Find us a nice town to live in

[crazyoldcatman]

We have lived on the Herts/London border for 20 years. Although London has the workd in it, and we like that, our big working weeks dissuade us from getting on a train and dealing with crowds. We’re looking to move from a 3bed semi pretty much anywhere 500k will buy us similar or more. we’d like:

Cars to be able to move on the roads most of the time.
A sense of community.
A bit of space.
Nice independent shops.
Calm but in town.
Good local amenities.
Near a major UK city.

No kids so don’t care about schools. We’re a same sex couple so interested in safety.

Recommendations?

Norwich!

Isle of Man - look at Ramsey or Douglas.
Clean air, safe lots to do!

Close to liverpool by boat and short hop on a flight.

Never been to the Isle of Man but not against it. Can non islanders buy property?

Yes they can - Only downside is no benefits for 5 years, but you can get child benefit - usually 2 children etc.

So you have to financially sound for 5 years.

it education NHS etc is same as UK and follow UK laws

NHS is quicker turn round times - there are groups on fb - join - take a look such low crime rates - with a visit

Yarm or Kirklevington North Yorkshire. Close enough to both York and Newcastle. Northumberland and North Yorkshire for days out.
Some good new build developments within your price range or some older style properties too.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/156512732#/?channel=RES_BUY

Chester
or
Newcastle, you could live on the coast eg Whitley Bay

Portishead in North Somerset.

Cars to be able to move on the roads most of the time - excellent road links (5 mins drive from M5, new train link approved)
A sense of community - Lots of clubs, events, Christmas lights are community event and superb, community run lido.
A bit of space - Coast walking, marina, water front, nature reserve, parks, access to open country.
Nice independent shops - bustling high street, cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs.
Calm but in town - relaxed atmosphere - locals call it PortisMED in summer.
Good local amenities - see above
Near a major UK city - 7 miles from Bristol.

Very safe. It's a great place to live.

What do you want in nature - a beach, forest, mountains?

We’re not hugely bothered by nature, very much townies!

Ahh, well that knocks out my suggestions. I like to feel sand beneath my toes! Good luck with the search!

Thank you for the suggestions so far :)