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Original poster

How to get used to the idea of living in a not-so-nice area?

13 replies

reiaisra · 07/10/2023 18:30

Have been renting for several years in a gorgeous central area. Prices here are nuts so all I could afford would be a 1 bedroom flat with little scope to add value. If I move out further (train rather than tube to work) I can get a 3 bedroom semi for the same price as a 1 bedroom flat. The areas are perfectly fine but a bit boring. I'm sort of moving from a posh area to an OK area. How do you get used to this? It's my reality and the only way I would afford something decently sized.

OP posts:

cakeorwine · 07/10/2023 18:32

Probably plenty more people doing the same thing so you might see a change in the area

RicStar · 07/10/2023 18:34

People normally move out for a reason, want to start a family, want green space etc, so it really depends why you are moving. We stayed in a small 1 bed flat until we wanted schools and parks, we live between a rough and a couple of lovely areas, our specific area is fine, but there are lots of great family places near by and it suits our life style now.

ZebraD · 07/10/2023 18:34

I lived in a beautiful village near Cambridge years ago and moved to a ‘not as nice area’. There was actually nothing wrong with it but it just wasn’t as nice. My initial thoughts were to do my house up sell it for a tidy profit and move on. Fast forward 12 years and I am still here and I love it! I won’t be moving anytime soon either. So…you just never know. That’s all.

Branleuse · 07/10/2023 18:46

depends what is not so nice about it.
Ive recently moved to the rougher side of town, and i actually prefer it. More going on.

OhHolyMoly · 07/10/2023 19:44

I live in a not-so-desirable area. However it's safe, green, really well-connected transport-wise, quiet, affordable. Our street is lovely. I can be in three diverse cities in an hour, beaches in 45 minutes, three different National parks in 1.5 hours. I have lovely friends, schools are ok, lots to do if you're interested. What's not to like?!

Dox9 · 07/10/2023 19:52

Do you actually need the extra space? If it was just me, I would 100% get a 1 bed flat in a desirable area over a 3 bed further out. Living in a posh area would add more to my quality of life than owning couple of spare rooms.

Hellocatshome · 07/10/2023 19:56

So when you say a not so nice area you mean boring not drug dealers on every corner and being kept away all night with sirens and violence?

If yes then in the nicest way possible the way you cope is by getting over yourself and being thankful you are able to afford a large house in a boring area.

BBno4 · 07/10/2023 19:57

Might be less traffic...

Whattheflipflap · 07/10/2023 19:58

the less nice place might actually end up being fab.
we moved to a less nice suburb, and thought it would be temporary and we love it. I was talking to a colleague who also coincidentally lives here, and we were both saying how fab it is. Hoping to move to a bigger house here soon.
but don’t lose hope

vincettenoir · 07/10/2023 19:58

I’ve moved around a lot and lived in nice and not so nice areas but there’s always a few things to appreciate everywhere. You will find a few local nice spots once you move if not before.

TreesAtSea · 07/10/2023 20:00

Hellocatshome · 07/10/2023 19:56

So when you say a not so nice area you mean boring not drug dealers on every corner and being kept away all night with sirens and violence?

If yes then in the nicest way possible the way you cope is by getting over yourself and being thankful you are able to afford a large house in a boring area.

Agreed

Nagado · 07/10/2023 22:38

The areas are perfectly fine but a bit boring. I'm sort of moving from a posh area to an OK area. How do you get used to this? It's my reality and the only way I would afford something decently sized

It’s your reality? Can you hear yourself? You’ll be buying a 3 bed semi in a quiet little commuter town, not living in a tent on a bit of wasteland in Tower Hamlets.

kilroaht · 07/10/2023 22:45

I think you have to own the decision and accept it's a choice you've made, based on the values you have. I lived in a 2 bed leasehold flat with no outdoor space in zone 1 for a decade, it was a nice enough place but we could have afforded a huge detached house further out and it would have been quieter and less polluted with less crime. But we valued the convenience of the tube and proximity to amenities over that, so that's why we made that decision. You've made a choice according to the things that you prioritise, and you're in a privileged position to be able to do that.

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