Would you relocate to an area more deprived than where you currently live?

[QueenReenz]

I live in a 1 bed property in a deprived area (according to Government data) but I have an opportunity to move 150 miles away to a 2 bedroom property in Castleford, West Yorkshire which is even more deprived than where I am at the moment. I have a 2 year old and I'm in desperate need for a bigger place and a room for my little one but I'm concerned I may be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Mutual exchanges to my particular area aren't easy to come by and my local housing won't rehouse me any time soon - I'm low level priority banding. I'm looking for some advice on whether I should bite the bullet and move or whether I should hold out until....well, who knows when. Decisions...decisions....decisions. Any advice welcomed - but please be nice. It's my first time posting on here. Thanks in advance.

[Puta]

I'd be more interested in the particular neighbourhood or just the street I'd be living on than the area as a whole. Even the worst shitholes have nice bits. On the face of it it sounds like a good opportunity for you OP.

[BillieEilish]

Sounds lovely OP

I think I'd do it!

[Mondy]

Which area in Castleford? Some parts are better than others. Best bet is to have a look on streetview, that'll tell you all you need to know about most areas.

[BillieEilish]

But... consider schools. Bane of my life this!

[NotStayingIn]

Do you know the street, have you been? I would be more concerned with the immediate neighbourhood, and trying to get a feel for the neighbours then worrying too much about whether it’s classed as deprived.

Also do think carefully about what you might be giving up. Do you have a local support network, good friends, work opportunities, childcare etc. Can you replicate that easily in the new area? It could be great, but very hard for us to know. Hope it works out!

[Tatiannatomasina]

Which area in Castleford? If its Airedale or Fryston think very carefully, I policed the area for years and there are some very rough spots. Its a deprived area, however you have Xscape and jct 32 shopping outlet on your doorstep. Pontefract race course is lovely to walk round and Leeds is a short train ride away. Depends what you are looking for. if its a WDH property they are pretty good and work with the police to get rid of problem tenants, but like anywhere drugs, burglary, asb, thefts do happen.

[BackforGood]

I agree with others - I wouldn't go on some generalised data about an area. According to statistical data, where I live is quite deprived (as a postcode) but that postcode covers a lot of ground and a whole load of housing that is very different from mine. In my City, every suburb has nice roads and 'less sought after' areas - you can't judge a place just by it's postcode.

However, I was going to say the same as NotStayingIn - will you be moving away from family ? Friends ? a support network in general ? Your job ? They would be much bigger considerations than some data on an area of the country.

[Mondy]

To be honest, I wouldn't worry too much by Government data, by definition anywhere with social housing is likely to be classed as deprived, purely because of the effect that low wages and benefits will have on the figures.

In practice, such areas are usually fine (I live in a so-called deprived area of an ex-mining village 10 miles from Castleford and it's lovely, 1300 square foot 3 bed house with a 500 square foot garage all for less than £100k with a duckpond and fields just 100 yards down the road!)

[Savingforarainyday]

But what about future job prospects?

[QueenReenz]

Thanks all. I'm currently a stay at home Mum and plan to go back to work once my little one is ready to start school which I'm hoping will be after we have settled into our new home. I recognise that I will be leaving family and friends but I'm in need of a fresh start (I've lived here for 43 years) as well as the need for extra space. Those connections will still be maintained but I'm also confident that we will build a new support network and make new friends in no time.

[TheGinGenie]

I did. I moved from a very nice area of London to a deprived area of the south west. There's lower wages and fewer jobs but cost of living is a bit lower too. I haven't noticed much different otherwise

[TheGinGenie]

Moving away from friends is really tough but it sounds like you've thought about this and it could be a good move for you

[Happinessinapeartree]

Op, I'd get the postcode post removed. Very identifying.

[HighOnStilts]

I'm moving from Hull to Scunthorpe in January, not sure if we are making the right decision when it comes down to area overall because I know Scunthorpe gets a bad press, but in all honesty Hull has it's bad spots too but the house we're moving into is huge and we got it for an insanely low price. We currently rent a house on a new build estate but the rent is ridiculously high and the houses in our price range in Hull were dire! I think only time will tell. You might be pleasantly suprised!

[NotStayingIn]

It sounds like this could be the fresh start you need and you’ve thought it through.

You’d need to really work at creating a new support network and put in the time and effort. But I’m sure you know that.

If you’ve weighed up the pros and cons carefully then I think you are perfectly able to make the right decision for yourself. So trust your instincts. Good luck and wishing you a great 2020.

[NotStayingIn]

Gosh sorry I just reread my comment and it could have sounded really patronising. Didn’t mean it like that at all!

[QueenReenz]

Loool....@NotStayingInNotStayingIn. Not at all, no need to worry.