the 'forrest' as we call it in Gloucesteshire like all places can be mixed, however local/national news is right this whole area is the next boom in terms of property. There are some wonderful place but you will see pockets of industrial past and blots on the landscape. Anywhere around Symonds Yat has always been poplular with 2nd homers etc, COleford and surrounding area is quite nice too (but again Coleford has a hugeSmithkline Beecham site there) so you will always see lorries to and froing!
then there is the local myths, the forrest has always been the butt of jokes in the area, like they have extra toes, cousins are often their parents and purile humour like that!! so ignore all that, all i know from outsider moving up to Chelt area was that they once said when you enter the Forrest over the boarder from Gloucester you will know and how right they were flippin sheep everywhere!! i know alot of pals who live out that way, i will ask a few places to head for and likewise ignore, i'll be back soon......