common choices include Commonweal School, Lydiard Park Academy and Nova Hreod Academy – and no, again, that is not a typo, for those uninitiated…

Hreod Burna is a local stream, the ‘hreod’ coming from the Anglo Saxon word for a reed (a ‘reedy stream’).

In any case, these three secondary schools are all known for solid academic results as well as strong extracurricular programmes.

Independent schools: Private schooling options nearby include Marlborough College and St Francis, some of the region’s most respected independent schools.

The breadth of choice for schooling in Swindon gives families real flexibility. And of course, these strong reputations feed back into long-term property values – something that buyers are often keen to ensure.

Parks and Green Spaces

One of the strongest draws for families who look to settle in Swindon is our access to so much open green space – something people moving from larger cities or even other towns are often surprised to find in what people often assume is a built-up, industrial heartland.

Some of our highlights:

• Lydiard Park: Perhaps a jewel in the crown, with its stately home, huge lake, adventure playground, shady woodlands and miles of good walking trails. It is the perfect place for family days out.
• Coate Water Country Park: Famous for its reservoir, splash park and miniature railway – a firm favourite for families with younger children.
• Queens Park & Town Gardens: Green lungs in the heart of Swindon, with ornamental gardens, playgrounds, and regular events that bring the community together.

For active families, Swindon’s network of parks, cycle routes and sports and leisure facilities make it easy to keep everyone outdoors and moving.

Excellent Transport Connections

Swindon is really well located. Whether you need to head north, south, east or west, and especially if you need to travel to London, there can be few places that offer such easy access.

• Rail: Swindon station offers frequent, direct trains to London Paddington and Cardiff, both in under an hour, as well as trains to Bristol in just 35 minutes and Oxford in under half an hour. For commuters, it’s hard to beat that.
• Road: Situated on the M4 corridor, Swindon benefits from quick and straightforward access by road to London, Reading, Bristol, Birmingham, South Wales and the South West, as well as to Oxford on the A420 and into the Cotswolds on the A419.
• Local travel: Good and frequent local bus services, plus easy walking and well-maintained cycle routes, make it easy to get across town without having to take the car out.

Property Values in Swindon

Swindon offers better value for money than most towns with similar rail access to London – especially in this part of the world. And families have noticed.

According to Rightmove, the average house price here is around £294,000, with terraced homes averaging £249,000, semi-detached homes around £300,000, and detached houses closer to £450,000. Flats average around £152,000.

Prices may have risen sharply over the last two decades – but that’s not just a local story. Prices have risen more or less at the same pace across the country. The difference is that Swindon remains comparatively affordable, with average property prices still below £300,000, and buyers do feel they get more home and garden for their money – even compared to other towns and cities locally. In Wiltshire, look at Marlborough or Hungerford; or just across the county border, only a half hour drive away, take a look at Oxford.

No-one has a crystal ball, but families tend to see Swindon as not only more affordable now, but also a safe long-term bet for the future.

Demand is steady – and currently, pretty pacey… and we don’t see that changing any time soon.

A Welcoming Community

Schools, parks and transport links matter, but let’s be honest – what usually makes a place feel like “home” is the people.

Swindon has always been known for its diverse, welcoming and down-to-earth community. From buzzing town centre market stalls, to the family-run cafes and delis of Old Town, to events and performances at the Wyvern Theatre or at MECA – no, not the bingo; MECA the events centre. We are a lively town with a healthy buzz.

The town also has a proud creative side, from its mural art in the Railway Village to grassroots music venues and an array of community festivals through the year. Families settling here quickly find that sense of belonging – and for many, that’s just as valuable as any bricks-and-mortar.

Amenities and Everyday Convenience

Family life is hectic – and so convenience matters.

With shopping options ranging from numerous supermarkets, to retail parks, to Designer Outlet shopping, to the independent butchers, bakers, coffee shops and restaurants of Old Town, Swindon isn’t short of places to shop, quaff and dine. There’s also a healthy choice of gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools and sports clubs.

Families moving to the area find everything they need is right here on their doorstep, whether they end up in the town itself or our surrounding villages like Highworth, Wroughton and Shrivenham.

Looking to the Future

Swindon has grown enormously over the last few decades, and investment continues in terms of improved infrastructure, housing and leisure facilities, with the famous Oasis Centre earmarked for a multi-million pound regeneration.

The balance of space, affordability, good schooling, parks and transport links make Swindon a truly compelling choice for families – and it’s no surprise more and more are making the move here as the town grows.

For buyers, it’s not just a practical choice; it’s a smart long-term investment. For sellers, steady family demand helps keep the market active and moving.

If you have a family home in Swindon that you’re thinking about selling, get in touch with us at The House Group – we’ve got plenty of buyers waiting for a home like yours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Life in Swindon

Is Swindon a good place to raise a family?
Yes – it offers good schools, plenty of parks and other green spaces, sports facilities, family-focussed amenities, and excellent transport links across the South West and into central London.

What are the best schools in Swindon?
Popular choices include Lethbridge Primary, East Wichel Primary, Commonweal School and Lydiard Park Academy. Independent options like Marlborough College are also within easy reach.

How long does it take to commute from Swindon to London?
Direct trains reach London Paddington in under an hour, but it isn’t all about London. Trains also reach Cardiff in the same time, Bristol in around 35 minutes, and Oxford in less than half an hour – an ideal place for commuters to call home.