If you were looking to move back to the UK, go for a place you already know or start again

[Etheler]

I don't know where to situate this message, so I put it here. After a few years living abroad and without now education age children/family to worry about I am looking, following an inheritance, to move back to the UK. The place I lived in before was outer London/East Surrey borders near junction 6 and not too far (but far enough) from Croydon. While my friend group is scattered, the largest amount are in or around London. That is, of course, also where I know the local set up, transport, GP etc the best.
I won't be moving back to the UK immediately but essentially want somewhere I can stay when visiting and in future, if and when I do return, resell in order to buy a house. So it will be a foot on the ladder.
Some have suggested I use this as an opportunity to make a clean break and get somewhere in a new place entirely, or in the West Country where I have 1 or 2 contacts. Id be worried at 50+ about being socially isolated in a completely new place. Then again meeting new people in and around London can also be challenging. Although on the flipside again, even when you are a bit lonely you have all the art galleries etc of central London on your doorstep, talks concerts etc going on. I am very into politics (hoping to get active in local groups), current affairs, history and culture. I wonder if any of you have any thoughst on this? I suppose if I don't like the place.I buy I can always resell in future and swallow the transactionals

It honestly sounds as though you would clearly prefer to move back to a more familiar place on the outskirts of London. Do you see any benefits to you personally in starting again somewhere new?
When you think about your future political activism, where would you like to see that happen?

I would seriously have a look at the costs of buying and selling in the UK before you commit to that plan. It costs a fortune and can take a very long time with no guarantee of success. Or it could be fine but I wouldn't want the stress and I've sold a few houses over the last couple of years.

My immediate feelings are usually 'never move back' because things are never how they were before and it can be disappointing.

However, if your friends are in the same phase of life as you and would keep meeting you for the sort of things you're interested in, then definitely move back.

If you're single/childless and they're running around with kids and partners, the dynamic is likely to change and you won't just slot into the old way of things.

Also how do you feel about starting up in a new area? I often dream of making new roots so that isn't intimidating to me, making good friends and establishing new roots can be a lot of fun. You can also a choose a place that suits you entirely rather than just settling back to where you were before because of the familiarity.

Overall if you can afford to live near London for your cultural and political interests, and you already have an established network then if probably go for London.
Good luck!