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Original poster

Moving Outside of London

43 replies

APiousHeart · 17/08/2023 20:34

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!

OP posts:
Original poster
APiousHeart · 18/08/2023 07:23

BitOutOfPractice · 18/08/2023 06:33

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!

Thanks for sharing. Clacton is no longer on our list.

OP posts:
Original poster
APiousHeart · 18/08/2023 07:41

Exchange230316 · 17/08/2023 22:58

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.

Thanks for your input - appreciated.

I’ve heard Worthing is a mixed bag. Which parts would you recommend? Edgbaston/Jewelry Quarter seem okay, but Bournville looks lovely. I liked Winchester when I visited, but I can't imagine living there. We received many odd looks while we were going about our business and did not bring attention to ourselves.

Knowing there are areas we shouldn't venture into is very worrying, especially in this day and age.

OP posts:
jennymac31 · 18/08/2023 11:43

I would definitely recommend Bristol but I'm not sure you'll get much for your £1.5k budget in Bishopston/Redland/Clifton (North Bristol). It might be worth considering parts of South Bristol like Southville, Totterdown or Upper Knowle.

GloomySkies · 18/08/2023 11:46

My mixed race (Londonder) niece ended up in Hastings. She couldn't get out fast enough, nobody spoke to her at work, the (white) managers gave her the worst shifts and worst breaks, people stared at her. Worst time of her life. So I'd suggest not Hastings.

Original poster
APiousHeart · 19/08/2023 08:23

GloomySkies · 18/08/2023 11:46

My mixed race (Londonder) niece ended up in Hastings. She couldn't get out fast enough, nobody spoke to her at work, the (white) managers gave her the worst shifts and worst breaks, people stared at her. Worst time of her life. So I'd suggest not Hastings.

That’s terrible. I’m sorry to hear this. I thought Hastings had become more progressive 😑

OP posts:
Original poster
APiousHeart · 19/08/2023 08:24

jennymac31 · 18/08/2023 11:43

I would definitely recommend Bristol but I'm not sure you'll get much for your £1.5k budget in Bishopston/Redland/Clifton (North Bristol). It might be worth considering parts of South Bristol like Southville, Totterdown or Upper Knowle.

Thank you! I’ve noted these areas 😄

OP posts:
Dibblydoodahdah · 19/08/2023 08:28

Clacton is awful. Avoid at all costs. If you want to consider Essex, Chelmsford would be a far far better option. Both my DCs go to school in Chelmsford, one state grammar and one private. Both of their schools are diverse.

Theyreallydidaskthat · 19/08/2023 09:40

APiousHeart · 17/08/2023 22:48

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.

Show quote history

You may want to check out the house prices in Bristol, it's very expensive to live anywhere nice. It has had a lot of investment as a city and is much more diverse than it used to be but you may want to ask the perspective of people who have moved there from London vs those that have lived there and compare their experiences.

oakleaffy · 19/08/2023 14:57

Theyreallydidaskthat · 19/08/2023 09:40

You may want to check out the house prices in Bristol, it's very expensive to live anywhere nice. It has had a lot of investment as a city and is much more diverse than it used to be but you may want to ask the perspective of people who have moved there from London vs those that have lived there and compare their experiences.

Show quote history

I'm from London , Couldn't afford to buy so moved to Bristol- It was a third of the price of London then- {Bishopston} but now prices have gone up -still way cheaper than London though.

Lots of Londoners moved here after Lockdowns, driving up prices, but think prices are dropping again now.

jennymac31 · 21/08/2023 03:25

I'm originally from London and moved to Bristol for better job opportunities etc. Whilst Bristol isn't cheap, it's not as expensive as London.

Delectable · 23/08/2023 23:15

I visited a Turkish restaurant in Clacton on Sea last week as I was staying in Frinton on Sea. I was surprised to see so many people obviously of African heritage. I also noticed a Caribbean restaurant not far from the station and an African owned shop restoring trainers.

How about Milton Keynes, Swindon, villages near High Wycombe?

Original poster
APiousHeart · 09/09/2023 18:23

Just to follow up, we have settled for Bournville. It’s lovely!

OP posts:
Momof23 · 10/09/2023 10:42

Good choice! Bournville is looking particularly lovely this weekend with all the heritage open days going on.

oakleaffy · 10/09/2023 16:51

APiousHeart · 09/09/2023 18:23

Just to follow up, we have settled for Bournville. It’s lovely!

My step great Granny lived there- She was very happy.

advicemom · 11/03/2025 21:57

Hi, just wondering how you're getting on in Bournville, I am a family of 6 with a black and mixed race family, I have found a lovely house. How are the locals treating you? I have small children and have been reading mixed reviews due to the move next month

TheMoreAssured · 12/03/2025 11:09

Hastings? Christ alive, it is full old ancient white people. Brighton it is not.

Edgbaston is nice, as is Moseley and Harborne - I'm from Birmingham.

TheMoreAssured · 12/03/2025 11:14

@advicemom I can help, I am from Sutton Coldfield just north of Birmingham. Bournville is nice but very quiet. It is the site of the old Cadbury's factory that was set up as a model village for the factory workers.

Bad news is the Cadbury's were Quakers, so there are no pubs or bars. It is lovely in and of itself but the surrounding areas are not wonderful.

Generally speaking Birmingham is a place where in the main, different races mix happily - as you'd expect from a large City.

advicemom · 13/03/2025 10:38

TheMoreAssured · 12/03/2025 11:14

@advicemom I can help, I am from Sutton Coldfield just north of Birmingham. Bournville is nice but very quiet. It is the site of the old Cadbury's factory that was set up as a model village for the factory workers.

Bad news is the Cadbury's were Quakers, so there are no pubs or bars. It is lovely in and of itself but the surrounding areas are not wonderful.

Generally speaking Birmingham is a place where in the main, different races mix happily - as you'd expect from a large City.

Thank you for your comment this has really helped

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