Brighton to Norwich

[Bigskydreamer]

We are hoping to relocate from Brighton to Norwich (well, rurally but within 15 mins of Norwich). We are a same sex family and adore Norwich and the big Norfolk skies. We know it will be different to Brighton but wondered if anyone has done a similar move? We are moving because we would like more space, to live more rurally, have access to fab beaches and love Norwich city as a base to shop / for leisure. AIBU to ask for some reassurance that this will all be ok and we aren't making a huge mistake?! I should add I have (diagnosed) anxiety so things do tend to spiral into endless worries with me! Thanks.

We moved from South London to South Norfolk 12 years ago. We love it. We are quite rural- 5 mins walk into completely open fields. I would agree with the comments saying that Norwich is very gay friendly. Everywhere else a little less so. BUT that goes with the age (unfortunately and yes total generalisation!) of the rural villagers who tend to be older, more traditional, more Tory etc etc. But they don’t tend to like anyone who moves into their village- gay or not! My husband goes down like a sack of lead in the summer months when he has his many, many tattoos on display (he is covered from the neck down). We do laugh though as during the winter / autumn he gets treated very differently as you can’t see them if he has a jumper on etc and if he’s in his work suit none of the locals think he’s tattooed at all! Funny really.

As an ex Londoner I do laugh at the “pitchforks ready” type local culture. I am very laid back and after living on a road where stabbing and mugging was commonplace I can’t get excited about a rogue chicken or the many, many local rantings about teenagers daring to hang out in the park!!

Thanks so much for all the comments!

Misty - I like both of those, definitely contenders!

Really nice to hear of positive moves.

For the person we asked how we can afford to live anywhere and implying we could afford chauffeurs -

We have always lived very frugally, we lived in tiny studio flats for 8 years and scrimped and saved whilst working, at times, 3 jobs each. We bought our first studio flat when there was the huge recession and it was basically unliveable. We did it up over 5 years and sold giving us a good deposit for the step up. We've done this one up as well and have a lot of equity. I am a key worker, modestly paid and my partner works in finance having started at the bottom (no degree) and worked up to management level, well paid. We have always lived modestly, holiday at caravan parks once a year etc. It has allowed us to be in the very fortunate position to buy somewhere expensive now. Hope that helps!

Don't need to explain your finances op.

I adore Norfolk. I moved away for a few years when I hit 18 but came back to raise my dc. We're in a v little village 30 miles NW of Norwich. I have a sil v happily married to her dw, many gay friends and I'm raising a gay dd. I'm deep in a Tory constituency which I loathe but we have never encountered homophobia and people are v open and welcoming where I am.

I live in North Norfolk, it's nice but it's rather "old fashioned" and set in its ways, it has a very high level of OAP's so it's not as accepting to "outsiders" as say the centre of Norwich which is very diverse and gay friendly.

I would avoid Catton and Sprowston in Broadlands, they will be too built up for your liking. Avoid Costessey, I lived there for five years and whilst some parts are nice, loads are dodgy and have antisocial behaviour problems.

Probably best bet is going to be South Norfolk.

Don't forget to factor in the maintenance costs on those types of properties, too.

You have a great budget OP.
Norwich is lovely, I've lived in the centre and now live in the suburbs.
No problem at all - your fears are unfounded, and you'll be welcomed with open arms.
So - I would either go City - Newmarket Road, Unthank Road area (what we call the 'Golden Triangle' - walking distance to city, close to UEA, hospital etc.
Or, 3 - 7 miles out of city with good bus links - Hoveton, Wroxham, Eaton, Cringleford, Thorpe, Salhouse.
Old Costessey - much better than New Costessey.

Old Catton is very nice, (Catton Park is lovely), New Catton - not so nice.

I don't see the appeal of Attleborough/Wymondham (pronounced Windom). If I was you, when we are able to, I'd stay in the City for a few days and do the rounds of the Estate Agents and drive about to see what appeals.

We are very friendly and don't all drive tractors! But you must absolutely support the Canaries and loathe Ipswich with a passion! That's the only criteria for coming here.