To relocate up north

We moved from South East to Yorkshire.
Be prepared for an almost cultural shift in the climate if this is something you're considering.

In your position my main consideration would be my children and other support networks. Moving up is one thing and you'll benefit from buying power but going the other way might be difficult/impossible although it does sound like you're financially well set so maybe not such an issue.

As there's no rush, research any areas extremely well, try to holiday in the exact town you want to go to etc and my other advice would be to sell to rent with a view to buying once you know the area better. This helps a lot with viewings etc.

Oh we're half way through a fortnight up north / in Scotland and I am actively fantasising about this as well. Not the right time for us as kids settled in schools but it would be glorious.

I don't think I have a need for urban activity as much I thought I did. Don't tend to do takeaways, cinema etc. I mostly want to ride my bike.

Do it op, you only live once!

I live in the north and love it. We have good jobs and a nice life close to both cities and countryside.
There are plenty of places that aren’t deprived and that can offer the lifestyle you are looking for. Go for it if that’s what you want

Sone of those areas - national parks - will be a stretch financially

The very cheap areas, parts of County Durham for example are very poor with all the problems that can bring

The weather is a huge difference from east anglia , especially on the west

Getting the rural / urban balance is tricky - close enough to a doctors / pharmacy for example as when you are ill you will feel less like an hours drive

Making new friendships might be tricky if you have always lived in the same area it can be a shock how long it takes to build new friendships - years perhaos

Similar if you are used to being very urban - supermarkets , Ubers and delivery takeaways , specific gym classes, cinemas and such on the doorstep it could be a big change - really think through what you do on a day to day basis/ week to week basis that you take for granted because it's so normal

Keeping in contact with existing friends and family might be tricky - rural roads are fine for a holiday but regular driving can be exhausting and expensive

It's possible that you want to think if this is long term- would you make a different choice as you get older - or temporary

So lots to think about - chose wisely

If I could comfortably afford to relocate up to North Yorkshire I'd be up and gone within microseconds. Do it.

I did, I wouldn't do it again if I had the chance. The areas up north are extremely poor.