Leaving London for the NE

[youngmb]

Hi,

Wondered if anybody has any experience of leaving London and moving away? Did you regret it?

Both myself and DH are not from London originally but have lived here for about 15yrs. We do have some family here (siblings) and almost all our friends.

We do own a house and have one child. But both hate our careers and thinking about a move back closer to where we grew up and try and reduce our mortgage and concentrate on being around more for DC. Currently once I return to work DC will be in nursery for 5 days a week and we both feel like we will be missing out.

I wouldn't have any friends within 1.5hrs even if we do move up so I'm apprehensive about it. DH would and we would be close to his parents and within 1hr of mine. I get on v. well with his parents.

Would love any opinions/experiences 😊

not done it but will be next year. I'm very nervous too at giving up london but think it's the right thing to do for us and the quality of life for us all as a family and I feel much more comfortable allowing the children to grow up more free up there. I'd be terrified letting them out here.

Could you rent your London property out and rent up there initially to try the lifestyle?

My brothers now wife, then girlfriend moved up here many years ago. She was followed by her brother and once settled his dw. About a year later her two younger siblings moved up once school places were free and as soon she had a job her mother moved up. I don't think any of them regretted it and are all still here.

Good to hear positive's on moving.

We could rent our house out first yes, but I really love property and part of the appeal would be to find a great project. And I think this would help me settle in, in a way.

OMG, I’m so jealous.
I’ve lived in London for about 18 years, but originally from the NE. All of my family are there, and I’d love to go back, but sadly my exH is here, and we share custody of DD. I wouldn’t take her away from him, so looks like I’m stuck in London until DD is at college/uni.

I’d be surprised if you regret it.
You could buy a massive, beautiful house up there, or downsize your mortgage hugely, and have a lovely lifestyle.

Take a look at places like Tynemouth on the coast / incredible sandy beaches, only 20 min to Newcastle city centre, and 30-40 min into proper countryside. Tynemouth itself has become v expensive, but there are lovely shops, restaurants, bars etc.
Good luck!

Sorry, I missed the part that said you grew up there anyway! You don’t need me to go on about the merits of the place! 😊

I’m from the ne and live in London and will never go back, it’s just not the same. I love going home but I couldn’t live there. There is a bit of a small town mentality but in a big city.

Not north east but north Midlands. Best thing we ever did, although I took a salary cut so much better off. More house, less working hours, better quality of life and more free cash! Have met loads of friends and it’s such a breath of fresh air that people are friendly and straightforward!