I posted a few days ago about having to leave my LTR as the relationship is very unhealthy and causing me harm, as is the area we live in. I also mentioned being a bit stuck, as currently don't drive and my self employment has slumped since covid. I do however have decent savings, not enough to buy property, but enough to make changes.
I don't want to discuss those parts here as I received fantastic advice, but now I am getting ready to plan a move, I am looking for any info I can about the only areas I am familiar with that I have felt happy in.
I used to live in Windermere, for over 7 years, this was quite a while ago and I have since lived in Lancashire. I really loved Kendal, it has a great transport network and is close to areas for hiking (my passion), drawing nature (my job) and I just felt like i fit in there, having done some voluntary work in the community during that time.
I also considered a few areas in Shropshire, like Ludlow, which I am familiar with, but would be afraid it is too cut off?
Anyway, over the past few years, and especially since covid, I have noticed the prices in south Cumbria have risen for rentals. There seem to be more and more visitors each year, and perhaps it is vastly changed from when I lived in Windermere, where the visitors dropped off massively in late September to May.
My impression is that the south lakes gets utterly rammed now all year round, even Kendal (?) and if this is so, could it impact me living there?
Would now be a good time to consider moving to Kendal? There are many nice areas that are affordable in this part of the country, but many would require a car (Kirkby Lonsdale), which I will only be taking on at a later date (financial reasons).
My plan is to continue trying to build my business and taking on local work. I would also use my savings to get started (6 months rent, etc).
I am concerned about having to choose another area of the UK as I won't have experience of it or the place might not suit. Am I hemming myself in with Kendal? Do you think moving there to rent and restart my life is a decent idea?
The last time I called an agent regarding a property there, I was told they preferred a local resident to have it. I am not sure how common that is now.
Anyone with experience of the area? I would love to hear your opinion.