If you were in your early 30s and single, where would you move to?

[bridgetalones]

I currently live in my hometown just outside of London. It's the only place I've ever lived, but all of my school friends and university friends have moved on. I'm single and don't have much of a social life. It's just my parents who are here. I work fully remotely. I'm still saving to buy my first property, but even a one bedroom studio is barely affordable for me (£190k+).

I was chatting to someone recently and they said if they were in my boots they would move away and have a fresh start. I get what they mean. I think in a fresh city I would feel more inclined to make an effort to build a life.

So I thought I'd ask on here. If you were in my situation, where would you move? It's just me and my dog. I don't like clubbing or bars. I like being near nature while still having conveniences near by. If money wasn't an option I'd lean towards places like Winchester, the New Forest and Bath. But they're all (understandably) expensive. Sometimes I fantasise about the depths of Cornwall or up in the Scottish highlands...

What’s your job and can you do it remotely ?

I am also mid 30s and single. I lived in Edinburgh briefly and would love love love to move back. It’s such a great city. I live in the highlands - and would say don’t move here there’s nothing to do!!

Do you want to be in a city with nature nearby or do you want to live in a more rural area?

Yes Edinburgh is lovely

Inverness is amazing. I’m thinking about moving there when I retire and my son is settled. I’m in Scotland now but not as far north.

There are plenty of flats for sale in Bath and it's a lovely city I would probably move to Bath if I were you.

I came on to say London! But other major cities are available. Leeds is great.

Liverpool is a great city for young people. It has a proper music, clubs and pubs scene. People are friendly to an almost absurd degree. You’re close to the North Wales, Cheshire and Lancashire countryside, and the sea, although you will need a car. There are plentiful and affordable flats to rent.

I would say Bristol but I think it is one of the most expensive places to live outside London. Maybe Cardiff is more affordable, coast and countryside but also uni city so a youth vibe. Other places in Wales may suit if you want quiet country life (based on your new forest and Cornwall ideas).

I'd go to Bristol, or nearby.

There's loads to do in and around the city with beautiful countryside and the coast nearby. You've also got Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cardiff, Exeter within driving distance.

Village near Basingstoke as it's not far from Bath/New Forest?
Wells/Frome?

What are your job requirements in terms of a town or city? Do you drive and do you have a car? Within what travel time of your family do you want to be? And am I right in thinking you want to be able to buy a 1 bed flat or similar for £175k ish or ideally get more for similar money?

Take note! The south east is now insanely expensive, even for renting.

Plymouth has some great countryside and beaches a short way out. The city could be better but if you are more about country than clubbing etc it may suit.

Edinburgh or Glasgow.

York. I’d absolutely love to live there and have friends who do and regret leaving sometimes (although their 27 year old daughter does now, and loves it).

I also love Lincoln, but find it a bit small. You’d easily be able to buy something in Nottingham too.

I live in a village, but dream of buying a ‘pied a terre’ somewhere in a city.

Sheffield, on the side that’s minutes drive from the Peak District. Great vibrant affordable city, stunning countryside.

France. Somewhere on the outskirts of Paris. A total fresh start. That's what I'd do.

Canterbury.

Ghent

Another vote for Liverpool which gives opportunities to enjoy Lancashire, Cheshire, Wales, the Sefton coast, and has easy access to Ireland.

South Cumbria/North Lancashire/North West Yorkshire or the villages between Sheffield and Barnsley.

Gothenburg is gorgeous

I went to Manchester! I moved for a job but I loved it - I lived in a town on the edge. I used to go walking sometimes, explored the towns and cities, met great friends, and housing was so much more affordable. I'd be there still if not for a combination of events.

Also Northumberland. I would look along the west coast and east coast mainline train routes.