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Original poster

Where the heck should we move to?!

119 replies

Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 20:47

So we currently live in London and are trying to work out whether to sell up or rent up but either way we're done and we haven't quite settled on where yet.
I know, I know, 'Tired of London, tired of life!' but I'm tired of our immediate area as the schools are rubbish and it really doesn't feel safe anymore. We've looked elsewhere in London but our budget doesn't stretch.

I am hoping that someone might be able to suggest a place that we either haven't thought of yet or give me hope for the places that we are seriously considering. If you are able to help, thank you!! I know, I am pretty much looking for perfection which I won't find but I'm trying to find as close as possible.

We are a small family with a 11 Month DS. Mid 30's and a small doggo. I work as a birth doula and hubby works for an American tech firm so we aren't confined by commutes atm, though DH might need to get to London on occasion so no 4 hour train journeys. We also don't want to be more than 2.30 hours from north Essex where my aging parents are!

So what do we want, well everything! But I'll start with the must haves - access to coast or lovely countryside. We would also like good pubs/restaurants for when we can maybe use them. Good schools, things to do for small babies as I don't work full time so want to be able to take DS out and about and have found groups and classes so wonderful for him. We've obvs been spoilt where we are but a good young family community would be amazing as I wouldn't be against setting up my own groups.

Now to the affordability bit which is essentially what holds us back from most 'perfect' places! We are looking for a 3-4 bed and we have a budget of max £550.

Places we are seriously considering (and there are probs no surprises here)

Ramsgate
Broadstairs
The Dedham Vale area North of Colchester, but really seems to spenny
Cambridge - again seems to spenny but maybe surrounding villages?
Suffolk coastal - again too spenny and maybe too full of holiday lets
Rye - might just work

Basically I would LOVE your insights and experience of any or all of this! Thanks so much in advance. Xxxx

OP posts:
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Owlcat42 · 04/11/2023 21:18

How about Norwich? You’ve got the Broads and the coast within easy reach, it’s a small but arty city, loads going on, lots of decent restaurants and it’s not that expensive either. Certainly a lot less than Cambridge, plus it’s a lot less crowded. It’s an hour and a half into Liverpool Street on the train.

LazJaz · 04/11/2023 21:21

Second Yocal - look at Tunbridge Wells.
550 won’t go super far in the main town but rusthall/pembury maybe southborough you can find something reasonable.
the area is somewhere that I think a Birth Doula would be in high demand too. Not too bad a drive to Essex

BustinJeiber · 04/11/2023 21:21

I moved to East Sussex and I hate it, I have tried really hard to integrate but have found lots of locals very insular and unwelcoming. Obsessed with bonfires and fireworks too and just generally very cliquish. Maybe go and stay in a few places to see first?

Riverlee · 04/11/2023 21:24

Folkestone - have you considered Folkstone, up and coming area.

Prefer Broadstairs over Ramsgate.

Hastings - nice seafront but don’t think much of the town.

Other places to consider include Tenterden, Gouldhurst, Sutton Calance etc. Maybe further inland, but in easy reach of the coastline, and countryside.

Original poster
Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 21:25

BustinJeiber · 04/11/2023 21:21

I moved to East Sussex and I hate it, I have tried really hard to integrate but have found lots of locals very insular and unwelcoming. Obsessed with bonfires and fireworks too and just generally very cliquish. Maybe go and stay in a few places to see first?

Really sorry to hear that. We have been to stay in Ramsgate and have liked what we've seen very much. Just don't want to make the wrong decision.

OP posts:
Original poster
Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 21:25

LazJaz · 04/11/2023 21:21

Second Yocal - look at Tunbridge Wells.
550 won’t go super far in the main town but rusthall/pembury maybe southborough you can find something reasonable.
the area is somewhere that I think a Birth Doula would be in high demand too. Not too bad a drive to Essex

Thank you! Will definitely have a look!

OP posts:
HappiestSleeping · 04/11/2023 21:29

I moved from a London Borough to Hampshire, near Petersfield. It is definitely a change of pace but a good one. I thought I would miss the buzz of the city, but I don't, and it is only an hour in to Waterloo on the train if I do need a fix.

The main disadvantage is that there is one line and no buses, so you have to leave London early-ish to get home, but it isn't the end of the world.

15 minutes from the sea, the A3 is easy, Southampton Airport just up the road. Very much worth a look.

Original poster
Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 21:31

HappiestSleeping · 04/11/2023 21:29

I moved from a London Borough to Hampshire, near Petersfield. It is definitely a change of pace but a good one. I thought I would miss the buzz of the city, but I don't, and it is only an hour in to Waterloo on the train if I do need a fix.

The main disadvantage is that there is one line and no buses, so you have to leave London early-ish to get home, but it isn't the end of the world.

15 minutes from the sea, the A3 is easy, Southampton Airport just up the road. Very much worth a look.

So nice to hear that you had a positive experience leaving London! It's a gamble but one I'm ready to take!

OP posts:
Heronwatcher · 04/11/2023 21:34

Have you thought about Bury St Edmunds? Lots to do and lots of period properties within your price range?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130790246#/?channel=RES_BUY

Also agree re Norwich, I’d be very happy to live there.

