Leaving London

[siwel123]

Hi all, don't shoot I know there's life outside of London .
Me, my wife and 2 kids currently live in London and the wife has finally agreed to start looking at other places to live but as were both civil servants we have a limited range of places to choose from.

The options we've been given are Leeds or Manchester. AIBU to ask which would you choose and Why? And also what areas would you live in. We would have a 500k budget for the house so any suggestions appreciated.

Good point @people. I do know my department is staying in Leeds though.

@Luisa27. 20 minutes and nothing . Only jesting...

20 minutes?

Oh I see...but I’d clog up the thread

I’d be like those angry people on the ‘is my husband having sex elsewhere’ thread

They were lovely people

No they were weird

And strangely insistent that they ‘knew’ he was seeking solace elsewhere

I’m going to stop now - we’re derailing your thread!😂

Skipton has a wealth of independent shops I hear.....

. Well I'm off now, thanks for the help so far everyone. Look forward to the replies tomorrow

We lived in London and I loved it, grew up in the outskirts and spent my whole working life in central London.

We moved for all the reasons people do. Better for children, cleaner air, closer to countryside, blah blah blah.

I'd move back to London in a heartbeat if I could (dh won't, he hates cities).

I do advise you, unless you dislike cities, stay in London. Live somewhere like Berrylands, New Malden, etc where it's easy to get into and out of London, but you still benefit from bigger house, garden, good schools, lots of public transport (very very important for older children).

I'd move to Sheffield if I were you.

However, given the choices, Manchester for sure. It's a great city.

Leeds is full of violent lunatics.

Manchester is gross imo.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-73102277.html

On one of the best roads in central Ilkley, a quick stroll to the station which is a 29 minute commute to Leeds.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-61718164.html

A bit further out for the stroll to the station but on the “ right” side of Ilkley, the road to Grassington giving you access to Kinsey Crag and Malham Cove ( climbing )

Also be aware property like this falling back a bit in price in Ilkley now so make a low offer if it’s been on the market a while.

Should also mention that within a 10 minute walk from the first house you are on Ilkley Moor.

www.walkingenglishman.com/westyorkshire09.html

lf your budget is 500k why would you not consider the home counties and commute to London,you can still get a house for that budget in a lot of commuter towns less than an hour from London

Well, why would you? Commuting would be expensive and the trains in that part of the world don't have the best reputation. You're still a trek from London for the culture etc and many people who do this say it's the worst of both worlds.

A cheaper property and shorter commute in another great city is a great choice and London is still accessible for days out if you need your big museums fix.

OP and their partner’s salaries will go much, much further up north than in the home counties and commutes from the home counties, even places close to london, are 60mins plus - mine is 90 which isn’t unusual.

I would imagine the reasons OP isn't considering Home Counties commuterville towns is that he wants to be in a more compact city, would prefer a smaller commute and is after a very nice house and to be able to choose his area carefully for his 500k rather than having to grab whatever there is for his budget. You know, just all of the reasons he's mentioned.

Yes that's why I'm not choosing the home counties.
If I leave London what is the point in having to commute for ages in and out again? It is the worst of both worlds like a poster said, long commute and none of the culture of a city for the kids.

I want to be nearer family, have a nice proper house close to good walks / very short drive to countryside. Still have a city feel close by, without the overwhelming size of London.

Another vote for Leeds.
I left Leeds for Doncaster(!) when I met my husband. My parents live in Leeds and I still miss it. North Leeds - Chapel Allerton, Roundhay are great.

If your children like arts things there are classes/ events at The Yorkshire Dance Centre, Leeds Playhouse and music things organised by Opera North.
Lots of green spaces. Lots of fantastic places you can visit - York, Harrogate, Ilkley, Otley, Sheffield.
Leeds is also convenient for quick trips on the train to London (although expensive). Close enough for a day trip on the train if you go early and come back late.