Living Here

If you bank with Nationwide, use Intel products, drive a Mini or Honda Civic, get to London on a GWR train, enjoy Formula 1, have ever visited a National Trust property, watched Tim Peake’s progress through space or have simply benefitted from scientific or medical research, you’ve got Swindon to thank.

Set on the M4, A419 and A420 and the mainline railway between London and Wales and the South West, Swindon has exceptional transport links to London, Heathrow, the Midlands, South West  – with Paddington station just 55 minutes away (and getting closer via electrification).

Swindon is a place bursting with energy – thanks, in part, to our thriving business and social community. At the forefront of new developments for nearly 200 years, innovation is deeply ingrained in our town: from railways in the 19th Century, to Spitfires in the 20th, and the hydrogen cars of today.

Our growth plans are hugely ambitious, and we’re uniquely well-positioned – geographically, demographically and economically – to realise a sustainable and thriving future. Swindon is a thriving town, consistently ranked highly compared to cities across the country and we are constantly working to improve the town for its residents and businesses. With major investment in schools and educational establishments, a competitively-priced local housing market and a wealth of leisure facilities, green spaces and things to do.

Swindon is not just a place of work – many of our employees choose to live in the town because of the quality of lifestyle. The borough of Swindon is not just the town itself, but also encompasses many charming villages and historic market towns.

Housing

The average cost of a house in Swindon is £277,394 (2023), making it very affordable compared to other South West towns and cities. We have several new build developments in the town, including Wichelstowe housing development and Tadpole Garden Village. 

We are also managing a development programme of 300 new affordable homes, involving exciting neighbourhood regeneration opportunities.  

Employment

The employment rate in Swindon is 74.9%, against the national rate of 75.4%. Many organisations have a large head office presence in the town, including Nationwide Building Society, Zurich, Intel, Npower, WHSmith, National Trust and the UK research councils.

Education

Swindon has a diverse choice of primary and secondary schools, colleges and higher education opportunities.The borough has 73 primary schools and 21 secondary schools.

Shopping & Entertainment

The Swindon Designer Outlet Village occupies the restored Great Western railway works and is owned by McArthur Glen. It hosts over 100 designer stores at discounted prices. It's the perfect place for shopping in Swindon. There is also a food mall with chain restaurants including Wagamama and Pizza Express.

The Regent Circus development in the town centre hosts a multi-screen Cineworld cinema along with a number of restaurant chains such as Nando’s, Dough & CO. Plus the excitng addition of Boom Battle Bar, an exciting soically competive venue offering games and entertainment. 

The Brunel Swindon is the heart of the town's shopping, with over 110 shops including popular high street retailers, independent stores, cafes and eateries.

Swindon has several live music venues including the MECA, Wyvern Theatre and The Victoria which host local as well as touring national acts.

The Arts Centre and the Wyvern Theatre hosts music, professional and amateur theatre, comedy and children’s events.

Green spaces

Public parks include Lydiard Country Park, The Lawns, Stanton Park, Barbury Castle, Queens Park, Town Gardens, Pembroke Gardens and Coate Water. Shaw Country Park is currently being developed in West Swindon.