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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to hope for a fresh start by the sea on £250k

377 replies

RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:09

I am mid fifties and want a new start. No family support. AIBU to think I can find a house by the sea or in a low-crime market town with a maximum budget of £250k? Any ideas?
YABU - budget is too low
YANBU - these places exist

OP posts:
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46
familyissues12345 · 11/07/2026 21:35

Kent coast? I’d be careful on areas, but might be able to get something in a smaller village. Usually nice weather too!

GoneWithTHeWindJammers · 11/07/2026 21:35

RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:31

That looks beautiful, I’ve never been there.

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Is it advisable to speak some Welsh?

keepingsanity · 11/07/2026 21:35

RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:31

That looks beautiful, I’ve never been there.

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It’s a very friendly village. Lots to get involved loved in. Can get busy in tourist season but it’s lovely. My family member lived there

Ilikewinter · 11/07/2026 21:33

Almost anywhere down the east coast and into Norfolk!

Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:32

HotWheel5 · 11/07/2026 21:28

North of Liverpool out as well? Crosby/Formby/Southport etc?

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Possibly - need to visit. Thanks.

OP posts:
Floatlikeafeather2 · 11/07/2026 21:31

OhBettyCalmDown · 11/07/2026 21:17

Weirdly I found myself googling something similar earlier to scout out new locations. If you put in your criteria into google it recommends

Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The Vibe: A traditional coastal market town featuring a working harbor, two sweeping sandy bays, and an historic "Old Town".

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
The Vibe: A soulful, small coastal town built around a sweeping bay. It features fresh air, sandy walks, and an iconic offshore sculpture

Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
The Vibe: A classic historic coastal market town boasting a beautiful beach, rich Robert Burns heritage, and excellent local high street shopping.

Workington, Cumbria
The Vibe: Situated on the gorgeous Solway Coast, this traditional market and coastal town serves as a great gateway to the western edge of the Lake District.

As far as 2 places on that list go, if the OP doesn't want run down seaside towns, then she had best avoid Ayr, and the Cumbrian coast is definitely extremely beautiful (I live on it), but Workington is definitely a blot on it. It has a reputation locally for being very rough.

Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:31

keepingsanity · 11/07/2026 21:28

Anglesey - lovely area, and this one is a lovely friendly village. https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146231363

That looks beautiful, I’ve never been there.

OP posts:
toothfairy11 · 11/07/2026 21:29

You could definitely get something for that price in Weymouth op

HotWheel5 · 11/07/2026 21:28

RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:27

I lived on the Wirral a few years ago and wasn’t keen but thanks.

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North of Liverpool out as well? Crosby/Formby/Southport etc?

Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:27

Whowhatwerewolf · 11/07/2026 21:20

On the Wirral would be brilliant (but avoid anything in or around Birkenhead).

I lived on the Wirral a few years ago and wasn’t keen but thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:25

KimWexlersPonyTail · 11/07/2026 21:21

Sheringham North Norfolk coast. Beach and lovely little town with everything you need.

I’ve never been there. It looks as if I’ll need to go on some trips for research. I love looking in estate agent windows. My house isn’t for sale yet, so after much soul searching I’m looking at what might be realistic for later this year or next year.

OP posts:
ThesophisticatedJY · 11/07/2026 21:25

Cleethorpes , lots going on near to Lincolnshire wolds , recommend

BobbyGentry · 11/07/2026 21:24

… recently was on a train which went through Alnmouth which looked pretty xXx

nocoolnamesleft · 11/07/2026 21:23

St Bee’s?

Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:22

OhBettyCalmDown · 11/07/2026 21:17

Weirdly I found myself googling something similar earlier to scout out new locations. If you put in your criteria into google it recommends

Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The Vibe: A traditional coastal market town featuring a working harbor, two sweeping sandy bays, and an historic "Old Town".

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
The Vibe: A soulful, small coastal town built around a sweeping bay. It features fresh air, sandy walks, and an iconic offshore sculpture

Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
The Vibe: A classic historic coastal market town boasting a beautiful beach, rich Robert Burns heritage, and excellent local high street shopping.

Workington, Cumbria
The Vibe: Situated on the gorgeous Solway Coast, this traditional market and coastal town serves as a great gateway to the western edge of the Lake District.

I’ve also spent most of the day Googling but made the mistake of checking places on Reddit and opinions are mixed!

OP posts:
KimWexlersPonyTail · 11/07/2026 21:21

Sheringham North Norfolk coast. Beach and lovely little town with everything you need.

Whowhatwerewolf · 11/07/2026 21:20

On the Wirral would be brilliant (but avoid anything in or around Birkenhead).

Original poster
RussetDreams · 11/07/2026 21:20

Happyinheels · 11/07/2026 21:17

Check out Saltburn-by-the-Sea - gorgeous old Victorian town on the NE coast.

I will check it out. Thank you.

OP posts:
StrongandNorthern · 11/07/2026 21:19

Cumbrian coast.

Bridesmaiddress · 11/07/2026 21:18

The north east coast is spectacular and will absolutely match your budget

Fridaygin · 11/07/2026 21:18

Somewhere in the north west? Maybe in the Wirral, or Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale or Southport

Happyinheels · 11/07/2026 21:17

Check out Saltburn-by-the-Sea - gorgeous old Victorian town on the NE coast.

OhBettyCalmDown · 11/07/2026 21:17

Weirdly I found myself googling something similar earlier to scout out new locations. If you put in your criteria into google it recommends

Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The Vibe: A traditional coastal market town featuring a working harbor, two sweeping sandy bays, and an historic "Old Town".

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
The Vibe: A soulful, small coastal town built around a sweeping bay. It features fresh air, sandy walks, and an iconic offshore sculpture

Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
The Vibe: A classic historic coastal market town boasting a beautiful beach, rich Robert Burns heritage, and excellent local high street shopping.

Workington, Cumbria
The Vibe: Situated on the gorgeous Solway Coast, this traditional market and coastal town serves as a great gateway to the western edge of the Lake District.