Living in/around the Lake District vs Chester/Cheshire.

[LakeChester]

Which would you prefer?

I want to move and I'm torn between the two.

I was thinking the north Lakes around Penrith or possibly Keswick, due to relatively easy access to my hometown but I'd also consider Kendal.

I've fallen in love with Chester but would consider other areas of Cheshire.

I've no kids to consider. It's just me,

Any opinions would be appreciated.

TIA

Can see you didn't get any replies , so bumping for you.
I live about 30 miles from Penrith and probably about 15 from Keswick . Out of the two I'd pick Penrith.
Keswick is obviously a tourist town , and there is not much going for it as a town to live in. Yes you are in the heart of the Lake District but houses prices are high , too many cars / traffic / people most time of the year . Shops wise co-op or Booths ( nice for occasional shopping ) expensive for 100% . All shops are geared up for the tourist.
Penrith is more of a place you can live in ( in fact even though it's a 60 mile round trip ) we do our food shop there or Carlisle ( another 60 mile round trip )
If you live in Cumbria be prepared to travel to get most things !
In Chester / Cheshire I'm sure it wouldn't be so much of a problem.

Depends what you're looking for I guess. Cheshire will be much easier for access to other areas - manchester, North Wales, Liverpool, airports, and better public transport links. The M6 up towards the lakes is notoriously bad for jams, accidents etc. As beautiful as the lakes are I'd pick Cheshire (although probably not Chester) for those reasons alone. But that's just me!