To hate living in Plymouth

[Polarbearflavour]

I’ve lived and worked in London for most of my adult life. I’ve moved here with DP who is military. We have another 18 months left before we can relocate to semi-metropolitan Portsmouth!

I’m trying hard to like it here and being by the sea but I really can’t. We do have a lovely little house here.

1. I don’t really like my job, it’s pays half of what my London job paid and there’s not really a lot of decent office jobs here. I have applied for a few other things.
2. I don’t have any friends here.
3. It takes ages to travel to see friends and family, especially to London.
4. There’s not really much here.
5. I don’t really like Plymouth itself as a city.

If you have another 18 months you will need to find things you like or you will go mad

Go across into Cornwall for some lovely day trips?

If you keep this negative mindset you will never allow yourself to be happy.

See it as a chapter in your life away from London and get out there and make friends. Join groups! see what’s going on at the beach?

You won’t be there for ever so see it as a sea adventure.

There’s loads of stuff to do both in Plymouth and around. What is it you’re particularly looking for that you don’t currently have?

Plymouth city centre is naff but I wouldn't write off the whole city. Much of the area has stunning views and there is plenty to do in the area. This is speaking as someone who also moved there for the same reason (but dad not DH) and lived there for 14 years, and my parents are still there.

We do go and do things of a weekend - Dartmoor, Cornwall, National Trust etc.

I do a pottery class and yoga. I go to the gym and the pool on the base. So I’m trying to keep active but I just don’t like it. I’m thinking about quitting my job but then i would just be home all day on my own.

I guess I miss my old friends, the tube, a bus every 2 minutes, all the shops and restaurants.

Trying to be more positive as feeling really down being here!

If you expect Portsmouth to be better, then you are going to be disappointed.
Plymouth city centre is dying I admit, but it's not far to Exeter. And you have beautiful countryside and beaches very close by. What is it you want to be able to do?
The first 4 of your points could be said about a lot of places really. You can't blame Plymouth because you hate your job and it pays less than London or because your friends and family are too far away.

Yep but we can live between Portsmouth and London so I can work in London.

Ho hum. There have been a few posts on here along the lines of “should I move to Plymouth” and there’s been mostly “no don’t move there” replies.

Can you organise a weekend with friends (either in London or they come to you) for something to look forward to?

FWIW, I moved from the SW to just outside London, most of my friends are still in the SW. I try and visit at least annually and absolutely love meeting up with them all.

PS but you didn't have a choice of moving, did you?

We have a long weekend in August planned in London.

And no, i didn’t have too much of a choice. I could have said no but I love living with DP. Such is the way of military life.

I live here and have done since childhood. Do you need any tips or suggestions?

If you're into running there's a great running group called Storm which is a really good way of meeting people. I'm not a runner myself (too lazy, ha!) but a few of my friends are members and they have loads of social events, etc. They have a Facebook group.

I grew up in Plymouth OP. I moved away at 19, but you're right it is drab.
However, the summer is a great time to be in Plymouth. I always miss plymouth when it's sunny. There's so much fun to be had locally, even just on the Hoe, Barbican or devils point. The Royal William yard is lovely too.
There's lots to do on the Moors and hundreds of national trust places around! When the weather is good, there are so many nice things to do.
However, it is the most depressing and miserable place ever when it rains.

I suggest you move to Barrow in Furness for a few years. That will then make you appreciate Plymouth

Thanks SlideAway.

Where do you go for coffee, a nice meal etc? What do you on a weekend in Plymouth itself?

Also are you a member of Plymouth Gossip Girls on Facebook? It's not as it sounds and is actually a really good space to swap information and people always arrange meet ups. It's a really good source for recommendations, etc & has a good community feel.

Barbican is nice for a wander & a beer, Hoe, Saltram etc good for walks. Plymouth can be bleak in winter but it’s just coming into its best - do you like sports or swimming? Try the lido or joining a rowing club or something. To be honest adjusting to life in the south west is a gradual process - I think the outdoors is the best part so by March I’m at the end of my tether really waiting for brighter seasons.

For a nice meal I would go to The Dock or I've found a new place called The Bridge in Mountbatten. Also both good places to meet for coffee as great views. I also love The Miners Arms, Greedy Goose, Treby Arms and the Royal William Yard. There's also the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and a new restaurant has opened up on the Hoe which is meant to be great.

At the weekend I will sometimes venture into Cornwall or there's plenty of lovely spots here - Plymbridge, Cadover, Jennycliff, Burrator, Mount Edgcumbe.

I know it can be a bit depressing when the weather is shit but it's worth it for days like today when the sea is 10 minutes from my house!

Feel free to PM me anytime you like

Plymouth gossip Girls on Facebook is a really good page.

There are lots of nice places to eat, it depends what sort of thing you want.
I have kids so don't go out for coffee or nice meals that often to be honest. The Barbican Kitchen is nice and I've heard that the Greedy Goose is very nice.
Look out for the Fireworks competition in August too. That is a great event and has a great atmosphere.

I'm in Plymouth, I understand where your coming from as it must seem so boring as if you're used to London life, however there is lots to do and see, some lovely restaurants and Dartmoor is so nice, so is Cornwall ! Join Plymouth gossip girls people often out on about meeting up for coffee etc or you are more than welcome to pm me x

Maybe we should organise a Plymouth get together

I would be up for that! I hate to think of people feeling lonely.

Us Janners are pretty friendly folk really!

Us Janners are pretty friendly folk really!

We really are!

Hey Polar, I'm ex Pompey, married to a naval rating and still struggling to settle in to the area again. Long story, living in Cornwall but I did actually grow up down here. And there's a reason I left....!

PM me if you want to meet up.

There is a WAGS group for RN on FB you will meet people through there. PM me if you need further details.