Living in/around the Lake District vs Chester/Cheshire?

[LakeChester]

Which would you prefer?

I want to move and I'm torn between the two.

I was thinking the north Lakes around Penrith or possibly Keswick, due to relatively easy access to my hometown but I'd also consider Kendal.

I've fallen in love with Chester but would consider other areas of Cheshire.

I've no kids to consider. It's just me,

Any opinions would be appreciated.

TIA

What sort of life do you want to lead-as they’re very different areas?. Chester is a city which punches above its weight-has excellent restaurants and a very attractive,
easy, liveable city. It also has great transport connections-from the mountains of North Wales if you like hiking and beaches to easy access to Liverpool/Manchester for culture and shopping. It’s small and and walkable with nice suburbs-like all cities, some areas are better than others.
I don’t know Kendal but Keswick to me is a walkers’ town. Great if you have family and a ready made social life there but more like a large village. It’s tricky to recommend-if you live for walking and beautiful scenery, Keswick is wonderful-but to me it’s a one horse town so wouldn’t consider living there-lovely as it is for a holiday.

Chester also has very pretty villages nearby so you could live the rural life while having easy access.

Definitely Chester. The lake district is a bit dull by comparison and it rains so much there.