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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I can find somewhere like London outside London?

477 replies

Cheezywotsitforbrekkie · 30/10/2024 10:10

We are considering a move outside London for the bigger house. Would have to be commutable, and not TOO far. As a result, a city like Birmingham is out of the question.

But I love London. I know I won’t get the big city feel if we aren’t in a city, but I’d at least like to feel like I’m living in a vibrant suburb that’s just a bit further from London.

currently thinking somewhere with a Brixton/ Herne Hill vibe.

its also the people, so want to move somewhere that attracts a fair number of quite arty types. ( we also aren’t loaded so don’t think we’d be able to go anywhere that attracts the banker crowd)

we aren’t particularly edgy ourselves ( like to think we are 😁) but friends who moved to Tonbridge wells came back with their tail between their legs…it was too dull for them and they aren’t wild!

so looking for places that are cheaper than London, a bit arty, community feel and with the obligatory nice coffee shop. Any ideas?

OP posts:
Treesandsheepeverywhere · 13/11/2024 13:01

A1984 · 13/11/2024 12:45

As a bit more Chesham context: I lived in London for twenty years, lots of different parts, including Herne Hill and although of course Chesham isn't like London (nowhere could fully be apart from London!) the elements I liked particularly in Herne Hill and similar London 'villages' (good independent shops and restaurants, a bit more green than lots of other bits of London), community feel, nice food, music venues, market) are in Chesham and affordable. There are nicer bits and less nice bits of course, but overall it's been a good fit for us when we moved out with the baby, so yes I'd recommend checking it out as houses are still a bit more reasonably priced there.

It's got bits that are similar to London, but as a whole, not like London at all.

OP is best accepting that nowhere is like London and finding the next best thing.

asdfgasdfg · 13/11/2024 21:23

My daughter moved to Nottingham after meeting her now DH. I visit often, they now have a son and live in a town 20 mins out of the city. Both work in Nottingham it's a great city. Arenas, theatres,, restaurants National Ice Rink great rail and coach links to London and trams. I would love to live there but am stuck financially in a council house in East London.

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