Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Property/DIY

Join our Property forum for renovation, DIY, and house selling advice.

Flip

Original poster

Priced out of my area. How to pick my new location?

24 replies

Dazedandconfused10 · 24/09/2020 23:33

I need to sell (divorce) and can't afford to stay where I am for what I want (nothing fancy 1 bed house not flat will do) I am in the south east currently and think maybe midlands would be a better location.

But, how do you decide where to go?

OP posts:

SheepandCow · 24/09/2020 23:36

Sorry you're being priced out.
Do you have any links anywhere else? Family or friends?
What about work? Will you need to look for a new job if you move?

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 24/09/2020 23:39

No links anywhere else. Family and friends all here

I have accepted that I'll need to find a new job too. However I am fortunate. I have savings to see me through a good few years should I need it. So my intention is find home first and then look for job.

OP posts:

ladybirdsarelovely33 · 24/09/2020 23:41

What is your budget OP?
There is a website that tells you where you live according to your budget. Will try and link

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 24/09/2020 23:43

Thank you! Ideally I dont want to spend more than £200k but that would depend on what I manage to find job wise when I move. Failing that I'll rent forna few years!

OP posts:

ladybirdsarelovely33 · 24/09/2020 23:45

where.rightmove.co.uk/
You need to register/ log on

SheepandCow · 24/09/2020 23:49

Some things to think about.

Perhaps rent initially so that you can see if you like the new area.

Do you like a quiet life in the countryside or would you prefer a buzzing busy city? Or an in-between small town?

Can you drive? Will you need good public transport?

Look at areas where there's employment opportunities in your field.

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 24/09/2020 23:55

Oh yeah I will definitely rent first.

I am in the suburbs at the moment would like to be slightly closer to a town due the whole needing to create a new friendship group and meet people

Can drive but the option of public transport would be good.

And work I can find a job pretty much anywhere, as my skills are all transferable and a career isnt really the be all and end all. Work life balance is more important to me.

Part of me wants to just stick a pin in a map that is north of where I am and go there!

OP posts:

Sitdowncupoftea · 25/09/2020 00:41

@Dazedandconfused10 The North is cheaper and not grim. For 200k you could get a nice property.

CatAndHisKit · 25/09/2020 02:21

You'll get a 3-bed or a nicer 2-bed easily in several good locations in the Midlands. East Mids especially - around Nottingham / between Nott and Derby is nice. Have you looked at places at all? Leicestershire is an option is you like Leicester, Market Harborough maybe. I prefer Nottingham bt depends on your tastes.
Leamington Spa is nice (more expensive but doable if not in the very best location), also Worcester is nice nowadays though further out.

AgainstAllOdds1 · 25/09/2020 06:32

Just looking at SE, have you considered Colchester, Chatham, Haverhill, Sudbury? Maybe not the most desirable but (possibly) within reach of family and friends as a support network. Good luck with your search.

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 25/09/2020 08:11

Thanks guys not looked at any places yet as this is all just falling into place now. I plan to do some day trips (covid depending!) To look at locations.

Quite excited at the prospect of a whole new start, I would just like to make sure I find an area I hopefully like.

OP posts:

sbplanet · 25/09/2020 08:40

Find a job then look for property.

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 25/09/2020 08:42

I would rather do it the other way round. The job side is not as important as I have enough currently to not work. And could quite frankly do with a break.

OP posts:

Waveifyouknowme · 25/09/2020 08:49

What are you hobbies? If work isn't an issue I'd look for a place where there are things you like doing as that can help make friends. When my son first moved to France he looked into rugby clubs near him, he couldn't speak the language at first but managed to make friends quickly with a joint interest, it was the one thing that made the move successful.

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 25/09/2020 08:56

Haha mine a very anti social! But I intend to get out join meet up groups and the like when I do move. If I have learnt anything over these past 9 months it's that I am 100% content with my own company. But thinking about it being near somewhere with music venues is a starting point to work from

OP posts:

custardbear · 25/09/2020 08:58

I moved from the SE to Nottingham to go to university and have stayed because it's great!
West Bridgford is definitely the place to be near Nottingham. EdWalton is also nice. Loads to do, near towns and cities for work opportunities and I'm local to big universities and NHS so jobs aren't too sparse. Town centre is good in WB also, and it's just a nice vibe, good places to eat, drink and shop plus lots of gyms and activities if you're looking to make friends
Good luck!

custardbear · 25/09/2020 08:59

Ref music venues - Nottingham has the Arena which has all sorts of concerts, comedy etc plus venues in the city
Such as Rock City (there are others) that have gigs. Every summer the Splenda festival also

KrakowDawn · 25/09/2020 09:01

Do you have schooling to consider? That's the most important bit. What does your son need?

WokThisWay · 25/09/2020 09:01

This is exciting! I’d be thinking first about the immediate landscape. I’m not keen on Northern industrial cityscapes but some people love them, for example. For me what’s outside the window is important, and that varies hugely across the country.

Do you want/need access to a particular landscape for hobbies (sailing, climbing etc).

When you go for your day trips, are the people open, friendly and chatty. I live in a village and I really like being able to natter with neighbours.

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 25/09/2020 09:03

@KrakowDawn no children to consider. Just me!

Nottingham sounds like it is worth investigating in that case.

Thank you everyone!

OP posts:

movingonup20 · 25/09/2020 09:31

I would look for an area which has lots of newer residents rather than an area with large established populations. It's easier to make friends when lots of people are in the same position. On my street alone there's 3 separated/recently divorced women, made (socially distanced) walks so much easier. It's not easy moving but it's the best thing I've ever done. I'll be mortgage free in 3 years too (still sorting divorce out so took a mortgage in mean time). Pm me if you want to talk

KrakowDawn · 25/09/2020 11:37

Sorry, I misunderstood this comment: Haha mine a very anti social!

I thought you were talking about a son too but I think it was typo for "I'm" on rereading.

Givemetrees · 25/09/2020 19:39

I second Nottingham. So much to do (pre Covid anyway) and very friendly and down to earth. West Bridgford has already been mentioned, but Sherwood and Mapperley Park are really nice too. Sherwood will be cheaper than WB too, great independent shops & places to eat. Great public transport all over the greater Nottinghan conurbation. Easy access to countryside. Fast train to London is 1.36min into St Pancras. Love it here. Lived in London for 13 years and wouldn’t move back now. Good luck

Original poster

Dazedandconfused10 · 29/10/2020 23:02

Little update. Nottingham seems to have won! House is going on the market in a few weeks. Eek! Annoyingly I wont be able to take the trip I had planned to view houses and areas due to the new restrictions but my intention is to be in by the new year.

Has anyone ever heard of Saffron Court and got any reviews?

OP posts:

Flip