Where would you live in the UK.....!!!

[jmg1]

Considering the people, schools, amenities, shops, bars, restaurants, traffic, surrounding countryside where would you choose for you and your kids to live in the UK + why?

hatter! Didn't know you live in Oxford. What's so crap about Mumsnet meet ups in Oxford, hey? . Met Oldie mum once... come on, Lipstickmum et al! Or are you all scared we'll bump into each other in M&S and not know what to say

Is Sailsbury dominated by the army presence at all?

Yes, I think it is. Shrivenham or something. Must ask DH.

beetroot, maybe we will come and gate crash your Hotel!

I'd choose south Devon. But somewhere not too far away from the motorways that can take you to Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter or Bath.

Mind you, I speak as someone who has only holidayed in that area, even though for 18 years, as we have inlaws there. Love the countryside, beaches, pubs, and what I know of the people and the schools.

Anywhere but here (Ashford, Kent)

Another vote for the north east. I live in the town with the most NO votes for the refurendum And I wouldn't want to leave it.

I'm a city woman and would choose London (where we are now but with no chance of a bigger property/garden etc)or Glasgow (where we may be one day but I'm not holding my breath!).

I've heard lots of reports that Ashford is grim Tallulah. Poor you. Any chance of a move or are you pretty much tied down?

Evesham is nice

I have the Little Book of Crap Towns - any you want me to look at?

I love that book, jampot. It's hilarious.

I live in a crap town

Why not buy a property in Italy as an investment/holiday home jmg and spend a bit of time there to see what you think of it. You can still buy fabulous property quite cheaply there.

I'm loving living in London.

Another vote for Oxford (I live here). Upside - beautiful (in parts), lots of interesting people, easy to get around on foot, good bookshops, near to pleasant countryside. Downside - high house prices, non-bookshops are very ho-hum, crazy one-way system causes traffic chaos on a regular basis.

zp, is it really ?

Milton Keynes - hey don't laugh. I moved from there 3 years ago to Staffordshire, I like it here, but I do miss MK, un-interrupted bike rides, space, things to do, and fast roads with no pedestrians. and a big Tesco's

I am happy enough, but reckon I would be more in MK, property more expensive, so good when I moved, but means I can't go back

Hi Carla - I don't live in Oxford - used to (left in 1995) and would like to again, but just wouldn't work for the moment - dh and I both work in very London-specific jobs

Hi Stickynote (to continue the hopping)- yes, but in good company with London, Richmond etc too so can't be so bad. My town in due to supposed ample local supply of elderly ladies with social aspirations & allegiance to the lady down the road..

?

Brighton - I love it here, always something happening, it's got the beach, the South Downs 5 mins away, great shops, culture AND alternative culture plus loads for kids...I tried living in the Hampshire countryside but felt too isolated and missed the buzz of a city. I've also lived in Liverpool and Portsmouth...I like knowing I can whiz up to London too if I want... houses are v.expensive though...but if I was a single parent again I would definitely want to be here cos so much to do with kids x

Jampot -ref to "Crap Towns" book

Always lived in London and it is my favourite place but wouldn't say no to a couple of years in Rome or New York!! Having lived, worked and gone to school/college in various part of London my fave is where we are now, Belsize Park and this area of London generally but, as the parent of a child with special needs, the London Borough of Camden is, without doubt the best ime. I also like Ealing a lot, where I went to school, very green and good tubes/roads etc.
Outside London then Suffolk/Norfolk or Wales, but that would have to be holiday home!