Retirement relocation

[ifsogirl]

We are planning to move from rural Cumbria to be nearer grandchildren, family, friends etc in the south.

We have a budget of around £200k which probably rules out anywhere within commuting distance of London. The problem is that we are only familiar with the London/Kent/ Oxford area. We have travelled around the country a fair bit, but only as tourists.

Looking for recommendations for a nice, safe area suitable for active pensioners. Thinking not too rural, possibly on the edge of a town. So far we have looked at on Right Move and driven through Coventry, but didn't really like in. Seriously considering Preston, which is well connected for transport, but not 100% sure that this is enough. Any advice/ recommendations very welcome.Thank you

Could you say what you expect to get for your budget, then it might be easier to pinpoint areas south of rural Cumbria. For example, if you want three bedrooms, a garden, large kitchen, parking, semi or detached etc, we can rule out areas where getting all this would be impossible.

Crewe is quite a bit further south from you and you would be able to get a nice property for your budget. We have friends there and they seem happy (they are originally from the south east). Crewe is also going to have the HS2 station, it's close to the M6 too and beautiful countryside all around (maybe not as nice as the Lake District though!).

Where are the people you want to be closer to and do you already see them regularly? You don't want to move from everything you know and like and find you are actually more isolated. Great idea to be close to better transport links, especially public transport as in the future driving may be something you give up.

What about Eastbourne?

Thank you so much for the prompt replies, they have given me a lot to think about. Ideally we would like a 2/3 bed detached house with garage and decent sized garden. Would prefer separate dining room and lounge. A big kitchen would be nice but is not essential. Definitely not a bungalow, but a chalet bungalow would be OK. We have seen one or two near Preston which might be suitable.
Crewe sounds promising - will have a look on Right Move.
Rural living is nice, but bus services often get cut these days. For various reasons staying where we are now into extreme old age is not an option, but i am not too worried about isolation. It would be nice to be within walking distance of shops, buses, station etc.

At the moment we are going down to both Oxford and South London by either car or train every few weeks. I know there will come a time when neither of us can drive.
I will have a look at Eastbourne, i don't know the area, but OH would like to live near the sea.

Northampton? Close to oxford and London.

Nottingham is very cheap for how far south it is. And if you found somewhere on the tram route you'd be well placed once you can't drive.

I agree with Nottingham for property prices, really low, but not sure on activities. I have relatives that live in Northamptonshire, not Northampton itself but there are quite a few large towns (e.g. Towcester) that may work. They have masses of social engagements (Bridge, walking, sport clubs aimed at retired people).