Are you ready to move to the country side?

[lboogy]

Inspired by the thread on the main board. Sounds like a lot of white middle class professionals are upping sticks.

My family live in London z2 so I have no desire to move so further. We have recently agreed a purchase in zone 5, but I think that's the furthest I'll go. I'm not keen on the country side because I need the diversity of at least I need to be able to get to somewhere diverse in 20m.

Have you guys considered moving out? Are you worried about schooling and diversity for your kids? Or for yourself ?

There are places on the outskirts of London and Home Counties that are diverse as I have family and friends who have moved plus I've worked in some. However most are towns.

And no I'm not moving from where I am in London as I live in an area with good schools.

I live in Zone 5. I wouldn't move any further out.

I live in a town, and wouldn't move back to London until I'm older, kids have flown and I'm bored.

The faith school DS goes to is perhaps 40% ethinic minorities, he's definitely not missing out there. Secular and prep/private schools are certainly less diverse. After living life in z2 and z3 until marriage, I enjoy the cheaper outgoings and more space. Our next move will definitely be more countryside, less town. I have family in London I visit often if I need a fix

I lived in the Home Counties and moved to London recently. There are many lovely diverse towns but I much prefer London. I don't see myself moving back anytime soon. Diversity in schools was very important to me as I didn't have that growing up.

Im currently in z2 but looking to purchase further out like you OP. As much as I love the countryside - I'm not looking to move anytime soon.

Oh I forgot London was a big draw because it is closer to family. I love the countryside and miss the lower outgoings but I was also on my own. I underestimated the importance of family support for me.

I did it and have no regrets.

There are a lot of new build estates popping up in the Home Counties and they tend to be 'cosmopolitan'

Considering moving out of zone 2 next year as we are planning to ttc and want a house rather than a flat. Did a mini break in the country before lockdown and I felt so relaxed with the peace and quiet and we could have a gorgeous house.... but I don’t think I could do it after growing up in an area without much diversity. That said, we live in a fairly posh bit of S London that feels less diverse than surrounding areas

No thanks. London is a very different place in terms of diversity compared to the rest of the UK. I live in the London suburbs (zone 4/5), and that's as far out as I'm prepared to go.

I have some friends who live in deep Surrey, and the dad of the family recently mentioned how happy his DD was when another Black child joined her class. She'd been the only one since she was 3, and she's now 8. He didn't make the connection, and continued going on about how happy HE is living where they do.

For me it's really important that the DC see themselves around them, and having grown up in a diverse London, I want to give my DC a similar experience.

I lived very happily in a West Country village for several years. I completely loved the combination of rural living and shopping/theatre/art in the nearest city.

Perhaps because I grew up in the Home Counties I've never expected to see myself reflected in the surrounding population in England. Almost no one in the U.K. is black, outside London. If I wanted to be primarily amongst people who look like me I would have to choose not to live in England.

I'm not putting this well - but (despite unarguable difficulties - the type one lives through every day) I'm not sure finding an exactly perfect racial mix would be my biggest concern in choosing somewhere to live.