Relocation to Suffolk/Norfolk

[Shellbell38]

Hi there my husband and I have been considering a move to the coast for a very long time! We have always wanted to be nearer to the sea and enjoy a slower pace of life and the countryside. We were nearly moving down to Cornwall (Roseland peninsula) last year until my husband’s flexible working options changed. He now has to be in Milton Keynes once a week so needs to have a 2.5 hour commute maxium back once a week. We have three children aged 5,9,11 who love sport. They all play football and my daughter does trampolining so ideally need to be near somewhere that offers facilities for their hobbies. We want to be near to the coast (30 mins away) with a large town/city fairly near (about 30-40 mins away) so that the children have things to do as they get older. We also want some good schools. Could I get some honest opinions about where would be a good place to relocate or if people think it is not a good idea! Have heard the road network is dreadful for example? It says on Google maps 2.5 hours is realistic for commute from many places but is it in reality? We are currently in a village community just outside of Leighton Buzzard Bedfordshire. TIA, Michelle

”2.5 hours”

My husband would cope fine with the travelling once and occasionally twice a week as used to often fly up to Scotland and back in a day a few times a month sometimes with a different role. Travelling does not bother him and we have bought an electric car (if it ever arrives as very long lead time lol) which will help with fuel cost. All the advice is so helpful. Where we are now requires us to drive our children everywhere as in a village but we are within easy reach of the large market town of Leighton Buzzard and half hour from Milton Keynes and we have access to so much on our doorstep. However, we have ALWAYS wanted to get further away and near to coast but jobs have always prohibited it. It is now or when we retire basically. Our children seem rather keen on the idea but I need to know they will still have access to wide range of activities. Obviously being near coast opens up new hobbies for them and us and they adore getting out in the water. There are lots of mixed views on here so we will have to go and look without rose tinted glasses on!! May ask further advice once we have visited. Thanks again everyone 😊

I didn’t answer ur question! OH drives half hour to Milton Keynes and half hour back, mostly once a week and sometimes twice a week. His working is very flexible and he doesn’t even go once a week sometimes. His company are thinking about offering full time home working so travelling might change moving forwards too

Sorry if I've already said this but there is no issue with hobbies in Nofolk- we are not stuck in the 1950s here as some think! Loads of my daughters friends have moved here from London. There are multiple dance schools, karate, drama clubs, swimming groups, tennis, hockey, brownies, scouts, trampolining, gymnastics, acro, Suzuki music... those are just some clubs done by her friends off the top of my head!

This is so good to hear! Thanks