Moving up North

[Fhour]

DH and I are moving back to the UK after a few years working abroad. We're priced out of the South and don't want to rent. We've got 4 kids and the schools are so oversubscribed from each of our local areas it's all become quite a headache. Hence the decision to go for it and move up North.

It's something I've been banging on about for a few years now but DH has had no interest in until lately where he's (thankfully) come to the conclusion that there must be an alternative to the life we currently lead where he is a total slave for the corporate company he works for whilst I'm on my own at home with the kids all the bloody time.

So. He's found a few jobs which he will apply for; Leeds, York and Cumbria so far. I understand these are all totally different places - and I'll be posting on the other respective boards for info - but can anyone here shed a bit of light on life with kids in York? Areas to live? Areas to avoid? We'll have about £350k to spend on a house hopefully.

Many, many thanks for any advice. I have absolutely no idea where to start with this! :-/

[Missionocrity]

York is great! DH and I have been here nearly 10 years and we have one DC.

Good schools, very family friendly, lots of historic places to see and Christmas is always magical!

Avoid Tang Hall and Bell Farm. Some parts of Acomb are a bit dodgy.

Lots of nice villages around York like Wilberfoss, Haxby etc.

Good luck!

[TranquilityofSolitude]

York is a great place to live, with or without children.

We moved here when ours were teenagers, so I don't know much about primary schools. Most of the secondary schools are good. I think Fulford is particularly popular but others are good too. If you choose the West of York watch out for admission requirements because Manor (near Poppleton) is C of E and this can cause issues.

I don't know if it will work but here is a map of 4 bedroomed houses for sale for up to £350,000. I think you might get more for your money elsewhere but in my opinion York is a great place to live and worth the compromise!

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/map.html?locationIdentifier=USERDEFINEDAREA%5E%7B%22polylines%22%3A%22i%7BqhIncfFqvEcjAcf%40_lKgXqmHoFc%7DKvpLglAnvF%7BKhhDhvIfSpsQ%7BzHjmGojGtcA%22%7D&minBedrooms=4&maxPrice=350000&numberOfPropertiesPerPage=499&viewType=MAP&viewport=-1.18481%2C-0.950319%2C53.9966%2C54.0523

DH and I love walking in York - along the rivers and exploring the centre. The shops are great and there are lots of good places to eat. There are also a couple of theatres and things going on at the Minster and universities.

My DDs are both at uni elsewhere now but they love coming home. York is small enough that, having attended a couple of secondary schools each (one for GCSEs, one for A levels) they know loads of people and when they go out they'll always see people they know, which I think is really nice.

[BeanoNoir]

Area around bishopthorpe Road, Tadcaster Road (anywhere between the river and the railway line) is fab, but pricy. Depends if you want (mini, safe) city living and consequently not much garden but lots of green spaces and stuff going on, or more of a village or suburban feel and more house/garden for your money.

[BeanoNoir]

A bit further out people say bishopthorpe and copmanthorpe are nice with good community atmosphere

[BeanoNoir]

You could also go for a town with easy access to York and Leeds, like Garforth. Is good if you want to commute to both cities