Possibly moving up North for a better way of life..

[SouthernNorthernGirl]

We have been seriously thinking about moving up North, and would love some tips on the best areas.

Currently in the South East, and we really do struggle. We are in a tiny new build flat and it's starting to feel very overcrowded. We can't move as we can't afford to (privately rent) and we've had enough now.

It may be possible for DH to get a work transfer as the company he works for has a few bases scattered around the country. I did have a look in Cumbria, and adore the property there (about an hour commute for DH) however we don't know if we would have much choice, if any, by relying on his current job placements.

Has anyone else done similar? Would love to hear about it please.

Whereabouts in Fife is your DH's work option, OP? Some of the countryside in Fife is wonderful, the coast is lovely, and Edinburgh's a short hop away. I moved up from southeast England to Edinburgh about 16 years ago and haven't regretted it for a moment. You do have to make an effort at first to get to know new people, but that happens whenever you move more than a few miles down the road. Culture shock? Well, the biggest thing for me was moving to a mainly-white community from a much more ethnically diverse one and hearing nothing but (Scottish-accented) English spoken all around me instead of the wonderful polyglot environment I was used to. Other than that, people are people wherever you go! I second the pp who said to rent for a bit first, though, while you get a feel for the region (wherever it is) and then make an informed decision about a permanent move.

morningtoncrescent62 It would be in Buckhaven. Any good?

www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjlnIqpw_bPAhXMve0KHc4YD8UYABAA&ohost=www.google.co.uk&cid=CAASJORodTCa924IQKfGBuSVNTZ4kZj_JWmtsHaoB0vxOyINsV-Hrw&sig=AOD64_2BR3ufkIYXv6eoC1wxDUU5qf_w8Q&q=&ved=0ahUKEwjm74apw_bPAhXMKMAKHa_JB58Q0QwIGw&adurl=

New housing in Chorley.

www.rowland.co.uk/developments/duxbury-manor/

I used to live in the NE for nearly a decade. We have just been up for a long weekend, and I said to DH that if we could start again, I'd go to Northumberland. I wouldn't live in Cramlington, but I'd take a job there in order to live in Northumberland. Most places north of Amble are fine. Ideally, Alnwick.

Just seconding everything SunnyUpNorth has said about culture differences! That plus generally slower pace of life up here - which is a huge bonus but a culture shock at the beginning when you are used to rushing round at 100 miles an hour. Still a really brilliant move but those differences are very truthful. Good luck OP!

I have lived in Cumbria and Lancashire (you would never guess from my name would you...) . Cumbria is gorgeous but the prettiest parts are expensive and to commute to Chorley would be a nightmare, particularly in the winter. I would suggest Ribble valley for you to balance the country living and scenery and still easy to reach work, the Lakes, Liverpool and Manchester.

Good luck for the move wherever you choose

Certainly Manchester has a growing reputation for media since Media City was created here, lots of biotech companies relocating here.

Sorry, duty bound to point out that Media City is in Salford, not Manchester

Sorry - yes - Salford ☺