Brighton vs Norwich, make the decision for me?!

[Lovelyhousepig]

AIBU to ask mumsnetters to make the decision of living in Brighton or Norwich for me? Been going round and round and driving ourselves mad! We are quite an alternative family living in Brighton but we can't really afford to live here! Cramped in a small flat, no garden and soon to be 4 children (pregnant with twins). We love everything Brighton has to offer, the overall feeling of the city is brilliant. However, we love Norwich and think we could be happy there. We could afford an actual house and garden, schools seem good and we could both get work there. Is it a no brainer? Any thoughts?! And thank you for any input, can't think straight anymore!

raisedby The very first conversation I had with my (now) best friend was about how no one ends up in Norfolk by accident, if you're here, it's because you're meant to be I find it such an easy place to live - where I am, it's 15 minutes walk to school, ten minutes to the Forum, five minutes to Unthank Rd. Two parks within five minutes (I love the secret parks and open spaces: www.norwich.gov.uk/directory/1043/parks_play_areas_and_open_spaces/category/106 )

OP, a friend of mine originally from Brighton said that Norwich is kind of like the cool older brother. Very similar in outlook and independent spirit, but maybe a bit more reserved (said friend now lives here). Feel free to DM if you want any information on anything in particular - I don't have much of a Narch accent, but I can write in dialect if that'd help I really, really love this city, more than I can tell you - it's home in a way that nowhere else ever could be.

You should move here. It's great.

I’m heading up to Cringleford tonight. As there are so many locals on this thread; to save me the hassle of googling, what time does Waitrose shut?

Can I just clarify that when I described Norwich as diverse, I didn't necessarily mean ethnically (though it is vastly more ethnically diverse than the rest of Norfolk). Culturally, socially, politically etc it IS diverse.

And Cringleford Wayrooose closes at 8pm.

Wow! Overwhelmed with the replies, thanks everyone! It seems Norwich is certainly a popular place to be, especially for families. I wondered if anyone can tell me if there are many parks within walking distance of the golden triangle please? And thanks again!

Off the top of my head, there is Eaton Park, Heigham Park, Jenny Lind Park, Eagle Park, The Dell, Chapelfield Gardens, Andersons Meadow, Westend Street Gardens, Earlham Park/UEA broad... and probably more that I can't think of! www.norwich.gov.uk/directory/1043/parks_play_areas_and_open_spaces - if the address starts with NR2, it'll most likely be in the triangle

I had a half day and just did all my shopping in the market- local strawberries, meat and eggs, spices from the spices weighed out for me at the ethnic food stall, artisan bead from the bread stall, coffee for £1 from the social enterprise coffee shop, time for a quick eyebrow threading. It's fab! Just don't park at the forum [eyewatering]

You can walk around the lakes around UEA

Thanks show of hands - have just arrived in cringleford - earlier than expected :)?

That cringleford house looks lovely