Which U.K city would you live in/around on a £680k budget?

[ThePolkaDotGiraffe]

I'm looking to make a move, and have been for some time but Covid and family issues delayed it again.

I live outside Glasgow just now but really want a change, most likely somewhere in England but I would consider elsewhere in the U.K.

I've been focusing on London, but I know that I'll likely get more for my money elsewhere though it's still a top choice.

I want a 1-2(ideally 2) bedroom house or flat, and to be in or around a city, it doesn't have to be one of the major ones,because of the range of things to do, also I can't drive at present(due to disabilities) and reasonable public transport is important. I love the suburbs so happy to live there if not too far.

I don't have children and work from home so those aren't factors. I don't care about bars and clubs. but I do enjoy theatre, museums, reading, wildlife watching, going to restaurants and pottering about shops, preferably book shops and some independent shops (but I appreciate those may be thin on the ground due to Covid).

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

TIA

Manchester

Bristol or Cardiff

A lot of people will come on here and say Brighton or Bristol, but I would say from your post London is probably the better place for you. Flats are discounting at the moment.

Cambridge?

London!
You’ve got a decent budget and could easily get a lovely 2 bed for that

As pp have said above but don't forget Oxford.

Chelmsford. Nice little city, lots of places to dine, 3 theatres. 35 mins from London on train.

Manchester is amazing!!! Liverpool same but not as good as Manchester. Bristol is nice too.

Come to Laaaahndon mate . You can get a decent place on that budget. 😉

You can get a really nice two bed flat in a nice area of London for that budget, bus travel is very accessible, the tube is still improving but some stations still don’t offer stepless access.

Dublin, not in the UK, but a great city surrounded by plenty of countryside.

Another vote for Manchester. Great theatres, cracking public transport and you'd get a lot for your money up here including a good sized house in a naice area if you feel like shifting from the city centre

I'd say Oxford. It's expensive but you'd definitely get a 2 bed on that budget. Nice city, good transport links, easy into London if you need it, lovely countryside and the Cotswolds not far.

Absolutely London! I'm selling a lovely period 2 bed zone 2 flat in that budget if you're interested......??? Leafy SE London, great transport, lots of buzz and parks and things to do but very community/family oriented too

Newcastle. Excellent cultural attractions and easy access to the beautiful beaches and countryside of Northumberland.

London definitely.

York/surrounding areas. Gorgeous city, train links 2 hours to Edinburgh or London... in fact don't because I want to 😂

Norwich! Save about £400k and still get a lovely central flat near the cathedral

A lovely villagey part of North London (like Hampstead or Belsize Park) or Bath are my votes. What a wonderful position to be in life - good luck!

London could be problematic with that. York/Manchester ... across that zone could be a good bet, and you could bet back to Glasgow from time to time, and London without too much trouble.

Edinburgh

London 100% if you can hold out for the inevitable property (re)boom.

It’ll come. Nows a good time to get in there.

Cambridge

You'd get a nice two bed in London for that, but the service charges can be killer, as can parking if you need a space.
I'd look at somewhere with a good train in, that has a late enough service to get home after a show.

Bristol or suburbs. You'll have plenty of change too. Where I am they have accessible 2 bed flats (not earmarked for older adults they changed the planning designation) coming on the market shortly for £200k, on bus route, supermarkets 5 mins walk, sea 10 mins walk Bristol 30
mins on bus