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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If you could move anywhere in England…?

210 replies

Greyscreendream · 22/05/2023 19:31

Where would you choose and why?

I’m coming out of a long term relationship and am after a fresh start in a new area, currently in the Home Counties.

I love the countryside and would want to be close to green space. Would also like to be closer to the sea if possible.

I’m looking to be in a town or nearby, with good schools and affordable housing. My budget is £350k for a three bed, but could push this slightly for the right house.

This isn’t really an AIBU but I was hoping you guys could suggest some areas I may not have thought of. It’s so daunting when you can literally choose anywhere…!!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
JeandeServiette · 23/05/2023 19:41

It is crazy how many places a £350k budget rules out now.

Cardsagainsthumanity · 23/05/2023 19:43

Lee on Solent

Rockstars · 23/05/2023 19:46

Fordingbridge

catgirl1976 · 23/05/2023 19:56

I would love in York as I used to live thier and loved it.

I now live in the north west in a cute little town right next to the sea, with a green, a windmill, less than an hour from the lakes, good schools, nice restaurants, low crime and and also cities like Manchester where your £350k would get you a decent 4 bed

catgirl1976 · 23/05/2023 19:56

*used to live there

catgirl1976 · 23/05/2023 19:58

Actually I take that back about how far your £350k would go..house prices have gone up a lot :(

seiwilks · 23/05/2023 20:23

We moved to south Sheffield 5 years ago and love it - we can be out in the middle of the Peaks in less than 10 minutes! Sheffield city centre isn’t great (we never go, never have any need!) but lots of great schools and lovely suburbs! My mum has also recently moved to Chesterfield. Let me know if you have any more specific questions! Happy house hunting!

Littleoldeme · 23/05/2023 20:37

Derby!! I’m surrounding by greenery but only 3 miles for the city centre and have the Derbyshire dales and the Peak District on my doorstep! I’m in catchment for a fantastic school and your budget would get you a 3 bed. Although it is quite a drive to the sea

TulipTuesday · 23/05/2023 20:37

Greyscreendream · 23/05/2023 10:11

Wow! Thanks so much for all your suggestions. It’s interesting that quite a few of them are place s I’m considering so that’s reassuring. I didn’t predict the love for Northumberland so that might have to go on the list, even though it’s quite far from everything.

in terms of Winchester, Chichester and similar. Would love something there but think my budget would mean comprising on the house too much. Same for the New Forest.

Worthing and Chippenham are places I’m considering. So is Exeter as it’s always seemed like a vibrant smallish city but quite pricy. I also adore the Peak District but was unsure where to look around there. Thoughts on Chesterfield and Sheffield?

I grew up in East Anglia so would prefer not to move back. Nothing wrong with it but I’ve realised I really appreciate rugged and rolling hills over the flatness of the fens.

Shropshire is another place On the list, particularly Shrewsbury. It looks very quaint and seems to have good schools. My daughter is primary-aged for whoever asked. Still a couple more years to go so the focus is on secondary schools now

thanks for all your suggestions so far. I knew you could help 🙂. Any more info/opinions on the places I’ve mentioned would be much appreciated.

I was going to suggest Shrewsbury, it definitely fits the bill.

K83 · 23/05/2023 20:37

Have a look at holmfirth too

Wellmibbeeaye · 23/05/2023 20:39

@Parisj Southsea is in Portsmouth, despite their pretentions.

TulipTuesday · 23/05/2023 20:39

ColonelRhubarbBikini · 23/05/2023 19:34

OP I’m delighted you said Shrewsbury. I was reading the whole thread screaming SHROPSHIRE in my head Grin.

Shrewsbury is the best place in the entire world and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.

Isn’t it?!! Are you a pure monner or did you move here?

Bluevelvetsofa · 23/05/2023 20:46

You can certainly get a semi or terrace with three bedrooms in Chichester.

UnsolicitedOpinions · 23/05/2023 20:48

Good theatre in Shrewsbury as well - I often go there even though I’m about an hour away.

Oswestry has some nice shops - especially a really lovely independent bookshop.

PaddlingPoollyColour · 23/05/2023 20:50

Devon, Dorset or Cornwall for me. I'm also in the Home Counties and we want to move! We are thinking of going further away though. Maybe Scotland or NI

bobby81 · 23/05/2023 20:53

I would go for Peak District (although it's not near the sea!) Bakewell is lovely, good schools & nice community. Close to Sheffield but obviously loads of beautiful countryside too.

ColonelRhubarbBikini · 23/05/2023 20:55

TulipTuesday · 23/05/2023 20:39

Isn’t it?!! Are you a pure monner or did you move here?

Show quote history

Born at the Royal Shrewsbury, used to go watch games at the Gay Meadow, dyed in the wool Salopian Grin.

coxesorangepippin · 23/05/2023 20:56

Sound like Yorkshire would be right up your alley op

RoseBucket · 23/05/2023 21:01

Shrewsbury is beautiful, Chesterfield town centre is dreadful now.

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 23/05/2023 21:03

Dartmouth.

nutmegnook · 23/05/2023 21:07

Northumberland for me

Kentishbornknitter · 23/05/2023 21:10

ColonelRhubarbBikini · 23/05/2023 19:34

OP I’m delighted you said Shrewsbury. I was reading the whole thread screaming SHROPSHIRE in my head Grin.

Shrewsbury is the best place in the entire world and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.

But don’t tell everyone or they will all want to come. We are England’s best kept secret!

ElizaMulvil · 23/05/2023 21:13

Another vote for SW Sheffield (borders on Peak District.)

Countryside wonderful - just minutes or walking distance away but only 15 mins by car to Centre. (Keep to areas served by regular buses into Sheffield Centre for when child is a teen.)

Excellent schools, all advantages of a city ie great Unis, Hospitals,Theatres, Parks plus wild areas eg Ecclesall Woods, beautiful valleys and SSSIs eg Blackamoor within the city. Friendly communities with clubs/activities for all ages.

The city where the most students stay on after graduation. Can't tear themselves away - say no more!