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Original poster

Liberal / diverse places to live to outside of london for family

178 replies

Littlecelticswan · 30/12/2021 20:26

Pretty much what the title says. We’re a family of 3 (7 months old DS) and two dogs. My partner and I met working in social care in london and when we finally bought our first home we ended up just outside of the M25 in a home county town. Whilst we love our house, the nature on our doorstep and being close to his family, I’m going a little crazy living in Tory heartland. I never imagined I’d live in the Home Counties 😱It’s distinctly lacking in diversity around here (I’ve overheard overtly racist remarks in town) and is a bit of a cultural nowheresville. I’ve lived all over Uk as well as overseas and I value independent shops/cafes, green, open spaces, second hand bookshops and cultural events/activities. I know I sound snobby, but I know that this is not where I want to raise my son long term.

Any suggestions for liberal/artsy areas which have lots to offer for families? Before people suggest it, we can’t unfortunately afford anywhere decent in london on our salaries unless we massively downsize. We currently have a 3 bed terrace with a garden and would ideally like to have something similar in a area where we can find likeminded people. We have a budget of about £550k. I really like the look of Bristol, Cardiff or possibly Brighton but I would like to have my kind opened to other areas.

OP posts:
LaLaFlottes · 30/12/2021 21:32

When we considered Brighton we also looked at Hove and I thought it sounded nice! Might be worth a look 😊

MrsJamin · 30/12/2021 21:36

You won't find the house prices any lower in Brighton than in London. I live in Reading, it's a very diverse town and full of culture, and you might think its just chains but there's a lot of good independent stores too. The main MP in Reading is from the Labour Party.

Ohisitreally · 30/12/2021 21:36

Brighton ticks all your boxes.Bristol is also a fabulous city but not so diverse.

Ohisitreally · 30/12/2021 21:39

Peacehaven,Saltdean might be more within your budget.

SerendipitySunshine · 30/12/2021 21:39

Manchester or Liverpool are brilliant places to live and you'd get a fab house in many areas, particularly in Liverpool, where prices are very reasonable.

Ulelia · 30/12/2021 21:51

Any geographical limits? You could get a great house in Sheffield, Leeds, Notts, Birmingham for that, and lots of cultural opportunities in each.

magicstars · 30/12/2021 22:01

Brighton & Hove, budget allowing.

whiteroseredrose · 30/12/2021 22:05

Bristol is very diverse! But your budget may be a bit low.

Etinoxaurus · 30/12/2021 22:10

Glasgow is wonderful. Proper European city but affordable and very diverse.

Bimblybomeyelash · 30/12/2021 22:15

Bristol is more diverse than Brighton! Though I guess it depends on which area you live in.

Indiaplain · 30/12/2021 22:22

Wivenhoe in Essex fits the description.. v arty, one second hand bookshop/one independent one and lots of families plus pretty liberal.

ChristmasRobins · 30/12/2021 22:27

Frome in Somerset

JaninaDuszejko · 30/12/2021 22:28

Did you have a similar thread a few months ago? Sure I remember someone who was very concerned about diversity outside London as if the provinces were all full of racist homophobic illiterate people.

Warmduscher · 30/12/2021 22:31

@JaninaDuszejko

Did you have a similar thread a few months ago? Sure I remember someone who was very concerned about diversity outside London as if the provinces were all full of racist homophobic illiterate people.
Yes I remember that thread. It didn’t end well for the OP iirc.
HoliHormonalTigerlilly · 30/12/2021 22:32

Well someone's voting Tory & for Brexit... 🤷🏻‍♀️

HelloDulling · 30/12/2021 22:35

Come to Cardiff. Great housing, very diverse.

Auntpodder · 30/12/2021 22:35

Lewes in Sussex, Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire.

HeronLanyon · 30/12/2021 22:36

I’ve always thought Bristol was quite a lot more racially diverse (and socially also) than Brighton.
Tbh I don’t know either well so may be wrong.

Puffalicious · 30/12/2021 22:36

@Etinoxaurus

Glasgow is wonderful. Proper European city but affordable and very diverse.
This! We'd love to see you. A new colleague in work is from London - although her DH is from here- she has a young family and absolutely loves it here, says she very much feels at home. Might be too far for you, but it's a thought...
ballstoit · 30/12/2021 22:38

Leicester is very diverse and transport links make it easy to travel all over the country. With a £550k budget you'd be easily able to afford a 3 or 4 bed property.

Atla · 30/12/2021 22:40

Brighton would be no cheaper than London.
Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire
Bristol is a great city
Leeds or Sheffield - both great places to live with countryside on your doorstep.

gogohm · 30/12/2021 22:41

Bristol is liberal and artsy but not that diverse, there is diversity but not on the scale of similar sized cities or larger. That said for around £400k you can buy where I am just outside Bristol and it's all independent shops, restaurants etc and lots of community events plus beach, 20 mins and you are in Bristol with the galleries, museums etc. all depends what you want ... you encounter Tory voters everywhere, even major cities and if your constituency includes rural you get a conservative mp usually but I like that our councillors are independent, left leaning green focus.

SoftSheen · 30/12/2021 22:42

Cambridge would certainly tick every box, though your budget would limit your choice of area.

user1471519931 · 30/12/2021 22:42

Leith, Edinburgh

CeleriacOfTheNight · 30/12/2021 22:43

Hebden Bridge is very diverse in terms of LGBTQ+ and ticks the boxes with the regards to community feel and cultural events... but it's not a place where you see a lot of black or brown people.