Stroud or Edinburgh

[Moononthehill28]

I am currently torn between moving to one of these two locations. I know both areas well. I have family and a couple of friends in Edinburgh. I don’t really have friends or family in Stroud.
I have to move fast as rented house we are in is being sold. Can’t afford to continue renting.
Which would you choose?
I fear being lonely down South and would like to be closer to family, but countryside and better weather Sian South. Anyone lived in both places?

I’ve only visited Edinburgh but would choose it in a heartbeat over Stroud. It’s undoubtedly more diverse, a city with beautiful scenery a stones throw away and if you have kids, no grammar school bollocks to live with.
Stroud is... pretty, yes. Nice farmers market, pretty villages within driving distance but is small and can be insular especially in out in the sticks. Expensive for what it is.

Edinburgh.

You’ll struggle in Stroud if you don’t already have friends there, it’s not a big place.

There is a lot going on in Stroud and Inthink I would meet people. However I wonder if it would feel too insular living there. It has a great mix of eclectic people, but a lot of them are quite earnest and depressed I find. There’s a lot of political activism and eco friendly stuff going on, but sometimes that can be exhausting. Adult children now so don’t need to worry about schooling.

I live and work very near Stroud and may move there in couple of years when we sell up the family house and downsize. I know far more people in Stroud than the village nearby where I actually live. I've met a few people through the leisure centre and more through a women's fitness group. Our local MP organises lots of events and then there is stuff going on at the subs rooms, knitting groups etc.I find it quite a friendly place, though the stereotype of flat sandals and a huge mohair jumper is fairly true.

An old school friend lives in Edinburgh. there is loads going on there, especially if you are into the arts. Lovely walk along the Water of Leith or up Arthur's seat. Property is very expensive. My friend has a lovely place in Stockbridge but it would be too small for us and we couldn't afford it anyway.

I'd vote for Edinburgh, though the winters will be harsh.

Have you looked at Hebden Bridge? quite like Stroud in some ways but to my way of thinking better. The people there are very friendly and the restaurants/shops/walking and riding wonderful. There is an independent cinema and the wonderful Trades Club for live music. It is hard to find a medium sized house with a garden outside the area that has flooded in the past, but it is a bit cheaper than Stroud and much cheaper than Edinburgh

I would say go where the network of people/ support is as that is what truly makes a home. Even better, Edinburgh is a fabulous, reasonable city by all accounts with loads going on and a it's such a huge bonus if you know people there! I know Stroud well, and it's a great town but it's small with not a lot going on (no comparison to Edinburgh!). There's a strong arts, hippie community in Stroud and a couple of decent pubs but if that's not your bag you might struggle. If you're into nature and quiet then great, but if not I'd say Edinburgh is the one. Go with your gut!

I have lived in both places (well Glasgow not Edinburgh but know Edinburgh too!).
Stroud pros-good weather, beautiful walks with nice pubs, good school, well placed for Bristol, Bath, Cardiff Birmingham and London should work take you there. Cons - bit up its own bottom, divided socially, not a huge amount going on, bit too hippy for its own good!
Scotland (as I had experience of) - pros-great community, healthcare better, great cities with fantastic countryside. Cons - weather and no family.
I would be inclined to be near family to be honest!

Thank you! Very accurate summary I would say..

I love Stroud and found it very easy to make friends there. I don't think it's isolated. So close to Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Oh bloody hell not Hebden.

Biggest over-hype in the country.

Actually bugger all there, permanently in the shadow of a big hill. Yep arty blah. Stroud at least has nice weather!

But - I'd say Edinburgh.

I've been quite interested in this thread because I know Edinburgh quite well, have lived ear and love Stroud for over 30 years and investigated Hebden Bridge last year. We would love to chose one of the three to retire to. I just wondered why FizzyGreenWater is unimpressed with Hebden Bridge. We liked the pubs and restaurants there, saw a great concert one night and went on some lovely walks. It was sunny, which may be rare. I would very much like to get a horse again when we move. There is wonderful riding in all three areas though I think the Pentland Hills might have the edge there.

Edinburgh, without the shadow of a doubt, if you already have friends and family there so won't struggle with loneliness. Beautiful city, quite a bit going on there, manageable size but big enough not to be claustrophobic/dull. It's a myth that it rains all the time: rainfall is actually not that much higher than London, though it isn't as warm and sunny as south of England. (Note: this is not true of Glasgow and the west coast!)

As for countryside, there are several hills and large green spaces actually within the city itself, or you can take an ordinary bus to the edge of the city and be literally in the Pentland hills, or you can drive/take a bus to some stunning beaches at North Berwick/Gullane. Easy and quick to drive up into the Highlands as well if you want remote, or down into the Borders.

The only thing I would say is that housing in the nicest parts is now quite expensive, so make sure your finances match up with jobs and housing.

Thanks. This is interesting. I was brought up in Edinburgh and know Stroud well, but have realised that without familybie friends a lot of things are meaningless. Just came back from a few days in Edinburgh nd the traffic and crowds were horrendous. Looking to buy in the outskirts.