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Original poster

should I move to Bath or Norwich......any one could help?

60 replies

dither72 · 26/05/2014 20:26

Advise on Wether to Move to Bath or Norwich......any one could help?
(1 Post)
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dither72 Mon 26-May-14 19:26:52

I have been trying to relocate from greater London in search of a better quality of Life. I have job offers in Norwich and Bath. I can't decide which one I should go for. Anyone have any experience of either or preferably both. I like the ease of living in small cities but prefer town life to rural life. Most interested in cultural activities and a liberal environment. Keen to meet some new friends. Many thanks if anyone can help.

OP posts:
puzzlepiecebehindthecouch · 26/05/2014 21:27

Norwich is a fantastic place, lived there for ten years and hope to live there again in the future. Compact but with loads going on, especially good music scene and some fab restaurants, cafes, pubs etc, plus a lot of independent shops. North Norfolk is easily reachable by car or train and really beautiful. I like Bath too but for a hometown, I'd pick Norwich any day.

Original poster
dither72 · 26/05/2014 21:33

I am also wondering about the traffic issue that everyone says is bad. Is it worse than any other small city such as Cambridge where the traffic is pretty awfull too. School runs there are a nightmare.

OP posts:
Solasum · 26/05/2014 21:38

Basically, you can't drive right through the centre of the city, so need to skirt round. There are not actually many routes you can do this on, meaning the traffic is bad at school times, so it would make sense to be on the side of the city you need to be for work unless you work unusual hours.

HolidayCriminal · 26/05/2014 21:38

I know Norwich; Bath always seems a lot more expensive & congested.

Solasum · 26/05/2014 21:39

There are reasonable buses though

AnneEyhtMeyer · 26/05/2014 21:41

Grew up near Bath and lived in Norwich for many years.

I still miss living in Norwich, it is a lovely city, with lots going on and a real sense of identity, unlike Bath, which is pretty and convenient for other places, but nothing special. The traffic in Bath is horrendous and seemingly pointless.

Norwich has fabulous independent shops, a great history and lots of the centre is untouched. I loved living there.

webwiz · 26/05/2014 21:42

The problem with Bath is there are limited routes through it (thanks to Bathwick hill) and so all the traffic is forced to go the same way.

Original poster
dither72 · 26/05/2014 22:12

Anyone from Bath do you think 500K is enough to buy a 3 bed house in a nice enough area/property in bath so you can be in walking distance of town? Thanks

OP posts:
Solasum · 26/05/2014 22:19

Yes. www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-28242198.html This is right next to the the Royal Crescent for example. Have a look also at Widcombe, Lansdowne, Camden and Combe Down. Bath is very hilly! Weston is nice but a bus journey.

Original poster
dither72 · 26/05/2014 22:32

thanks the last one looks nice. looks more in the country than the city. cute.

OP posts:
TarkaTheOtter · 26/05/2014 22:33

Having lived in both, I would say Norwich is edgier and younger in feel. It is more isolated, but because of that it actually has a lot going on because if is the cultural capital of a much larger area. Bath has to share with Bristol. Bath is more aesthetically pleasing but I couldn't be doing with all the tourists long term... I expect it's similar to Cambridge in that respect.

Coconutty · 26/05/2014 22:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pannacotta · 26/05/2014 22:44

You get much more for your money in Norwich
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-44209660.html

Beardlover · 26/05/2014 23:48

I find bath a bit soulless, bland, touristy and up its own arse. It's all looks and no vitality.

No idea about Norwich

Can you visit both places?

Beardlover · 26/05/2014 23:52

Close to beaches also

MrsEricBana · 27/05/2014 00:01

I live in Bath and love it :-) Don't know Norwich so can't offer comparison. Property wise Solasum's suggestions are good. Traffic and parking are bad it's true so best to live in town then walk lots, which we do. Tourists not an issue, surprisingly. Yes lots students but it's a uni town (if you were to buy house in Oldfield Park be careful as some streets totally student dominated). Lots to do here - great restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, theatre etc. Also lots of places nearby worth going. Definitely not just students and OAPs! Do you have DC as if yes they are an obvious way to meet new people? As others have said prob not very diverse but then Norwich prob not either? Love Bath and will never leave!

MrsEricBana · 27/05/2014 00:03

That last house from Solasum is in great area (town not country) - Camden - arty, fab views, few local shops and doctors etc but walkable into town. Really good.

morethanpotatoprints · 27/05/2014 00:04

BARTH, having lived in Norwich.

MrsEricBana · 27/05/2014 00:05

Rugby massive here too!

Blackeyez09 · 27/05/2014 00:27

So basically no hope if you are black then?
Black people like all those things and can be university educated too by the way
Coming from a black Ophthalmic surgeon

Solasum · 27/05/2014 06:34

That is absolutely not what I meant Blackeyez, as aI hope everyone realized, and I am very sorry if you took it that way Thanks. I was merely making the observation that Bath is not very multicultural, which I think is a shame. Though I am guessing Norwich may not be either? Maybe it was an unnecessary thing to mention. If so, apologies.

LocalEditorCambridgeshire · 27/05/2014 06:41

Hi

We have local sites for both, you could try posting on the talk boards.
Good Luck.
local.mumsnet.com/Talk/bath/local-active
local.mumsnet.com/Talk/local_norwich

HercShipwright · 27/05/2014 06:48

I wouldn't say bath trains were good. In fact I'd say they were dreadful, it's also worth noting that bath isn't well placed at all for getting to the south west, by either road or rail. Handy for wales though. Also, ikea and cribbs causeway. Be prepared to be blockaded (by road at least) every weekend in the summer. Norwich - trains aren't much better. Nor roads - M11 doesn't get close, really, so you're stuck with A roads. Easy to access North Norfolk Coast which is better than the coast near bath. Likely to be hotter in the summer if it's a good summer. Likely to be colder in the winter.