to want to live somewhere friendly, cheapish

[OldOakTree]

Can't give too much detail as will out myself ...

I live in a town in the South, moved here 5 years ago. Its a bit snobby and expensive on the one hand, but lots of poverty and degradation on the other. Plus I'm finding it pretty cold, unfriendly, boring.

Need to be somewhere cheap (to rent or at a push maybe buy). Just friendlyish, cheap, a bit of culture, access to the countryside! Any thoughts?

I hope its not too pertinent a question, just got that desperate feeling on a Saturday afternoon, but which has been growing for weeks

Cheshire. Great schools, choose the right town and reasonable rent (Macclesfield/Congleton) Buying a house there are some real bargains and easy access to Manchester. Countryside on your door step and people are friendly.

2 bedroom.

Thanks for your suggestions folks.

You know how it is when you are stressed and can't see a way out (long story) its nice there are alternatives you could imagine and even work towards.

Where abouts in the south?

Outskirts of Manchester, near enough to the city for everything but cheap and loads of beautiful countryside. We're friendly too! it's not so grim up north! :D

I just came in on to say Lincoln too!!! It ticks all your boxes. Cheap, friendly, beautiful cathedral and castle with nice independent shops, thriving university which brings a lot of culture including music. Decent high street with good selection of resteraunts. It's where I'd live if circumstances were different!!

I've just been looking on Rightmove, similar circumstances. So interesting seeing what's out there.

I can't move ATM but it's really good to let your imagination run wild!

I also don't agree with poster who said a place is as friendly as you are, I've had to work really hard in my current town to build up a community.

Another vote for the Valleys

Sheffield, for all the reasons you've said.

What's your definition of cheap OP?

Everywhere probs cheaper than SE as you know. Where I live isn't cheap by some standards but by not in the London bracket! Friendly too.

YY to Glasgow and the NE of England. I find South Wales friendly too. Don't want to say where I am right now but it's not as friendly and I'm pretty sure it's not me.

Sheffield would be my first choice based on what you've said.

+1 for the Northeast, though I'll stick a bid in for Durham :o

Lillian Im gateshead too, its brilliant!

Yorkshire / Derbyshire around Sheffield. Very friendly.

Cumbria. Beautiful scenery, lovely friendly people and reasonably cheap as long as you're not within the Lake District National Park.

Weston super Mare, housing is reasonably priced, job market reasonably active. I live a few miles away, it's on the coast, access to nice countryside etc. Or Bridgwater, not far away from here, close to the coast, Exmoor, good job opportunities at all levels, cheap housing.

Another vote for Glasgow 😀

I know a few people who live in Hastings, St Leonard's etc. Sounds a pretty friendly area, quite quirky and I think reasonable prices.