Where do Londoners move to?

[ALyons]

Hi, I am looking for Londoners who moved out of the capital and relocated elsewhere in the country. I'd like their honest opinion on life away from a metropolis and how to handle such a transition. I have posted here on moving to Chester but a few people said it's too small; however, bigger places may have the same issues London experiences right now in terms of safety, being over populated, etc. We have no kids and are in our early 50s, and are thinking to rent to start off with although our little dog may be an issue in this case. We would also like good train connections as we will need to come into the city occasionally. In an ideal world, there would be a thriving area just outside London and perhaps I could commute for work. But properties seem to be as high there, and on top I'd have to pay to commute while now my traveling is very cheap. hence Chester came up as it seems to tick most boxes...but it's far 😥 I would appreciate any tip you may have, as whenever I feel like moving I worry that nowhere else is quite the same as London. Thank you🙏

DH and I (no kids and similar age) lived between zone 1-2 for 20yrs. We moved 2hrs drive away, about 3yrs ago. Partly to have a garden/quiet/seaside but also to be nearer DH's parents. I often find people tend to move to be closer/en-route to family/friends.
We don't need to commute as both WFH, but I do sometimes have conferences in london, but there is a 1.5hr train which is doable for the odd trip.
I'm afraid I know nothing about Chester or towns there.

We do still have the London property, which will be rented, when recent flood damage from upstairs is fixed! When I return, I'm acutely aware of the noise and the black soot on the window sills. I miss the shop on our high street that sells all manner of herbs/spices and fruit/veg from around the world. I used to walk everywhere, whereas at the new house, we drive everywhere. I do love have a garden now and a veggie patch. I can walk to the beach and open fields for the dog and the air just seems cleaner.

Do you have friends/family you want to be nearish to? Any part of London you need to commute back to?

I moved from London to Deal, Kent two years ago at the age of 50.

I love living by the sea, the friendliness and the peace and quiet.

I don't miss London in the slightest although there is a fast train that can get me there in about 1.30 hr.

I live a much healthier lifestyle: swim in the sea, walks, grow my own fruits and vegs.

Still plenty to do in town and nearby towns like Margate, Folkestone or Canterbury.

I still work for a London-based company but can't wait to find a fully remote or local job.

Welwyn Garden City.
(And regret it every day).

We have friends who retired to Devon and others went to Suffolk. they all seem very happy.

They're all in Bristol or Manchester

A1 corridor, a lot of them.

It doesn't seem far enough to regret it so much?

I mean you can nip back in an hour anytime!

Bruton and Castle Cart according to DM.
She doesn't count because she did it 25 years ago.

Bristol.

Ayrshire - people speak to me on public transport - still freaks me out.

People speak to me on the buses (in London) tube not so much as it is full of tourists!
OP we moved to the south coast but when we divorced I moved back to London because I had/have a better network of friends here.

Unfortunately a lot have moved to Kent. It's rife with DFL's; some are lovely, others not so much.

According to the Whitstable Facebook page they all live there and are not welcome! I don't live in Whitstable, but did move from London to Kent and love it - I live in a small village and the people here have been so lovely and welcoming.

I was waiting for someone to mention Whitstable 😂

My ExP and his girlfriend moved down from London to Whitstable a couple of months back.

Thank you all very much for your input. Noted and appreciated! I wish you a brilliant day no matter where you are in the world 😇

We moved to Leicestershire. Big mistake.

Moved to Caversham - 20 min walk along the river to Reading station and a variety of trains into London every day. Beautiful countryside around - lots of villages to visit and the main shopping centre of Reading if needed. Been here 2 years and love the mix

Away with your DFL crap. Smug bigotry. Londoners know much more than you ever will about "outsiders" moving in. It's why people love it here so much and those of us who are natives can see why

Me too 🤣 We came six years ago on a hot bank holiday weekend and by the time we took the train back to London we were Googling the local property market!! We have never looked back. I freelance from home, DH takes the fast train to London three times a week.

We love being by the sea, we love the local shops and the weekly market, our DC cycle to school along the beach when the weather’s good, we are very happy being in a place where we can cycle or walk everywhere. This is also where I have got addicted to swimming in the sea! Everyone we’ve met has been very friendly, there are lots of interesting creative people here.

Brighton, Hastings, Guildford

Moved to West Midlands massive mistake alot less work and I miss London

East Midlands was certainly a giant mistake in our case.

Well lots in central & inner London move to Outer London

Unfortunately a lot have moved to Kent. It's rife with DFL's; some are lovely, others not so much.

🙄 plenty will have come from Kent in the first place.

Oxford, but when it was a little cheaper. Easy to get into London & good state schools. Good nightlife. Very pretty and youthful because of the students.