Best Areas to live (England)

[ThatNaicePlumDeer]

ISO decent areas to move to in the next few years.

Just back from a week away in Wales and just think that there must be better areas to live to get more out of life and the area. Our area is traditionally considered ‘cheap’ for Kent, the area is not nice, and a typical 3 bed is at least 350k+ these days, so not so cheap anymore.
We currently live in a less than desirable part of N Kent.
Both work from home, no kids, 2 dogs.
Are currently renting with no plans to buy for at least a few years so just thinking ahead.
Have family and friends round here but no other reason to stay.

Reason for wanting to leave the area:

• population density is getting too extreme levels, too many people and not enough space, the few green areas that are left are being built on
• I’ve lived here since I was 9 but I am not necessarily attached so would love to be somewhere where we could be outdoors more and experience the countryside. However, my partner’s parents and grandparents are all from here
• the general attitude of the towns is that it’s a shithole, so people treat it like a shithole, flytipping, littering etc. to say the least. general lack of care of properties and the surrounding area is probably what I like the least about the area.

we would ideally love to live somewhere that fulfils the following criteria

• nice area (i.e people care about where they live and treat it as such)
• either in the countryside or not far from nice countryside
• good schools (future proofing)
• ideally not too far from family in Kent (under 5 hours ideally, this is probably the impossible part, so willing to be flexible)
• more value for money in terms of buying houses etc.
• good outdoorsy links and activities

We’re probably happy to go anywhere in the South or Midlands. Would stretch further if we thought it would be worth it sort of thing. Unfortunately ruling out Scotland (too far) and Wales.

For example, would love an area like Marlow in terms of vibe (where some of our family live) although this is definitely out of budget. Or an area like the Lake District / Yorkshire (just a bit too far away)

Not sure if what we’re looking for even exists! But we’re just at the daydreaming stage at the moment so just sounding out.

Norfolk? Id say the NE as personally I think its the absolute best but as you say, too far for you.

Norfolk.
or Suffolk.

Yeah I was thinking Yorkshire or Northumberland until you said about not too far away. How about West Sussex?

Are you in Dartford?

Take a look at Tonbridge, Kent or East Sussex

Prices just over the Kent border, going into East Sussex drop as you are no longer in a Grammar school area. Take a look at West Kent ( Tonbridge / Twells) and East Sussex, places like Crowborough or East Grinstead.

You wouldn’t get much at all in Tonbridge or Tun Wells for £350k. A rundown two up two down terrace maybe at a push.

Thanks! I will have a look, we went to Northumberland last year and I loved it but perhaps too far away. To be honest I am open to anywhere, especially if it gives us the way of life we're looking for, it's my partner who I'll have to convince if we're going further away.

we're in medway. I have been thinking about East Anglia area. Just unsure of specific places that are nice in other areas

Yep another who instantly thought Norfolk!

West Sussex is ok.

You want to avoid coastal areas like Bognor.

Have a look at Emsworth, Barnham, Chichester.

yes I’ve been to Chichester before and liked it! Will have a look.

I have a friend who lives in Norwich and I like it but it’s so very out of the way. Outside of Norwich what other areas are nice?

East anglia / I’d say bury st Edmund’s is a nice town but likely out of your budget ( that’s going to be a theme ) but the villages are cheaper

East Yorkshire?
Beverley, Pocklington, Market Weighton are popular.
Lots of great and affordable villages.
Near Hull and York for work.
Lincolnshire?