Where would you move?

[Wherewouldyoumove]

This is my situation! And I can’t seem to find anywhere that feels quite right to move to. Budget is £900k and I currently live in Hackney, London.

Have been in this neighbourhood for more than 15 years and it suits us well for lots of reasons - great community, like-minded people, excellent schools.

But we want something bigger and a tiny bit safer and good for teens (although dc is only early primary now).

The cheaper options of London that our friends have gone to (Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Finsbury Park etc) aren’t quite right.

We considered “naice” areas of north london (crouch end etc) and living in a smaller space or extending our mortgage and spending more, but they seem “naice” and dull at the same time (sorry!).

I have no idea where to go! I want to live somewhere a bit less urban, but with a great community. I love a place with a bit of charm about it, and independent shops, etc. But where is that?! Help!

We’re also not tied to London. We work here, but have portable jobs.

Oxford.

Wanstead or North Chingford around Chingford Station.

We moved from Hackney to crouch end area and live it. Best thing we did tbh. Spent a year or so pining after Hackney, but you couldn't pay me to go back. It's also not that dull tbh. There's new things opening, plus how often do you actually go out to all the fun things in Hackney anyway? The good stuff like proximity to the Heath, woods close by and villagey feel definitely out weighs the cool bars of Hackney. Honestly I loved that stuff when I lived there but do t miss it all now.

I second Wanstead, nice ‘London village’ feel and better value than Greenwich or ally pally. Whilst you are there explore South Woodford, Woodford and highland hill too: all nice. We’re currently in Leytonstone and if we had a 900k budget we’d be ‘upgrading’ to Wanstead.

How far out?? Lots of ex Hackney, Crouch End and Greenwich (myself included) in Folkestone. There is so much to offer teenage families - ours sail and row in addition to all the usual sporting clubs. Loads of investment in the arts and plenty of lovely independent shops and coffee places that do remind me my Crouch End days . The insta page Folke.life is great for getting a flavour of what it’s like down here. 900k should buy you a lovely detached with in walking distance of the sea, countryside and station (for if / when you need a London fix). Best thing we ever did!

Thank you for these! More places to check out! I will definitely visit Folkestone!

ilkley Although I can’t access them anymore (pandemic!) I don’t live far from Broadway Market and I love the buzz. I didn’t feel that same atmosphere in Crouch End - but maybe I’m wrong and there’s a different, lovely atmosphere? I also thought the people were very white middle class (I am not) and Oxbridge-focused (my own family were obsessed with Oxbridge - they were immigrants - and it wasn’t me. In the end, I went to art school and they were not happy! Still aren’t happy that’s what I chose!). I spent some time in local playgrounds when looking around and the conversations I overheard seemed to point in that direction. It made me wonder if I’d find a like-minded community. But perhaps I am wrong and I will rethink! It’s hard to judge on a few walk arounds.

But I love Edinburgh! That would tick all the boxes! Work is portable, but it might be a little bit of a push...

Dulwich, Winchester or Greenwich

I think you’d like Bristol.

Radical thought -- Chorlton-cum-Hardy, just outside Manchester. Very liberal and Hackney-esque, although perhaps a touch more grown-up. Or maybe Didsbury, although Didsbury's slightly more genteel than Chorlton.

Or West End Glasgow

Original perhaps given the relevant material facts I would suggest Edinburgh, Cardiff or Bristol might offer you the more cosmopolitan international multicultural vibe which you will understand from being a Londoner.

You are spot on regarding the demographics of the places I previously mentioned and so may entail a bit of a leap compared to the communities you are used to possibly. Just being frank and pragmatic and not suggesting anything else!

These are all under your budget and obviously tastes vary, but well located for schools, etc and give you a flavour of how much further money goes down here...

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/87830281#/
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/85718566#/
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/65046783#/
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/100181399#/
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/100181399#/
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/77229303#/

Generally if you visit I would look toward the West End, Sandgate, Hythe end of town. I’d wait until we’ve opened up again a bit so that you can enjoy music and champagne on the Harbour Arm in the sunshine 😁

Thank you all! Bristol and Edinburgh (although might be a little far for work) very firmly on the list! As well as Greenwich and Folkestone. I’ve got some visiting to do (when lockdown ends and we’re able to!).

LadyCounterblast those Manchester areas sound interesting! I don’t know the northwest well. But being close to the Lakes would be such a bonus.

dipping those houses are great - my money would go far in Folkestone, which is great to see after living in London and its house prices!

Love hearing these suggestions. Would welcome any more!

When I worked in London I always liked Putney. Nice little independent cafes, parks etc.

There's another similar thread which mentions Bristol and has some house recommendations.

cabbagevan ooh thanks I’ll see if I can find it!

900k up north OP would get you a mansion! north west has excellent links to london.

more so manchester which is an incredible city anyhow!

Budget of £750k where do I move to www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/4164902-budget-of-750k-where-do-i-move-to

If you don’t have to stay in London, I honestly don’t see why you would.
I mean, for the type of property you could get elsewhere, it seems like a no brainer.
(I’m from the NE and have been in London over 20 years. Circumstances sadly prevent me from returning right now, but as soon as I can, I’ll be moving back ASAP)
This is the kind of thing you could get in the suburbs of Newcastle.
Amazing city, with incredible culture, restaurants, night life, lots for kids and teens to do. 20 min to sandy beaches, approx 30 min into outstanding countryside.

Osborne Avenue, Newcastle Upon Tyne
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-97352810.html

Osbaldeston Gardens, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-99898322.html

Low Fell
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-59277891.html
This one has a pool!

Bristol

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/88098724#/

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/88641601#/

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/102529892#/

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/72205512#/

Within London - Crystal Palace.
Close to London - Brighton
Bit further - Stroud
Further still - Chorlton

£900K, North Wales, East coast, Scotland the country's your Oyster really unless work ties you to an area?
I would buy one up north for £150K and retire

I’ve heard winchmore hill is a lovely area to live ! Crouch end more pricey and both very villagey and green

Me personally, the Peak District. It’s ‘me’ all over but ticks none of your boxes!

Some good suggestions above. I would recommend joining local fb mum groups and asking for opinions on the area/schools.

Come to Teddington! Lovely riverside living, lots going on for families and a friendly community feel. For £900k you could get something like:

Widewing Close, Teddington
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/113046563

Holmesdale Road, Teddington
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/108186002

Church Road, Teddington
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/81032298

High Street, Hampton Wick, KT1
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/111666077