To live in a 4 bed mortgage free for £250k

[ScoobyCan]

Where can I find a really good 4 bed for £250k?

Not joking - that's where we are at post divorce. The world is my oyster but ideally I need a great primary, secondary, and a flexible school hours (9-3) job (DC have medical stuff going on so can't manage wraparound childcare). Anywhere?

I'm in Salford but drive all over Manchester for work. I agree that East Lancs can be a pain but so can other roads in other parts of Manchester. Trying to get to Openshaw when there's something on at the Etihad can be sure and roads into/ through Chorlton can be a pain especially with the knock on effect of the roadworks through Trafford Park
There are however nice bits of Salford and good public transport routes into Manchester. There are some good Primary schools. Secondaries are more tricky but the RC ones are good and you can always have a go at Trafford grammars.

Hudderfield? Could easily get a 4 bed for that money. Schools can be mixed but there are good ones. Not to far to go to Leeds if requiring specialist appointments.

I live on the west / south Yorkshire border, semi rural but 5 minutes from the M1. Very easily commutable to Wakefield, Leeds and Sheffield.

Close enough to get to Sheffield or Leeds hospitals, good gp and our catchment school is outstanding (and amazing). Next closest school is technically in special measures but after amazing support from our school is expected to get good at next inspection.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-70707793.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-68147311.html

Parts of the east midlands you can do that easily. We have a 4 bed house which we got for £150k about 13 years ago but is probably worth around £240k now.

Lots of decent hospitals round here. My DS has clinic appointments at both Queens and City hospitals.

OP I'd recommend you disregard any posts that aren't from someone actually living in the area

Erm why are you assuming I don't live in the area? I don't. But I used to, and my mother still does!

South Liverpool
Excellent transport links, airport, train, bus.
Close to alder hey.
Near to town centre. 20 minutes drive to country side. 20 minutes drive to beach.
Lots of lovely parks.

Lincolnshire! You could get a mansion for £250k in these parts

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-81548459.html

This is particularly charming and in a decent area of the Wirral.
Close to Alder Hey, the beach, Chester and Liverpool.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-71026741.html

Don't go to Watton. Sod all for youngsters. I've a relative who has just moved away for that very reason. Thetford's rough. Easy to get into Norwich is good, but when they are teens they will have to travel for everything.

@Wow2806
I heard you could get good pies in Wigan too?

Valid points, I’m just outside Manchester and I think with the industrial towns around it, the town centres generally aren’t that nice but the surrounding countryside is lovely. Depends whether OP wants to be semi rural or not.

I’m wondering about Stretford, if you want live in Manchester. Some bits are a bit rough, I think, but some are nice.

It’s in Trafford so the I think the schools will be good. Really well connected for transport and not far from Manchester Children’s.

Any Stretfordians on here that could advise in specific areas? Or maybe Flixton? In Trafford again, but cheaper than Sale.

Kirkcaldy

espc.com/property/34-kingston-road-kirkcaldy-ky2-6fe/35704724?sid=691229

Depends what type of consultant you need to see. For example in Scotland the sick kids in Edinburgh is the only children’s hospital with a spinal unit. My daughters surgeon has people travelling down from the Highlands and Islands to be treated.
If it’s cardiac care we could see consultants in Edinburgh but the cardiac surgery unit is in Glasgow.
Just worth investigating

Romany - Honestly I just literally said in work 2 mnetters have called me a snob most burst out laughing. Apart from the actual snobs who looked a tad confused ( Trafford Park or Media City to them that prefer
Swimmer yes probably more pue shops than owt else nowadays. Although Only go when I have no choice. They can throw all the money they want at Wigan Town Centre but you cant polish a turd
But no agree we have some beautiful countryside. But sadly housing developments are taking it over
If I was coming to Manchester knowing what I know. 2 n half hours to get home last night btw.
Anyway I would look at the team development plans where it's going next
Town wise I would be thinking Urmston, Eccles seems to be on the rise?? Possibly Irlam, sale although prices through roof.
Then I would look at Lancashire maybe Up Holland before you get to skem though. Ormskirk, Southport Liverpool city links Merseyrail is one of the top rated service providers clean trains. Alder Hey. But wouldn't look at Runcorn, Widnes.
Couldn't comment on any schools in those areas though

Sorry Romany that should say I work in Trafford Park or Media City
Apologies it's cold up north. Am stood shivering waiting for me 2nd Bus ome

I am sorry wow at least it's given you and your colleagues a laugh.
One of my dc went to one of the schools you mention, it was a good school until he went.
Our youngest, only one still in school boards in Manchester (no we aren't rich), very poor

How about Birmingham? It's doable but some of the areas are a bit dodgy. Birmingham has a dedicated children's hospital and is well connected to other parts of the UK. Major city is more likely to have jobs going but it's been a while since I've looked

Birmingham 4 bed for £250k?! You’ll either end up in gangland or have a 2 hour commute into town!

Areas in the commuter belts of any of the cities (Liverpool, Chester, Manchester) are fantastic value for money

It really does depend on the area. I'm 20-30 mins outside Liverpool and there is not a chance you could get a decent 4 bed for 250k.

@wow2806
I think Urmston and Sale will be out of the OPs price range.

I’d say Flixton or Stretford if she wants to be in Trafford. Eccles (Monton is supposed to be nice) or Irlan a good shouts - decent areas, but not posh and expensive.

Other areas to consider would be around Saddleworth or Ramsbottom, if she wants to be semi rural.

Monton has just peaked according to an estate agent relative. House prices have really increased there.

OP we ended up here by drawing a circle on the map of area we were looking at, so NW really.
We blindfolded each other and marked a place, this was equal distance from the points and had a train station.
Good way to decide if you can move anywhere.
On the move again soon and will no doubt do the same

@romanyqueen

By peaked do you mean gone up and about to go back down, as that’s usually what peaked means.

Or do you mean huge increases in prices recently?

The Wirral

Swimmer

They just said property prices had increased and it had been up and coming for a while, now peaking. My ds nearly moved there when cheaper, I bet he's kicking himself now.
I took it to mean they wouldn't likely increase for some time.