Disillusioned with life in the UK...where shall I go?

[Pinkarsedfly]

Having somewhat of an existential crisis, and spending a lot of time dreaming about pastures new.

Anyone live anywhere they think is getting it right? Good standard of living, decent values, nice scenery, a government being run by human beings?

Indulge me, please - help me plan my escape, or at least help me construct a pleasant fantasy; before I lose faith in humanity altogether.

I've had friends/relatives move to Canada/NZ/Oz - though not many remain long-term in Oz for some reason. Maybe it's the spiders!

NZ seems a good place. Into the outdoors a lot.

What sort of character are you and how old are you - interests?

"Dartmoor but shitter" that'll be the sheep...........

I’m googling Costa Rica...

Costa Rica is great and I'd live there in a heartbeat if I didn't have kids and other ties here. It's gorgeous is the first thing about it. I mean really jaw droppingly gorgeous - unique eco systems, amazing landscapes. So there's that. But it's also a really forward looking country in terms of conservation and politics. There's an attitude of care/carefulness there that goes through lots of how people live and the structures around them. Plus there's all the usual benefits of living in that part of the world - good climate, incredible variety of fruit (don't knock it - if you can start your day with a choice of smoothie from a street stall offering 20 different varieties that you can't find anywhere else it does put a spring in your step), rich cultural heritage, great music etc.

Germany is clean and orderly, you only get beaches in the north though. We moved here many years ago and our standard of living went up immediately.

I'd go for Australia or New Zealand.

I wouldn't go to ME unless you're happy to live somewhere with minimal rights as a woman and really poor human rights in general.

Yeah I guess Australia is great for human rights as long as you're a white settler.

I am with you OP. Also have the elderly parents so am stuck (adore them though). Been trying to convince the DC to emigrate.

New Zealand also although superficially slightly less so maybe.

What about the Cayman Islands?

Portugal. Lots of international schools so the language isn't a barrier.
Would you be happy living in linguistical isolation though? If you want to move abroad and truly get to know the county you've moved to, you need to learn the language.
Most countries in western Europe have a decent standard of living. Some things are better than in the UK, others are worse.
I'd move to Germany.

Declaring your allotment as an independent free state is probably the way to go. Come the first few weeks of the UK leaving the EU then a ready supply of your own produce may be useful.

On the other hand, we lived in the Netherlands for a few years and loved it. Once the UK leaves the EU the Dutch and the Danes won't be too far behind.

Come to West Yorkshire - lots of lovely people, fabulous communities and gorgeous villages. I've lived in 19 places in my life, from Glasgow and Edinburgh to London, Bedfordshire and Berkshire, I've finally found my place here. Can't recommend it enough. There will always be unpleasantness in the world, but focus on your immediate environment and making the most of it
apologies if coming across as a bit poncy!

I think that Sark is looking for a teacher/head teacher (probably have to teach everything as the school is tiny).

My friend is a teacher. She is off to Bali, taking the entire family on a two year contract. I'm NOT jealous. Much.

OP I'm in the Cayman Islands and I'm sure the schools are looking for teachers?! We have British and American school systems here.
If you're interested I'd be happy to PM you some details.
Caribbean weather, great community, plenty of flights, no tax and very easy life.
Downside is that it's eye wateringly expensive but if you rent your UK property you'll have a decent addition to your bank account.

Work life balance is incredible here, couldn't recommend it more highly.

I was wondering what the Lake District is like to live in

I haven't been since I was a child

are residents falling over tourists every time they try to run errands etc?

I agree to turning the daily / hourly news off.

I barely watch the news now, it's what I see around me that is so very depressing.

Is that you op?

Come live in Scotland? We're a lovely bunch and have loads of cutesy villages. Our houses are quite cheap too compared to down South.

My life is a lot happier since I stopped paying so much attention to the news. Why worry endlessly about things I can do nothing about?
You sound more as it you need a change of scene and lifestyle rather than a radical move abroad. There are places in this country that you can do what you describe.
Any chance you could take a holiday at least? You do sound rather jaded. Chin up.

Reading with interest but confused by the suggestions of 'ME'!

Where is this @EnormousDormouse?

Anna not sure if that's addressed to me - no, I'm not OP.

Occidental I thought that poster meant Middle East.