Or what about Bedfordshire- going the other way? Olney is nice and around Woburn, Ampthill etc. Not easy to get to the coast but lots of lovely countryside.

I think unless being near the coast is super important I wound focus on more inland areas as you’ll get much more for your money. I think I’d also work out weather being in a large town or city is important or whether you’d be happy in a village/ hamlet (you’d likely need 2 cars and it’s more difficult to meet people etc) as this will then start ruling places out.

Check out this 4 bedroom house for sale on Rightmove

4 bedroom house for sale in York Road, Bury St. Edmunds, IP33 for £537,500. Marketed by Marshall Buck, Bury St. Edmunds

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130790246#/?channel=RES_BUY

Chichimcgee · 04/11/2023 21:35

Norfolk, some lovely villages/towns around Norwich. Easy access to the city and to London, coastal and countryside.

Octavia64 · 04/11/2023 21:39

If you are a birth doula it's worth being aware that the maternity hospitals can be few and far between.

Cambridge has a large one, Rosie maternity. Hinchingbrooke (Huntington) has a smaller one or used to.

Next closest if you are going Norfolk/Suffolk direction might be King's Lynn or Norwich.

The roads in rural east anglia can be very slow as well.

HappiestSleeping · 04/11/2023 22:02

Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 21:31

So nice to hear that you had a positive experience leaving London! It's a gamble but one I'm ready to take!

Show quote history

I wouldn't have ever thought I would. I had to move due to work, but I wanted to stay within striking distance of London. 7 years on and I very rarely go into the city now.

Covid also changed everything, so where it used to be easy to go for a beer after work in London, it is now almost impossible as very few are there on the same day.

I can walk into town to any number of pubs, restaurants etc.

Funnily enough, I happened to be near where I used to live, and found it way too busy. I appear to have become a bumpkin 🤣

CompaniesHouse · 04/11/2023 22:08

My sister moved to Ramsgate and loves it. Seems to be quite a few young families and every time I visit, I find a new place (bar/restaurant/cafe) that I like, and it’s a beautiful stretch of coastline. I would definitely consider moving there.

I don’t know Broadstairs as well as Ramsgate but it seems very small. I can’t picture living there.

Thighdentitycrisis · 04/11/2023 22:26

Norwich would work for you.

Original poster
Paisleypatch · 04/11/2023 22:56

CompaniesHouse · 04/11/2023 22:08

My sister moved to Ramsgate and loves it. Seems to be quite a few young families and every time I visit, I find a new place (bar/restaurant/cafe) that I like, and it’s a beautiful stretch of coastline. I would definitely consider moving there.

I don’t know Broadstairs as well as Ramsgate but it seems very small. I can’t picture living there.

Thank you so much for that message. It really helps me to think we aren't barking up entirely the wrong tree! Xx

OP posts:
Givemepickles · 04/11/2023 23:05

Another vote for Horsham. It ticks all your boxes.

You could also consider Dorking if you want a bigger, modern town.

SheikhDjibouti · 04/11/2023 23:13

Royston would be affordable and it’s on a train line into London. Not sure about work opportunities though.

Lewes is full of DFLs and is a bit hippy so might be worth a look.

WhoHidTheCoffee · 04/11/2023 23:40

I would be looking up the M11 corridor/Liverpool St to Cambridge train line depending on importance of rail links. An obvious place would be Bishops Stortford, or surrounding villages. Easy access to the A120 for Frinton trips, nice countryside nearby, lots of groups for young children. Or further down the A120 you have Great Dunmow and other nice villages if rail links matter less.

Or a bit further north, Saffron Walden would tick a lot of your boxes (train station Audley End).

You should find something for your budget in all of these locations, though type of house will vary.

Froooty · 05/11/2023 01:07

What about greater Reading? Not coastal but some lovely areas around it. And 30min on the train into London if you need to.

ibelieveinmirrorballs · 05/11/2023 07:41

Ramsgate is great OP. It appeals to people moving down from London so you’ll find lots of like minded families who are doing exactly what you’re doing. The trains are reliable for getting into London when you need to and there are plenty of great cafes/restaurants/activities etc. It also has a fantastic housing stock with lots of character properties.

My tip is not to overthink it too much and be assured there are thousands of perfectly happy families who’ve done what your planning to do. Having moved down from London 6 years ago I smile to think back to how much time I spent obsessing on finding the perfect location. Keep going to visit, look at properties in your price range, practice the commute, even do a practice week or two staying in an Airbnb (I did this) to get a feel for it all.

StellaOlivetti · 05/11/2023 07:57

Another vote for Norwich. It seems to fit all your requirements and I’d think there would be the demographic to use your birth doula skills.

lljkk · 05/11/2023 07:58

How do you define "good schools"?

Mayhemmumma · 05/11/2023 08:08

Your job would suit Lewes and there's the train station for your DH. It a lovely albeit expensive town.

Fifireee · 05/11/2023 08:11

You need to be nearer than 2 hours from elderly parents! Trust me!

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