Moving Outside of London

[APiousHeart]

Hi all,

My partner and I want to rent outside of London before buying our first property, as we have never lived outside of the city. I am mostly concerned about being the only "black people in the village". I've dealt with my fair share of racism before, so I am not looking to experience it again.

We're both Black Caribbean, 30's and professionals with relatively good jobs (remote); however, we want something a little quieter and want to start a family within the next year or so.

What are your thoughts on the following areas:

1. Hastings
2. Eastbourne
3. Worthing
4. Lewes
5. Bournville
6. Edgbaston
7. Clacton-on-sea

Thank you!

Bump

Interesting list!
I actually know all but the last one. I think it depends on what you want to get out of the area, how much you have to spend, what sort of life you want.
I presume you are a remote worker due to the variation?

We’re looking to spend up to 1.5K on rent for the time being. Ideally, we’d like to be near some green spaces and relaxing bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. As mentioned, we are remote workers.

Please recommend any other areas worth considering!

Bournville and Edgbaston are both Birmingham. Edgbaston varies enormously, Bournville can be very quiet but is very green. There aren't a lot of bars or even cafes open after 4pm in a Quaker suburb. Stirchley end of Bournville, or Stirchley proper offer bars, cafes, green space along the River Rea, and a train station taking you into Birmingham New Street in 12 minutes. And a canal as you'll be nowhere near the sea.

Clacton on sea is essentially a retirement village. On that basis, I'd avoid if I was under 55.

We like the look of Bournville because it’s green, but how diverse is it? I’m not expecting it to resemble London, but I’d like to feel comfortable. I’ve seen a few houses in Stirchley - is it somewhat diverse?

Bournville isn't very diverse at all, but that is compared to the rest of Birmingham and not somewhere like Worthing or Eastbourne. It's more diverse than it was, though people rarely seem to leave so there's less potential for change compared to neighbouring areas like Stirchley. A lot of the housing is socially rented by Bournville Village Trust, so there is diversity in terms of income. It's a great place to raise kids, with excellent secondary schools (not always easy to find in a big city - though this may be way too far in the future to be a major factor in decision making!).

Bristol?
Reasonably close to London,and beautiful countryside around.

None of the areas you list are diverse. Family in Eastbourne and Lear's. Wouldn't want to live there. What are your criteria? Schools?

Which areas would you recommend?

Some parts of Edgbaston Birmingham are very diverse, the area is divided by the Hagley Rd. North Edgbaston (around the reservoir) is much more diverse and seeing a lot of investment and redevelopment. Birmingham is a much underrated city, but we seem to like it that way.

I'd also recommend Bristol if you're looking for diversity, with good transport links, and plenty of green spaces... Bristol really has it all! I don't live there now, but was born there, grew up there and only moved away 5 years ago. Bristol is huge, we lived in a suburb in north Bristol for a while, which had everything you needed, lots of lovely green spaces, and quick and easy links into central Bris via buses, train stations, and M32. I'd say the suburbs are less diverse than the city centre, but you definitely wouldn't feel like you didn't fit in anywhere in Bristol really, it is hugely diverse. The accent might put you off though... Alreeet me luvverrrr?! 🤣

Funny enough my family and I were in Eastbourne last weekend for a day with some folks from church.
We are black have 2 kids and both in our 30s and from the little I saw I would not be moving to Eastbourne, especially not to raise kids.
Have you considered wider areas of Surrey outside the m25 or even Kent I understand some parts are quite diverse with really good schools.

Worthing is not diverse at all.

Thanks!

I’ve heard good things about Bristol. Which areas would you recommend? I’m happy to be somewhat near the centre, but I’d like a quieter area.

@APiousHeart Bishopston, Really family friendly - but has got more expensive compared to what it was- Redland ( More flats as houses are huge) Clifton is lovely
Those are the areas I’m “ Familiar “ with as an ex Londoner
It’s got a lot more “ Gentrified “ in some of the once poorer parts , too

The famous “ Awright, my Luvver “accent has all but gone in the places I mentioned - a great pity.

Well if diversity is a concern then I would not choose Eastbourne, Hastings or Lewes though they are reasonable areas with an Arty feel, access to great countryside etc.

Worthing I know very well as in-laws live there and its changed a-lot with the Brighton overspill, more things to do, lots of young families, becoming more diverse, great access to South Downs, close to Brighton. I went uni in Brighton so again have a long term connection with this area and am always going back. Beware though as prices are increasing.

I also know Edgbaston well and to a lesser extent Bournville. The latter is pretty and green but Egdbaston is a mixed bag with some expensive housing. You need to check crime maps as roads can vary greatly. Not that great for country walks but then its Birmingham! You have Canon park on your doorstep and Sutton Park is not a million miles away. I agree Brum is underrated and I spent a very happy 10 years there during my post-grad training and made some great friends. I don’t think you need to worry about diversity in specific neighbourhoods as its a diverse city anyway by nature. It is generally an affordable city.

I currently live in Winchester for the last two years for work which is beautiful and highly recommend for families. It is very expensive but has a lot to offer in terms of excellent state and private schools, art/cultural activities, close to the coast/new forest, semi rural with excellent country walks. It is not that diverse though maybe that will change and was a major concern for me. Having said that I have recently bought and very much likely to stay.

Milton Keynes ticks all your boxes I think. Depends on the exact part of town as some are horrible but it's very diverse.

Awright my luvverrr!!

I really miss the “ Ark at “ee!” Oldskool accents
I be smoovin’ the cat &c

What about Moseley or Kings Heath in Birmingham?

How about Leicester? Any recommendations?

Avoid Clacton.

Personally I wouldn't recommend Worthing, not for any reason other than all my friends who lived there have left because its awful.

I'm planning on moving to Brizzle soon with the kids so if you pick that area keep us posted!

The thing is if you are looking for something a little more relaxed you wont get that in large cities like Bristol, Birmingham and Leicester. In my opinion they can be equally busy without the perks. Plus if you are used to all the activities London has to offer you may struggle.

NOT Clacton. Not only is it really not diverse at all, it’s a very deprived area and not at all what you are looking for. AT ALL. As a shorthand way of saying what it’s like, it’s the only place in Britain to have had a UKIP MP. AVOID!