Moving to Cumbria

[Hetinkent]

Hi all,
I am new to Mumsnet so be patient with me :)
I am hoping to relocate to Cumbria from Kent for a different lifestyle and to be closer to my son who lives in Scotland. I have looked at properties around Millom, Arlecdon, Frizington, Bigrigg, Cleator and Egremont (to name a few)
Could anyone give me advice on these areas? I have seen som e lovely places in Arlecdon in particular. I will be moving on my own and working as a teacher.. could I be isolating myself a little in some of these locations?? any help would be so appreciated!
Thank you :) :) :0

West Cumbria is more difficult to travel to and from (and therefore can be more insular) but there are nice areas. West Cumbria possibly easier to get a job because of this.
Also there are always a lot of issues on A66/A590 which are the two roads which go east. For regular travel to Scotland I’d stick to the M6 corridor.

thank you! that is very helpful :) do you know anything about the areas I mentioned?

Not a lot. I’ve a few friends who work at Millom school and like it.

I only vaguely know the area, but I'd avoid Frizington: it's a dump. I only know Egremont from driving up the A595 but I think it's ok off the main road. St Bees nearby is lovely.

I'm afraid I don't really know Arlecdon or Cleater. Be aware how small the roads ar around there though! Will take some getting used to!

Have you thought about Whitehaven? Was quite run down, but has had / is having quite a lot of money spent on it and the sea front is quite lovely now. Some run down patches still, but also good places to live. It's georgian so the architecture is rather lovely.

Also be aware that the A595 is the main route for Sellafield workers to and from work. Lots of those live in Whitehaven, or the posher folks in Cockermouth.

Also, how rural do you want to be? What amenities do you want / need? West Cumbria goes from town to deepest rural in a blink if an eye!