I live in Old Swan and have lived here since 1977. So Ive seen the changes in the place. Its got plenty of shops I used to say you dont have to go to town cos you can get what ever it was in the Swan. Its pretty quiet at night.. Its like anywhere you get your good and your bad . At the moment a fare few shops have closed down. Think thats mostly to do with the economy well hope it is !
But if you want to live in Old Swan its a good place. Plenty of schools....churches....doctors..even has its own Walk In center. Its not to far from Spingfield Park and the other way is Newsham Park.Plus you can pretty much get a bus to anywhere from the Swan.
Hope this helps
AA