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Moving to Midlands from Scotland

10 replies

Zalz91 · 03/07/2017 02:12

Hi,

My husband has got a new job starting in September. He will be based in Hinckley but will be commuting to various cities in the Midlands. Ideally, he would like to live within an hours commute to Hinckley.

We are from Glasgow and have children, one who will be starting year 3 in a few months.

I have looked at Coventry, Hinckley, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Leamington Spa but it is very hard to narrow down a city never mind the area.

We are hoping to stay long term and hence schooling is very important, ideally stay away from the city centre and in a quiet family friendly location. Near parks would be a bonus and not near high crime areas.

We are looking to rent for the first two years and then use the Help to Buy scheme to get us onto the property ladder. Maximum budget would be around £210k for a 3 bedroom. We would not like to move our children again from their school once they have settled so I guess it is important to be able to rent and buy within the same school location (give or take).

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

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KingsHeathen · 03/07/2017 12:05

Does his job involve a lot of travel? Just wondering why you wouldn't go for Hinckley itself? Nuneaton is also fairly close. I wouldn't want to go from Birmingham or Leamington every day, though maybe coming from Glasgow you don't want anywhere too small or villagey, to avoid culture shock?

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BackforGood · 03/07/2017 15:02

I agree with KingsHeathen.
Much as I love Birmingham and all it's got going for it, I wouldn't want to travel to Hinkley each day if I didn't have to.

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KingsHeathen · 03/07/2017 16:41

Google maps says it's 1hr 25mins from my house in South Bham. (At rush hour)

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Tinkleybison · 03/07/2017 18:06

I think Coventry would be a better bet. There's an area not far from the university (the right side of the city for your commute). Think it's called Finham. Finham Park secondary is outstanding. I don't think Nuneaton is too bad either and you would get more house for your money there. Sutton Coldfield is nice, but housing expensive and competition for school places fierce.

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Tinkleybison · 03/07/2017 18:10

Have you thought about Leicester? It's on the train line to Hinckley. I think it's a great small city - have lived there and really liked it.

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Zalz91 · 06/07/2017 04:44

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have looked into Leicester but it's not really central and I've heard not ideal for raising families.

His job will cover areas from East to West Midlands as it's more a field based role, therefore locating somewhere central would be better. It would mean he can travel to Birmingham one week and then Leicester another.

I've seen some lovely homes in Hinckley/Burbage but still keeping my options open.

Any other areas in Coventry I should maybe focus on?

Also, does anyone know the schooling process, I.e. since we are moving quite late, what are the chances primary schools will have places for my LO.

Many thanks.

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Flossiechops · 06/07/2017 06:56

What sort of budget do you have? Have you looked at Solihull? There are some beautiful parts, great for children and schools, lovely village communities, near the town.

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Flossiechops · 06/07/2017 06:56

Sorry saw your budget! Teach me to properly read the OP first!!

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BillyBollyBrum · 10/07/2017 09:34

Have you thought about Tamworth? That's okay for Hinckley on the A5 and then you have the M42 as well for the Midlands more generally. You'd be okay with that budget.