To stay or go?

[Hereorthereoranywhere]

I wasn’t sure which section to post this in as it covers many so I’ll start here.
I’m single , been divorced many years and no longer have any local friends. DD has left home and lives in another town. So It’s just me at home living in an expensive area for no reason other than my job. I’m not overly keen on my job.
I’m considering moving to another town still in reasonable travelling distance of DD and leaving my job. I’m not 100% sure where I’d move to yet but will start visiting places. I’m 53 so wondering if it’s too much of a risk. I can afford not to work for 6-12 months while I get settled in a new area and look for a job. I can also buy a better property for similar money to what I’d get for my current property. I also currently pay £2500 Pa service charges which I wouldn’t if I moved and will have to consider a lease extension if I stay put long term.
Am I mad for considering this or should I just wait til I retire and move away then?

Great plan. Can you buy without mortgage?

Would it be worth start looking for a job at the same time?

If you find a new job first, would it be commutable from your current place?1

@WhichWaytoHere thank you.
Yes, will remain mortgage free if I move. New town wouldn’t be commutable so would have to find a job after the move - which is a bit scary!

@WhichWaytoHere however I’d bury a freehold property so no service charges and no lease extension to worry about.

I agree it is scary a bit what with the job market & also renting being so difficult these days, you can't even easily rent a bit as a stop gap solution.

Having no service charges will be a huge weight off you, it's risky but sounds like a huge gain if works out well.

Don't stay just for a job you don't even like, what if suddenly everyone gets made redundant?

Also is your job the type that is guaranteed you will find something or do you expect a longer job hunt?

Could you find a job that's 100% WFH before you commit to the move?

I would consider -

Can I downsize my property, get same size but in cheaper area etc to release some capital

Likelihood of getting a new job. Depends what you do and what kind of salary you can afford to take.

Am I prepared to work in Tesco (for example) or anything part time just to get any job to bridge the gap either to a better job or until retirement.

Pension provisions

why this particular town? Friends or family close by? I think that would be important to me too

I'd say you are better off finding the job first, then move. Don't underestimate how much age discrimination still happens - and I say that as I struggled at age 54 to find a new job - so I'd see that as the priority. I know renting is expensive but see it as a necessary evil, somewhere to stay as you start your new job and settle into a new area. I'm still renting - I'm now 56 - but the time has allowed me to really think about what amenities I want around me as I head into retirement.

Thanks so much for the replies.
My age and finding a new job is a big concern. I’d be prepared to work for example in a supermarket. I would probably earn a few thousand less than I do now. Though I know I’d probably have to work more anti social hours.

Anyone else got any thoughts?

Is your main reason for moving financial?

It sounds like an exiting new opportunity. I think your concerns about finding a new job are valid. What field do you work in?

Also would you be moving closer to DD? Does she plan to move again or is she fairly settled?