In reply to medomjones:
Nottingham has always been put down by the press, it was never as bad as they made out, if you live in Nottingham and then visit certain parts of London for comparison you will know what I mean.
St Ann's/Meadows which I'd probably say has the worst reputation, are not places to avoid, especially when you're renting. They're not great areas but they aren't that bad once you get to know them.
Radford and Lenton is full of students. I live east Nottingham, I can get to Chesterfield in less than 30 minutes and the traffic has never been bad. It's about 10-15 min from Junction 27, about 10 min from both climbing centres and 10 min from city centre. Yet at the end of my road, you're in the country side. I'm 5 min north from Carlton/St anns.
I've lived in Nottingham all of my life so should have a decent idea, the only reason I'd move away is to get even closer to the peak, i.e Sheffield, or potentially for work but the pay would have to be good!