Starting again - where should I move to?

[edam]

First post in ages but I've got a quandary... I need to find a good place to live for a divorced woman in her early 50s. I'm starting again after living with dh my whole adult life. ds is off to university so I'll be on my own for the very first time.

I'm looking for a town or city with friendly people and a sense of community. Where I can afford at least two bedrooms with around £250k. Good public transport is essential as I don't drive (medical reasons). I'd like cafes and stuff going on - ideally within easy reach of a cinema and theatre.

I work from home so this could be anywhere but ideally I'd be able to get into London occasionally. I've got family around Sheffield and Chesterfield and close friends in London and St Albans but I'm tempted to start again somewhere entirely new! Maybe seaside, or a market town in the countryside?

If you know anywhere like this - or even better live somewhere like this - please shout! TIA

Malvern in Worcestershire or Ledbury in Herefordshire. Both got lots going on, and near Worcester or Hereford if you need a smallish city or easy to get to Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff if you need a bigger metropolis.

Thanks, that's very helpful- I've also got family in Stourbridge so not too far from Malvern (at least, a lot nearer than I am now).

Also there's a direct train to London from both Malvern and Hereford. I had a look at rightmive and there are some nice looking houses in your budget also.

Watching with interest! I've got my adult ds living with me for now but he'll probably leave in the next 3-4 years just as my mortgage is paid off so I would fancy a move then.

Shrewsbury is fab but don’t tell anyone I told you 😅

Thank you - looks like West is best!

Folkestone - comes much recommended on MN as it's lively / arty, with coast and countryside and easy (if not very cheap) to travel to London sometimes - and definitely not just a suburb but a distinctive town.
Probably a good flat for the budget - not sure of current prices - but ust be still reasonable.

(the only minus might be the connection to the North re your family - but it does connect to St.Pancras, easy from there but will take a while with the change).

Tamworth is large town 20 miles north of Birmingham. The little villages are lovely just outside Tamworth. There are 5 or 6 within 2 miles. Amenities are shopping centre in town and out of town one too, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, indoor climbing wall, multiple gyms, cinema, bowling, lovely walks around lakes and Birmingham only 30 mins away and train to London about 1 hour 20 mins. House prices are lower. You could get 2 bedroom for less than £180. 3 bedroom for £200k. People are friendly and there is over 50 singles club that organise events like dog walking, camping, bowling etc, anyone can join.

Actually went to reply Malvern and it's already been said!

This is where I live so maybe I'm biased. I've lived here 12 years and recently moved to a different part of town. I've been invited to join the local quiz team, the WI and other groups. Not all my cup to tea but the point is everyone is so friendly!

You'd need to live nearer town than I do if you don't have a car but otherwise it's a great place to live.

I was at Malvern Theatre last night watching Ralph Fiennes- not too shabby!

I agree Malvern is nice.
Where I live would also satisfy those wants (south Birmingham) but it might be a bit too citified and not market-towny enough.

Thanks everyone, lots of ideas to explore!

Which areas are nice in South Birmingham, btw?

Look at places along the main NW or NE rail lines fast access to London.

University towns/cities tend to have good public transport.

Whitley bay and surrounding areas in Newcastle!
Train to London is just couple hours

Frome. Been recently and looks quite interesting and arty.

Sheffield - was going to say this before I saw you had family there.

Or Crosby/Waterloo area of Liverpool

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/109779068#/media?activePlan=1&channel=RES_BUY&id=media0

Hadn't thought about Crosby, thanks

Come to Lancaster, but the journey to Sheffield is a bit of a pain!!

Thanks but I need to get to Sheffield!

Market Harborough (Leicestershire) ticks absolutely all your boxes. You'd get a 2 bed for £250k, an hour from London on the train, about the same from Sheffield, lots going on. (But please don't tell...)

Alnwick in Northumberland. Bus station, hospital, supermarkets all walkable, plus railway station 3 miles away with 3.5 hour journey into Kings cross. Lovely beaches short bus ride away at Alnmouth.

@Finfintytint

Shrewsbury is fab but don’t tell anyone I told you 😅

I second this as somebody who has just relocated there....best kept secret ever

It's only 2 trains to Sheffield tbf.

Don't think Shrewsbury to Sheffield would be any better tbh.

I would look at the train lines leading from Sheffield and see where there is.