trying to figure out where in the UK to live

[StartingOver2]

Hi ladies
I escaped a DV situation 4 years ago. I left London and returned to Yorkshire. I didn't intend on staying here so long; the pandemic kind of made the decision for me to stay here. My employer is in London and I've been working from home. The problem is, I don't know anyone in this small town and there aren't many opportunities to meet people because it's just so small here. I love saving my money by not being in London. But the problem is, I barely have a life here. I don't know what to do. Go back to london for the "possibilities" but suffer the higher cost of living and a not so great place to live, or stay here and stay lonely, but buy something that resembles my dream home. I feel like I have to choose between a nice home and a life of loneliness OR go where the possibilities are, but be away from my family and live in an overpriced shoebox. I really want to feel like i'm living. I just feel like i'm existing. What would you do?

Could you move to a commuter town so that you can still go into London at least a couple of times a week if that’s financially feasible (I know sometimes it works out more expensive to go in occasionally than to just get a season ticket).

I live in Milton Keynes which is rapidly expanding and a great place to live (despite what people think of it!) Loads of green spaces, cycle paths everywhere to get out and about and plenty of clubs to join for meeting people.

There are regular trains to Euston which take between 35 mins to 1hr depending on stops. Or plenty of smaller towns and villages along the way which would be a bit closer.

Maybe have a look at the best London station for your commute and work your way out to see what’s around.

I’m a massive introvert so I enjoy working at home, but I know it’s not for everyone and even I get a bit lonely spending so much time alone. Being able to have that balance would be ideal.

@TheShoeLady thank you for your kind message. I hope i'm replying properly - this is my first reply/message here!

I can WFH and expense all trips to the London office as and when needed. It makes sense while there's still uncertainty with the pandemic. But I'm wondering too if I should find some kind of commuter town. It's daunting, with not knowing anyone in those types of places and I'll miss being close to my mum. But I'm not getting any younger and I just feel like I need to put the effort in to build my life back up, make friends and maybe even one day find a partner. It just won't happen here where I am. I guess I need to explore some places. My team is overseas and I just need to go to the London office from time to time so I have choices where I go.

Yes, replying perfectly! The @ sends me an email to let me know you replied to me.

It’s great to have options but also daunting as you say - almost easier if you have to be somewhere particular, but you could end up paralysed by too much choice! Maybe finding somewhere that’s easy for your mum to visit you too could be another criteria - not sure what the journey is like from here but at least it’s the right side of London being north.

The main thing is you got away from your abuser and you have your life ahead of you now, so you can do whatever makes you happy!

If you do fancy looking this way feel free to message me for any info on the surrounding area.

But it sounds like you could literally pick anywhere and make a whole new life for yourself. Wherever you end up, there will be Mumsnetters happy and willing to give you the lowdown or meet up for a chat and cuppa to help you settle in.

Grrr my name change failed! Will get MNHQ to change it for me.