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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to move up North in my situation?

268 replies

Barefootsummers · 22/08/2017 14:14

We have 2 children and would love a bigger family. We currently live in the south east in our own home which is a small 2/3 bed flat with no garden. Up North we could afford a detached house with small amount of land (550k). Thinking West Yorkshire. I love the countryside and this lifestyle rather than fancy restaurants / boutiques etc. We could work in similar jobs up North. It's a no brainer for me but my DH is not convinced. His reasons against are that the housing market is always secure in the south east, schooling is better and it affords more opportunity. I guess I'm not looking for anyone to tell me what I should or shouldn't do but just need some perspective on this. Anyone? Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
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6
BlondeB83 · 22/08/2017 14:19

Come up North! Leeds is a fabulous city - loads of fancy bars/restaurants, great shopping and drive a little further north and you have the amazing countryside, it's the best of both worlds. You could get an amazing property in a lovely area for that price.

AfunaMbatata · 22/08/2017 14:21

West Yorkshire is dreich.

HarrisHawk · 22/08/2017 14:22

Oh definitely go north.

I'm not at all convinced schools are generally better in the south east, get him looking at ofsted reports and some schools online. Very often the schools up north have much more space for sport etc.

And there are loads of opportunities up north.

London really isn't the centre of the universe :)

Would it be an option to go to your preferred area for a couple of weeks and let him look around?

SelfObsessionHoney · 22/08/2017 14:22

Parts of West Yorkshire are just stunningly beautiful. I miss living there.

QueenNefertitty · 22/08/2017 14:22

I've just made the move to West Yorkshire (separated from DP and couldnt afford london as a single parent family). Still looking for work (creative industry) and not found anywhere to buy yet, but feels like the right move. Lots of new creative enterprises starting up, feels like things might be "looking up" for an often neglected region, and of course cost of living lower. Could you get DP to come up for a break and take a look around?

5rivers7hills · 22/08/2017 14:25

I'm not aware that schooling is better in the SE?

If you can get jobs it's a no brainier to me.

JockTamsonsBairns · 22/08/2017 14:28

How on earth is schooling better in the SE? Confused We moved from the SE up North two years ago and have never looked back. We love it.

TeaCake5 · 22/08/2017 14:28

Many parts of the north are rough.

Mittens1969 · 22/08/2017 14:29

As I see it, it would be better to move up North for the simple reason that you can get so much more for your money in terms of property. And a house with a garden is perfect for children. I'm biased, as I live in Leeds now, having moved up North since getting married and I've never regretted it. Smile

SelfObsessionHoney · 22/08/2017 14:29

As are many of the South TeaCake

anotherAnotherUsername · 22/08/2017 14:29

I've sometimes considered it but you have to consider why it's cheaper. If it was so great, wouldn't everyone move?

QueenNefertitty · 22/08/2017 14:29

@teacake

So are many parts of London... ever had a walk round Kensal rise at night? Or some of the estates in hackney?

RubyGoat · 22/08/2017 14:29

Come up North! Leeds is pretty good & has a lot going on. York is beautiful, & you could get a very nice house round here for £550k. You can still get to London on the train from Leeds in a couple of hours. Last time I went it only cost me about £10-15 each way on advance tickets.

LilyWhites325 · 22/08/2017 14:29

Just like many parts of the south TeaCake5 Hmm

BridgetvonHammersmark · 22/08/2017 14:29

I'm from the north, my hubby the south. Hubby would never of dreamed of living north of Northampton before he met me, nowadays he wouldn't dream of living south of Leeds. Our children have all done really well at schools in the north, all gone on to good unis. With a bit of area research there's just as much opportunity as in the south.

Bearfrills · 22/08/2017 14:30

So are many parts of the South East, TeaCake

JacquesHammer · 22/08/2017 14:30

@teacake5

And the south isn't? Don't talk rubbish.

TheSolitaryBoojum · 22/08/2017 14:30

Just like down south, pick your area carefully. I've taught in schools up and down the country, and everywhere is variable.

LilyWhites325 · 22/08/2017 14:31

I love Leeds! Just be careful where you buy really, Headingley, Roundhay, Alwoodley, Lawnswood, Adel are all nice and you could get such a nice house for that price!

JacquesHammer · 22/08/2017 14:32

West Yorkshire is dreich

West Yorkshire is totally beautiful in parts

LilyWhites325 · 22/08/2017 14:32

Sheffield also good! Ilkley/Otley are towns on the outskirts of Leeds, maybe worth a look !

rizlett · 22/08/2017 14:33

I'm from the south east but moved with work to west yorkshire - it is lovely and much more friendly too.

Original poster
Barefootsummers · 22/08/2017 14:36

Thanks so much everyone, pleased with all the positive comments. For me it really would be such a good move. We are crammed into our tiny flat and it drives me mad. I have to get up, dressed, bag packed and often get in car to just get outdoors really although we do have a park I can walk to. I dream of a big garden and a paddock for chickens! It would cost over a million here though sadly. I visited Hebden bridge and loved the area and have friends who live in those areas. Loved the hippy, peaceful, creative vibe and easy to get to Manchester and great countryside. I don't think DH is comfortable with moving though and he now is saying, but I don't like the accent.... always something!

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 22/08/2017 14:37

Useful comment Teacake.
The same could be said for every region!

I grew up in central London and have now lived in West Yorkshire for 19 happy years.

My house is worth £200k, I live in an OK village, 20 mins from a national patk; the dc go to an Outstanding school, and DH and I both have secure jobs which use our qualifications and experience. Surrounded by lovely countryside, and easy access to several towns and cities. What's not to love wouldn't mind being closer to the coast.

Bear in mind that W Yorks is a huge place. We have some of the most expensive housing in the country outside London (N Leeds - Ilkley -Wetherby- Harrogate area), and some of the most deprived (Harehills in Leeds, Manninghsm in Bradford).