Not too late?

[bridgetreilly]

I’m 52 and I’m contemplating a relatively major life change involving a relocation from rural midlands to central London.

Am I crazy for thinking of uprooting at this stage of life?

Not at all - if you’ve the opportunity and want to, then do! Live the life you want ❤️

52 years young! Do it! You're a spring chicken.

Central London would be a good place to live as you get older if you have urban interests.

But I’m not sure how easy it would be to build a social life in central areas if you don’t already know people? City centres tend to more anonymous than suburbs, which can of course be part of the appeal.

That’s true. I do know a fair few people, and the potential job I’m considering would also have the potential for new friendships. Worth thinking about seriously, though.

Also, I would not plan to retire there! This is maybe for 10-15 years max. Maybe less.

Assuming you can afford it, why not?

Central London is great. Go for it.

I’m so jealous!!

Not at all. Go for it. I am 50 in a few months and relocating 250 miles, but from SE to NW. I do have family and friends within half an hours drive, but know no-one in new town. It won’t be half as daunting as when I moved at 24 from Wales to South London for a job, single parent with a 7yr old in tow. In the days before we all had internet at
home too.

I’ve always said i’d love to spend a year living in central London. I absolutely love the city, and i’ve enjoyed living close all these years, now in my new place i’ll be 20 mins train into Liverpool or 25 to Chester the other way. Looking forward to a cheaper and more relaxed way of life now, but if that’s what you want, you should go for it.

Colleague of mine living in central London for a few months whilst between rentals and he has been to lots of organised meet ups, sounds really interesting the type of events he’s done. Great way to meet new people.

Sounds Brilliant, though if your retirement plan is to return to where you are now it might not be as good as staying put as you'd lose a lot of connections moving that you wouldn't necessarily be able to pick back up.

(And I would say urban centers are great for getting older in if you can afford decent housing and have a social network. My PiL live in central London, they don't need to drive, have shops on their doorstep, theatre, libraries, great hospitals, sports centres and parks all within a short walk or a bus or tube ride. One is very involved in a somewhat niche church and the other has an esoteric hobby, both are well catered for.)

Gosh, I really wasn’t expecting such a positive response! Thanks, everyone. Would love to hear from anyone who has done similar how it went.