Which place would you prefer to live in, and why?!

[howlingmoon]

I have the opportunity to live in either Kendal (Cumbria) or Ludlow (Shropshire) for the next few years. I am middle aged, single (new start), grown son overseas, and have a good friend who owns a house in both and I should like to rent one to get on my feet. Of course, friend favours and recommends both areas, but I would love some unbiased opinions of these places if anyone has knowledge of them!

I am originally from Chester and have spent some time living in Manchester and Lancaster previously. I have spent a good deal of time in the Lakes and visited Ludlow on a few occasions. Both are lovely in their own way, but I would love some personal opinions.

My interests are art, walking (not climbing though), yoga, books, cooking, peace and quiet!, meditation and anything connected to nature. So it seems both places might be a good match, but practical stuff needs considering. I won't know anyone there, but don't here either since end of 30 yr relationship. I have family in Edinburgh and friends dotted about but none of those localities appeal to me right now.

Over all vibe? local culture? Too remote? Any advice or thoughts would be so welcome.

Just want to bump this, hope that's ok. I know it's a shot in the dark!

I don't know either town apart from being a visitor.

If you're confident enough surely you'll create a lifestyle within any location.

Will you be working? Or are you retired?

Will you be working? Or are you retired?

I'd go for Ludlow.
Knowing very little of either of these places, I'd say that Kendal would be more touristy and wetter.
Shropshire often comes up on here as a very underated area scenery-wise.

I would actually say Kendal. I know it quite well, and while it’s touristy it does have a core community and I think it has all the things you’re looking for.

I must admit I don’t know Shropshire at all though.

I haven’t lived in either but like both as a visitor. Could you join some Facebook groups as another way to get a feel for both places?

Two sets of friends live with their partners and kids just outside of Ludlow and they are very happy there. Both into nature, environment, good food, growing their own. There’s an active XR group and wildlife conservation projects. It seems a quiet place, maybe a little too quiet for me, but if peace and quiet is what you crave it could be ideal.

I know Kendall less well but if you love hiking those mountains, being close by is a huge bonus. The population is larger than Ludlow so there may be more happening that you could get involved with, which could be important as a single adult? The lakes have a lot of second homes which can mean less sense of community, but I don’t know how much of an issue this is in Kendall?