Right, we've had enough of paying a huge mortgage on a mediocre house

[lizziehoney]

so have decided to bite the bullet, up sticks and go live somewhere else! We live in the South of England, and tbh, I've had it up to here with watching half our monthly income disappearing into the mortgage black hole, when all we have to show for it is a boring as hell 3 bed semi. We both have jobs which are reasonably transferable (and have a national pay scale, so we'll earn the same wherever we live). The plan is to make our home the top priority - we want detached, old, preferably characterful and 4 bedrooms. Rural would be nice, and obvs want decent schools, but other than that we really don't mind where we go. Our extended family are scattered all over England so no preferences there. I've been quite depressed recently, and talking things over with dh, we both feel this feeling of constantly scrimping and worrying about money and not even liking the house we're in is a major factor. So - suggestions please about where we could move!

Life is pretty boring, though, on the whole, it must be said.

Another Lincolnshire immigrant here. Moved from 2 up 2 down in Ilkely, Yorkshire to 3 bed semi in village in Lincolnshire. Now upgraded to 5 bed detached in village location north of Lincoln for £240,000.

www.home.co.uk/guides/house_prices_by_town.htm

Here, have a look at this. I have a vague recollection that the East Midlands and Lincolnshire are relatively low cost areas.

I hesitate to suggest this really, but if you're thinking Yorkshire then think about East Yorkshire. It's a lot cheaper than other parts and it's a real hidden gem, especially the Wolds and northern Holderness. The downside of course is limited transport links and limited employment prospects. It's a bit of a backwater, but if that's what you're after it's just lovely.

carmarthenshire is nice I think

Hmm Derbyshire - beautiful dales. Having access to some lovely countryside would be good, whether we manage to get a rural location for the house or not. Tell me more about about the North East please. Surely all cheaper areas arent necessarily crap?!

Are you including East Yorkshire in that lizziehoney? Could tell you loads about that area if you're interested.

another

skipton has the old grammar school ststem - schools in top 20 nationwide

and again

Right I'm off to Llandeilo! Who said Wales isn't cheap?!!

Yes but is Haworth in the catchment area for Skipton? I mean Skipton is a lovely place but the houses there are pretty steep - you would normally get a 3-bed semi for around £280k - prices have been forced up artificially because of the schools.

Carmarthenshire is on the whole fairly unspoiled, the Cothi and Tywi valleys are beautiful, Carmarthen is nice and lots of lovely villages

Not tempting you then? I luurv East Yorkshire (now live in N Yorks, but not for long thank god).

Cardigan area is gorgeous

Would you consider Scotland?

Well, I said Wales isn't cheap but that's because I was looking in EAs windows last week and expected it to be cheaper due to lack of any job prospects

we are 10 miles out of skipton catchment and our children got in the schools

children 114 miles away do - unfair but ability based

I think job prospects or not, most picturesque areas cost a fortune now because so many people seem to have independent means or can buy for cash with equity from their old house.

Well, we thought that all houses must just be owned by retired folks.

If you don't want this I might be tempted!!!

Yes I'd include retired people in that - doesn't make for very vibrant communities does it?

bloody hell
look at the pics of that last one

Lampeter is great I think (not sure I am thining of right town though I get it confused with others)

No other votes for East Yorkshire? That's probably why it's so lovely then - the only people who know about it are those who are already there. Let's hope it stays that way.

Ooh that does look nice doesn't it? Now if only it was a third the price...