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Original poster

Moving out of London but to where?

50 replies

9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 20:17

I am a foreigner who has been living in London since 2005 - I have moved around a lot, usually in the SW London area and I am now settled in a very green and friendly area, good transports links and services, walking distance to the river. It would be absolutely perfect if my flat was a little better (communal areas especially) or if I was on the ground - although I love being high up, I wish my cats could roam outdoors.

But...

My DD15 has some MH issues and I do sometimes wonder if living in a quieter place would help her anxiety. I've never had anxiety so I don't know if the place you live is relevant.
I used to be out and about a lot and enjoy a lot of what London has to offer but for the past few years and definitely since the pandemic, I am staying at home more and more and DD also don't want to do anything but we appreciate that we have a lot of opportunities on our door step should we want to take advantage.

If I moved out of London I would probably get a bigger place on the ground floor, a garden for my cats and a proper secure space for the adult tricycle I want to but for DD (she has balance problems).

I also work from home so commuting is not necessary.

And we could always spend the night at my sisters if we wanted to come for the weekend or whatever.

Also I don't drive but a move would force me to learn.

But where? I haven't traveled much inside England and have no clue about where I would start looking.

It still would have to be an interesting place though.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:23

Without a doubt, Newcastle/North East coast. The city is full of culture, great shopping, excellent restaurants, several theatres, music venues and galleries.
Its compact but lots to do.

public transport very good from the suburbs into the city (Metro train)
I’d look for somewhere near the coast such as Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Monkseaton, where property is still quite cheap. Think beautiful Victorian and Georgian. Houses from approx £270k
beautiful clean, sandy beaches, and not far from outstanding countryside.

tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:25

What is your budget? I presume you’d be looking to buy, but correct me if I’m wrong.
Also forgot to say that it’s not as far as people think, if you did want to visit family in London - 2 hours 50 on the train.

PleaseCleanTheWholeToilet · 25/01/2023 20:26

Have you got a budget or would it be a council exchange or would you be renting?

I think all that makes a difference

SiobhanSharpe · 25/01/2023 20:28

Do you want a large or small town, or a village or completely rural?

SiobhanSharpe · 25/01/2023 20:31

Well, many seaside towns are lively and interesting all year round, like Brighton (although that's a city now) while others are much quieter during the winter.
Is moving schools likely to be a problem for DD?

emmathedilemma · 25/01/2023 20:33

tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:23

Without a doubt, Newcastle/North East coast. The city is full of culture, great shopping, excellent restaurants, several theatres, music venues and galleries.
Its compact but lots to do.

public transport very good from the suburbs into the city (Metro train)
I’d look for somewhere near the coast such as Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Monkseaton, where property is still quite cheap. Think beautiful Victorian and Georgian. Houses from approx £270k
beautiful clean, sandy beaches, and not far from outstanding countryside.

I agree and there’s a lengthy cycle path along the coast. I love it round this area and I’m seriously torn between my current location and lifestyle and move here……there’s one factor that will tip the balance and I’ll be there in a flash!

desperadodogface · 25/01/2023 20:40

Loads of great location suggestions but with your daughter being 15, would def recommend staying out until she's finished her GCSEs

tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:45

@emmathedilemma same here, can’t wait!!

cassiatwenty · 25/01/2023 20:48

Surrey? You still get to keep London and have a more quiet area for when need peace

Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 20:49

For some weird reason Newcastle reminds me of Elephant and Castle, I've had some 'interesting' experiences there when I was new to the UK and I honestly see E&C in my mind always when I hear Newcastle and I know it is completely irrational!
Maybe I should go for a visit asap.
Any recommendations of a nice but affordable place / area to stay?

OP posts:
Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 20:49

desperadodogface · 25/01/2023 20:40

Loads of great location suggestions but with your daughter being 15, would def recommend staying out until she's finished her GCSEs

It will be a big decision for the near future but not so near!

OP posts:
Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 20:50

PleaseCleanTheWholeToilet · 25/01/2023 20:26

Have you got a budget or would it be a council exchange or would you be renting?

I think all that makes a difference

Why would that make a difference?

I know that would be pretty much impossible for me to come back to London so it is such a hard decision for me to make.

OP posts:
Maestro12 · 25/01/2023 20:52

Do you want to be able to visit your sister in London fairly regularly?

Im from near Newcastle - although it sounds quick on the train in reality it actually takes quite a while unless the person you are visiting lives very near Kings Cross. It’s also getting more expensive by train and most trains are over 3 hours.

I love my home area but the other thing is it really is a lot colder! It sounds a little thing but I think I’d miss the warmer summers of the south in particular if I moved back.

tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:52

@9thFloorNightmare thats odd, where on earth in Newcastle did you stay before?
the city centre is nothing like E&C 😄
I would stay in Tynemouth on the coast for a short visit.

pattihews · 25/01/2023 20:53

Town? Coast? Village? Do you need good schools for DD?

Cardiff is a lively little city with a buzz but a much more manageable size than London. Some of the suburbs are green and there is the sea and the hills of the Brecon Beacons in sight and reach. Two hours by train to London.

LlynTegid · 25/01/2023 20:56

I don't know where you come from (and am not asking), but the difference in winter daylight and temperature between various parts of England is something to consider. An extra few centigrade or half hour of daylight in winter can make a lot of difference.

BanjoKnockers · 25/01/2023 21:05

You say that you're a foreigner. Quite relevant is where you're from, and whether you're white. It really can make a big difference, and it's something to take account of in choosing where to live.

Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 21:05

tigerbear · 25/01/2023 20:52

@9thFloorNightmare thats odd, where on earth in Newcastle did you stay before?
the city centre is nothing like E&C 😄
I would stay in Tynemouth on the coast for a short visit.

Never been! I think it is because the name! It is completely irrational and I can even to this day - smell the smells of Elephant and Castle when I hear Newcastle. Crazy😅

OP posts:
squigglypasta · 25/01/2023 21:06

Is it ok to ask where you're from, OP? If you're European I don't think it'd be much of an issue, but any other ethnicity I think it's important to consider the local population make-up. It's very important in any case, but is especially important if your DD has pre-existing MH issues and is of a certain race. London is a very, very different area from the rest of the country

squigglypasta · 25/01/2023 21:07

I also don't mean how "nice" or "middle class" an area is either, mostly just diversity of the local population! Speaking from personal experience

squigglypasta · 25/01/2023 21:08

Ah sorry to comment so many times - European or Anglo (Aussie/NZ/American)

LongGreenSal · 25/01/2023 21:08

If you're on Facebook, join the 'Life After London' group. There are loads of suggestions and success stories on there.

Mum97540 · 25/01/2023 21:09

9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 20:50

Why would that make a difference?

I know that would be pretty much impossible for me to come back to London so it is such a hard decision for me to make.

Show quote history

It makes a difference because I live in a nice area but there's no rental properties here. Other places may have lots to rent but nothing to buy.

Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 21:10

Do you want a large or small town, or a village or completely rural?
I don't know!
Do you need good schools for DD?
A good college with games design course or something similar would do

OP posts:
Original poster
9thFloorNightmare · 25/01/2023 21:11

LongGreenSal · 25/01/2023 21:08

If you're on Facebook, join the 'Life After London' group. There are loads of suggestions and success stories on there.

Lovely, sounds like what I need! So scared of leaving London, regretting and not being able to get back.

OP posts: