Staffordshire/derbyshire/peaks/chershire… anyone find me a location…

[Steestu]

and maybe even a house?! I’m a single parent to two dc, 3 and 6. Now divorced and finally taking the step to move up north nearer family. These are the areas I’ve shortlisted. My budget for a home is 490. I would prefer a detached but not sure that’s possible. I only have my elderly parents, a couple of friends who are helping a little but basically I am on my own with looking and feel so lonely and so fed up. Any advice or suggestions would be wonderful!!

I'm in Burton upon Trent. Moved from London 7 years ago. Love it here. You'd definitely get something within your budget here.

It’s a broad area. What are you after? A city, large town, small town, countryside? Do you want travel links to Manchester or London? Where are your family?

110% you can get a detached for your budget across all them areas.

Whereabouts do your parents live?

Thanks! Parents are in the peaks but I’m not bothered about being really really close, they won’t be helping with childcare or anything.

I just don’t know where to begin really. I don’t think I want to be city centre, would rather be more rural but maybe a half hour drive to nearest big town or city.

What about Bollington or Marple?

Leek? You'll get more for your money than Cheshire and it's a lovely little market town.

Hi fellow Burtonian 👋
I agree, plenty for that amount here and around South Derbyshire

I second having a look at Leek. Beautiful market town, good schools, next to the countryside, in between Stoke and Macclesfield. It has a Staffordshire post code so your budget will stretch far.

A starter for 10 just to show how far your money will go there
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/147094568#/?channel=RES_BUY

5 beds, 3 bathrooms detached with a spa in the garden 😆

Bakewell is a lovely town, so is Ashbourne.

Nantwich is a great little Cheshire town and there's huge amounts of property in budget. Mainly detached newer homes

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/151971989?utmcampaign=property-details&utmmcontent=buying&utmmedium=sharing&utmmsource=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

Leek meets your criteria, it’s 30 minutes or so from Hanley, 20 from Macclesfield, Congleton and Buxton, 30 from Uttoxeter.
You will get snowed in however!

I was coming on to say the same. Leek's my home town (although I left many years ago) Every time I go back to visit friends I enjoy the vibe/markets/lovely little shops etc. We are planning to move back when we retire. You'd definitely get a nice house in budget and be well situated.

Another vote for Leek .

You could definitely get a detached house for that budget in Staffordshire

And another for leek here to.

North Derbyshire - change from your budget and no work needed:

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146556461#/?channel=RES_BUY

Ashbourne

4 beds, 2 en suites, family room, conservatory: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/146183720#/?channel=RES_BUY

4 beds, also has play/family room and conservatory: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86455005#/?channel=RES_BUY

4 beds, much cheaper and lovely house/plot: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/149560412#/?channel=RES_BUY

If you're set on 3 beds the prices are obviously even less ...

How about this one, on the edge of Chesterfield, adjacent to the Peak District.

I came to say Leek in Staffs too! Great for that age group- lovely schools and lots going on locally.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137336792#/?channel=RES_BUY

I'd base yourself near your parents and/or close friends. They may not be able to offer much practical help but they will be there for much needed support.

Will the kids Dad be having them? You want a reasonable journey to him in that case. You won't want your kids having a 4 hour car ride every weekend.

Matlock/Darley Dale/Bakewell - close to the Peaks, and close to Chesterfield, Derby, Sheffield & Nottingham.

My two recommendations for good schools would be:

Barton under Needwood - John Taylor catchment area.

Duffield - Ecclesbourne catchment area.

Leek

Nice area in west end of the town but also easy to walk into town centre. Great catchment area for Westwood Road and Woodcroft primary schools. Also close to the middle and high schools, right in front of the park:
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/155053571#/?channel=RES_BUY

5 mins on foot from Woodcroft Primary school and nice quiet end of town https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/154699460#/?channel=RES_BUY

This one is in a much desired street also great for schools https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/154021880#/?channel=RES_BUY

I used to live in Leek and absolutely loved it. One day I'll move back, such a good community feeling there 😍