Lisburn vs Bangor vs ?

tangentJB

Another moving to Belfast question sorry. I am moving from Australia so know almost nothing about NI. I will be working at Queen's and would prefer to commute by train. I am looking to buy a 3 bedroom house with a back garden as I have a dog and can spend about 150k.

I have been using the property sites (thanks for posting the useful links) and the places that I think I can afford a house in walking distance to the railway station are Lisburn and Bangor. It seems that Lisburn is bigger and with a shorter commute, but the houses near the station are older, less energy efficient etc.

Are they both good places to live and is there anywhere else I should be looking? If anyone is familiar with both, I would really appreciate any comments about the advantages of each.

thanks, and I am really looking forward to my NI move. Jen

lissaH

Sorry there is a bit of a delay havnt been on this. Bangor is by the sea good walks and quite close to small villages which would be nice for weekend strolls ect like Donaghadee. Lisburn really is just and extension of Belfast to honest. Upside is your close to all major routes while with bangor its an extra half an hour if you want to get anywhere else around the NI. You would be better off on public transport with both getting to Queens traffic on the A1 and M1 is hectic in the mornings so congestion wise it would be the same although at least your on the southside with Lisburn. I suppose the other thing is Bangor would be a bit more on the loyalist side a lot of flags and action around the 12th. I work around the area and have never had an issue just can be a bit intimating looking and google map the estates your looking at make sure there is no murals or flags (union jacks or tri colours) its not the sorta area you would wanna move to.

tangentJB

thanks Lissa for your comments. Bangor seems to be winning at the moment, just because housing is a little cheaper so I can get something a bit nicer in my budget. Thanks for the tip about looking for flags etc on google, that's a good idea.

el tel

I live in Bangor. It's pretty boring but I know lots of people who have moved hare from mainland UK and Rep. of Ireland too and they really like it. Bangor West is nice; it's handy for the Station and walks on the shore.

Lisburn is OK, probably only slightly more boring than Bangor, but much better connected to the rest of the country.

Personally, I'd prefer Bangor over Lisburn.

Ironic that that you are moving here from Oz, while a large porportion of people dream about moving in the opposite direction.

tangentJB

thank you. I have now looked at a few houses and have made an offer on a place in Bangor West. The newer houses and slightly lower prices ended up winning and it looks like a great place to live so all is good. Yes, people keep asking why I would move from Australian sunshine, but I work in such a specialised area that there's no interesting jobs in Australia. Still, I am looking forward to living in NI as well - I believe the live music scene is great, and everyone I have met so far seems very nice.

el tel

Congratulations. I assume you're in NI already or will be here soon?

I think you'll like Bangor. If you are into sports there are lots of clubs you could join; athletics, cycling, netball, etc etc.

The music scene is ok, there are quite a few festivals and regular sessions in various bars and venues. The Goats Toe is a good spot.

If you ever need any help let me know.

tangentJB

Will be moving mid June. I used to be into sport until my knees informed me that I was too old, but maybe I can become a spectator instead. Thanks for the tip about the Goats Toe, I will try it out.