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A bandstand in a Swindon park. Photo from Pexels.
The best areas to rent in Swindon depend on your commute and budget. Old Town suits people who want character and independent shops. The town centre and Railway Village suit rail commuters. Wichelstowe, North Swindon and Badbury Park suit families wanting newer homes, while Wroughton and Highworth offer a smaller-town feel.
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Which areas of Swindon are best to rent in?
These areas suit different renters. Visit at different times of day before you commit, and check specific streets.
Old Town
The historic centre on the hill, with independent shops, cafés and bars on Wood Street and Devizes Road. Period houses and flats, usually at higher rents.
Town centre and Railway Village
Victorian terraces built for the Great Western Railway works, close to the station and the Designer Outlet. Good for rail commuters.
Wichelstowe
A newer neighbourhood south of the town near M4 junction 16, beside the restored canal, with family houses and green space.
North Swindon
Priory Vale, Redhouse and Tadpole Garden Village, with newer homes, schools and easy access to the A419.
East Swindon and Badbury Park
Close to Great Western Hospital and M4 junction 15. Popular with hospital staff and people driving east.
Wroughton and Highworth
Small towns just outside Swindon, with a village feel and longer drives into the centre.
How do Swindon areas compare for commuting?
Your commute is often the deciding factor. This table compares areas by the routes most renters use.
| Area | Best for | Main routes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Character, evenings out | Short drive or bus to the station |
| Town centre and Railway Village | Rail commuters | Walk to Swindon station |
| Wichelstowe | Families, M4 west | M4 junction 16 |
| North Swindon | Families, A419 north | A419 towards Cirencester |
| East Swindon | Hospital staff, M4 east | M4 junction 15 |
| Wroughton, Highworth | A quieter base | Drive into Swindon |
Newer family housing. Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
Where should families rent in Swindon?
Families renting in Swindon often look at North Swindon, Wichelstowe, Badbury Park and the villages, where newer houses come with gardens and parking. Check school catchments with Swindon Borough Council before you sign, as they can change.
Parks matter too. Lydiard Park in the west and Coate Water Country Park in the south-east are both popular for weekend walks.
What should you check before renting in a Swindon area?
Before renting in any Swindon area, check the commute at rush hour, the school catchment, the parking and the street itself. Area averages can hide big differences between neighbouring roads.
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Local tips for choosing a Swindon area
Use the station for LondonIf you commute to London, living within walking distance of the station can save a car and parking costs.
Try the Magic Roundabout firstSome routes into the centre pass Swindon’s famous five-part roundabout. Drive it once before committing to a daily commute.
Stay nearby while you lookA furnished stay lets you get to know the areas before you sign anything.
Where can you stay while you choose an area?
Esho Stays does not have homes in Swindon, but our Cirencester homes are about 25 minutes away on the A419. You can stay by the week while you view areas and properties.
£120 / night2-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 2 bedrooms, king or twin
- Desk and sofa bed
- Enclosed garden
- Self check-in
A two-bedroom house with a desk, an enclosed garden and self check-in, about 25 minutes from Swindon on the A419.
See the 2-bed house
£130 / night3-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 3 bedrooms
- 4 beds
- Bath and separate shower
- Private garden
Three bedrooms, a private garden and a utility room with a washing machine. Pets welcome by arrangement.
See the 3-bed houseRead our guide to private rentals in Swindon for the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the nicest part of Swindon to live in?
Many people rate Old Town, Wichelstowe and the nearby small towns of Wroughton and Highworth highly. Old Town has the most character, while the newer areas offer modern homes and parking. The right choice depends on your commute, budget and whether you want town life or quiet streets.
Is Old Town Swindon expensive to rent?
Old Town is usually one of the pricier parts of Swindon to rent in, because of its period homes and independent shops. Rents vary a lot by street and property type, so compare several listings. Flats above shops can cost less than family houses on quieter roads.
Which area of Swindon is best for commuting to London?
The town centre and the Railway Village are best for London commuters, because Swindon station is within walking distance. The fastest direct trains to London Paddington take under an hour. Areas further out need a drive or bus to the station, so allow extra time.
Are there new-build rentals in Swindon?
Yes. Areas such as Wichelstowe, Tadpole Garden Village, Badbury Park and parts of North Swindon have many newer homes, some let by private landlords. New builds usually have better energy ratings, which can mean lower bills, but rents are often higher than for older homes.
Next step
Want to get to know Swindon first?
Book a furnished home in Cirencester for a week or two while you view areas and properties.
