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Original poster

I have 300k - please tell me where to live?

65 replies

Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 20:20

This is a bit of a random one but we just discovered that our lovely place in Edinburgh may not be available for us to continue renting.
We have 300k to buy a house but no idea where to live!
We prefer large towns or a city, must have two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Don't mind a flat, but I would much prefer even a tiny garden for the cats.
No kids and we both work from home so can go literally anywhere in the UK!
We are a bit priced out of Edinburgh, DH apprehensive about Glasgow, previously lived in Newcastle which was okay...I feel funny about going too far south, I don't know why??

Anyone have any ideas?
I am so stressed!
We could keep renting, but it's so hard with the two cats even though they are perfect and have caused zero damage to any place we have lived. Argh! Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 22:23

@trulyconfuseddotcom
Thank you, I'll have a look!

OP posts:
Beecham · 15/03/2022 22:24

I would stay in Scotland if I were you. So much more house for your money and amazing countryside never too far away. Parts of Dundee are nice if you want to stay central Scotland.

CoffeethenCrochet · 15/03/2022 22:24

Yes, I love it here. Been here 10 years now and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Depending on how central you want to be, as in walking distance to centre or happy to catch a bus in?

CoffeethenCrochet · 15/03/2022 22:29

Just refreshed and you've already answered my questions, sorry hadn't seen that. I'd look at Roath, Penylan, Whitchurch, Canton, possibly might find a bargain in Pontcanna but probably out of your budget. I'm also early 30s with no children, and I feel like I fit in here. Lots of things to see, do, theatres, lots of parks for green open space,and we have Cardiff Bay area, which is another place for your list. More flats at the bay then houses though. PM me if you want to chat more.

FoxNet · 15/03/2022 22:30

Glasgow try the West End - Kelvingrove/Kelvinbridge/Hyndland or Southside: Strathbungo/Shawlands/Queen's Park.

Like any city it has rougher parts but it's famous for its friendliness and hospitality. It's no more dangerous than any other Scottish city and has much more going on than most.

FatFilledTrottyPuss · 15/03/2022 22:34

@CoffeethenCrochet wow that’s beautiful 😍
God I’d have so many houses if I was rich

hippoherostandinghere · 15/03/2022 22:39

I was going to suggest you come over to NI as you would be amazed at what you could get for 300k but I've just seen you don't drive so that wouldn't really work over here.

CoffeethenCrochet · 15/03/2022 22:39

Another example www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/119047733

trulyconfuseddotcom · 15/03/2022 22:44

@Indoorcatmum Haddington has the Poldrate Arts & Crafts Centre which you might like: thepacc.org.uk

caoraich · 15/03/2022 22:49

I'm an ex- East coaster and have been in Glasgow for nearly 10 years after moving for work, I feel very safe and at home here! People are friendly, loads to do. Eating out is great. Public transport excellent, I didn't need a car until I started a job with commuting out to other towns. However when you do have a car it's not nightmarish getting it parked (like it can be in Edin!) Like all cities there are rough areas, but it's entirely possible to avoid them completely in day to day life.

On your budget you could look at loads of good areas on the South side and also around the West end / Hyndland / Dowanhill / Broomhill. Our first flat was in Hyndland and was bloody brilliant (and big). We moved to Kelvindale which is at the edge of the west end for the garden and you can get houses with decent sized gardens there within your budget. Broomhill area also nice, I've been watching this block get redeveloped as I drive past and it looks great www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/118627919#/media?channel=RES_BUY&id=media12&ref=photoCollage

If you do move to Glasgow I can also recommend a great cat sitter :D

Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 22:55

Thank you everyone so much! This is why I love mumsnet. I really appreciate you all taking the time!

For you who live/d in Glasgow, what do you think about this place/area?

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/120824678#/?channel=RES_BUY

OP posts:
Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 22:58

@caoraich

Wow! You are so lovely! Thank you for such a detailed reply.
I will definitely ask for your cat sitter recommendation if we end up moving to Glasgow :)

OP posts:
Hairyfairy01 · 15/03/2022 23:04

Liverpool, Chester, Cardiff?

trulyconfuseddotcom · 15/03/2022 23:07

@Indoorcatmum That Glasgow flat is lovely! The area is fine, good transport links and very close to the Tramway performing arts centre which has a nice cafe.

Pepsipepsi · 15/03/2022 23:08

[quote Indoorcatmum]Thank you everyone so much! This is why I love mumsnet. I really appreciate you all taking the time!

For you who live/d in Glasgow, what do you think about this place/area?

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/120824678#/?channel=RES_BUY[/quote]
I knew this would be Pollockshields before I even clicked on the link! I spent some time there with an ex which probably coloured my view. Didn't like the town area at all and felt like I didn't fit in. But did enjoy the beautiful parks and country estates that were close by. I've figured out since then I'm more of a rural person at heart, can't cope with living close to so many people. That area is also conveniently close to the airport if you like to travel.

I don't have a scooby about Edinburgh but this place looked nice to me www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/115549682#/?channel=RES_BUY

Mrsmessyhairdontcare · 15/03/2022 23:11

Stirling. Beautiful city and half way between edinburgh and Glasgow. Will get a lovely house for your budget..

MushroomHunter · 15/03/2022 23:12

Belfast? Loads of options with that budget, large country house or modern city apartment. Great food/drink and culture.

Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 23:13

@pepsipepsi
How funny that you knew where it was!
I'm not at all woo, but I do believe some places just "feel" right or wrong to different people. I appreciate your opinion on the area! I quite like close, city living...so it might be perfect for me :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 23:13

@mrsmessyhairdontcare
Stirling is definitely on my list, thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
Indoorcatmum · 15/03/2022 23:15

@mushroomhunter
What is healthcare like in Belfast? Sorry for the silly question, I am originally from NZ so I'm not clued up on how the NHS etc varies between places

OP posts:
stormsurfer · 15/03/2022 23:19

For Glasgow, that flat looks lovely in Pollokshields but personally for the South side I would prefer shawlands, very close on the map, but just has a nicer feel.

Cryofthecurlew · 15/03/2022 23:19

Im a county person through and through and live in deepest rural Scotland but I really like Glasgow; lots to do, activities to suit everyone, really friendly people (much more friendly than in Edinburgh IMO) stunning countryside on your doorstep, shops of all descriptions amazing restaurants and good local buses local trains maybe less so. My DC and partner live there they don't seem overly concerned about safety and they definitely dont live in a smart area. In the unlikely event I was moving to a city Glasgow would be my first choice. There's only one major downside; it does seem to rain a lot.

giggly · 15/03/2022 23:25

If you and your husband are so shallow and incapable of finding about living in Glasgow Is think it’s not for youHmm
Honestly how can adults living in Edinburgh be so uneducated about another large city 50 my away.
These threads do my nut in . Get on a train woman and go have a look or may even a wee peek at google

ISeeTheLight · 15/03/2022 23:26

You could just about afford Tynemouth - great location also for people without kids, and easy to get into Newcastle for more serious shopping, theatre etc.
Eg www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/110392748

Or elsewhere in Newcastle you can get a whole house, eg in Gosforth (which is a fantastic area)
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/120771998

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