Black family - moving outside of London

[Forfamily]

Hi All.

I wonder if you can help?!

Myself (Jamaican heritage) and DH (Nigerian) want to move outside of London but are finding it a bit of a struggle.

We want to step away from the business of London and live in the countryside (not the sticks!) where our DD's (6 and 3) can play outdoors more and have access to better schooling opportunities etc.

Along the search so far we have found that in some parts of the North England you can get a double take or two (being either the only black people there or one of the very few) or the area's we can afford are really rundown and not the places we want to live.
We were in Leamington Spa and I fell in love with the high street, parks, even the people seemed friendly enough but some parts were really rough and sadly those area are more within our price bracket 🙁

It's so scary as you just don't know what your getting yourself into as we are stepping into the unknown. We both have been in South London all our lives.

So of there's anyone that can give suggestion on areas that would be great! Or if you are in the same position- get in touch!

What we are looking for:
•Great community/friendly town
•Access to local amenities
•Town centre with good high street store Next, Zara, M and S, H and M and good charity shops too
• Good schools
•Period properties
• Local parks that are safe
• Somewhere accepting so we all can make friends and settle well.

I hope you can help

Hi could you please tell me more about that area too please?

@CarlasjE can you on me too please as i am considering Leicester. I'm a mum of 4

@Forfamily I live in Cheltenham which is a good place to raise kids. It’s pretty and feels safe and calm, if a bit boring. Good access to the countryside. It’s not especially diverse, but there’s a few shops catering to non-European food needs (I’m originally from South London and this one of my main gripes). It’s quite pricey though, but isn’t too far from London (3.5 hrs to Lambeth by car for us when visiting family).
Oxford is wonderful, but very expensive.
Stroud is very nice, lovely countryside, but small.
Ill second Sheffield as well, it’s a lovely city.

Sorry name has changed since i last posted on this thread. Of course - Leicester City itself is very multicultural. You can get all types of food from all over the world. Plenty of afro hair shops and salons.
If you prefer somewhere a little more slow paced and rural, Hinckley is a great mix of facilities and nearby countryside and a 20 min car or train ride to Leicester, but far less multicultural. It is getting more diverse as time goes on though. There are also other surrounding towns near Leicester that are not far away but a more rural setting. Hinckley is close to alot of places as its so central - Coventry 20 mins, Birmingham 30 mins, Leicester 20 mins, Rugby 20 mins (where you can get a fast train to London in 50 mins) feel free to message if I can help any more.

Sorry I missed this. You're welcome to message me if you still want to. (Name has change but still me!)

HRTFT but around York would fit your brief but unless you're selling an expensive London property you may be surprised at house prices. You won't get a detached four bedroom in a decent area under £500,000, if you do it'll need a lot of work.

Hi, it is really daunting moving somewhere else. We are in Leamington so please let me know if you would like more information. It's a really lovely place, with some great schools. Housing is pricey I know.

Hope you find somewhere lovely for you all x