Moving from Oz to England

[OzMum01]

Hi all,
I'm looking to move from Australia to either Hereford, Warwick/Leamington Spa, Shrewsbury or Chester but don't know them at all. Just wanting to be somewhere respectable with enough going on for my teenager but not the big city feel. Out of these which would have the most alternative vibe, ie. health conscious, vegetarian scene and a strong sense of community (I like the idea of Totnes but just a bit too much of a scene for me). I have no family left here so don't need to be within striking difference of anywhere in particular. Will be working as a teaching assistant. Need lots of beautiful green spaces, friendly faces and will be renting only for now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as being so far away it's hard to get a feel for these places others than googling a walk around town.

We're moving this thread to our Chat topic for the OP.

How likely are you to want to be near a large city for any facilities, or an airport if you have older relatives you may wish to visit? Probably rules out Hereford as one of your options if the case.

Never lived any of those places, but for a teenager would choose Chester.

I'm Australian living in England. Leamington is a great choice for thriving town centre, nice green spaces, and student vibe which while not alternative is quite young feeling. Also easily accessible to London on fast train for trips, which may be helpful in future if your child wants to work there in future.

Chester gets my vote....Good proximity to Liverpool and North Wales etc and big enough but not too big

Yes, Hereford does seem a little out of the way but maybe that's a charm in itself. It's just under 2 hours to the airport, enough but still doable.

Where in Aus are you moving from?

Northern NSW, a little town called Murwillumbah (9,000 population). It's a lovely area with an alternative/health focused vibe but too hot and humid in summer, floods and bush fires - so over it!

Have you looked carefully into finances. I wouldn’t want to be a single parent on a teaching assistant wage any where South of the Midlands. Even up North it will still be a financial squeeze.

Have you got a big wad of cash to cushion you because right now the fuel prices and rent alone will gobble up a teaching assistant salary alone!

Yes things are bad there just like they are here, luckily it's not too much of a concern.

Any reason you chose those places in the UK? Do you have a job offer there? Do you already have a British passport or right to live/work here? Does your teen?

The most alternative/vegetarian type vibe, and very akin to Murwillumbah/Bryon would be Brighton, on the south coast. Within 1hr of London, but on the coast and busier. Nearby Hove also and other, quieter places along the coast.

Does your teen surf? Some places in Cornwall remind me of the laid back, surf culture in Aus- namely Newquay. Very touristy though and the population swells and shrinks every 6mths.

Prices are getting higher here too, BUT, comparing grocery prices to Aus- the prices there are getting ridiculous too. I've heard of $12 (£6.80) for a lettuce! Aldi here have iceburgs for 68c (39p). Wages are generally lower in the UK though. Petrol and public transport is more expensive here.

I'm sure there are expat forum which could provide more 1st hand advice.