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29F, family all dead/estranged, suggest me a place in the UK for a new start

126 replies

BubbleLily · 24/06/2025 15:28

I’m looking for a new start after a difficult few years with bereavement and family estrangement. I’ve only ever lived in two places in my life so I have very few points of reference to go by!

I’m 29, single, no children, not in touch with any family/relatives, friends scattered across the UK. I work from home full-time and have excellent job security, so I could go pretty much anywhere.

I would be renting initially but am in a good position to buy once I’ve found an area I like enough.

I’m looking for somewhere that’s young, dynamic, left-wing and open minded. Somewhere that’s friendly and not too difficult for a transplant like me to make new friends in. I’d ideally like for the flat itself to be somewhere with cafes, parks etc within easy reach, somewhere with a bit of a buzz around it without being too loud at night.

On paper, Bristol and Brighton/Hove seem like a good fit, although I’ve never visited either. I also want to live alone, which rules out London as that’s too expensive on my current salary - but I think I could manage in any other city.

OP posts:
Appletrig · 24/06/2025 17:09

York or Edinburgh!

THEP0PE · 24/06/2025 17:13

I think you’d like Brighton- it’s great. Lovely people, friendly and accepting. Loads to do. Everyone reads the Guardian and there’s lots of gigs, art, lots of festivals. Also you can walk in the downs and swim in the sea! What more do you want?!

Iheartlibrarians · 24/06/2025 17:17

Do you drive, OP? I think if not that would rule out some of the options on here.

HappyOldCrone · 24/06/2025 17:17

I’ve lived near both Brighton & Bristol in the past and both would fit the bill. However if I was your age now and looking for what you’ve described I would be off to Cardiff in a shot. We lived near there in the past too and Cardiff has always held a special place in my heart and I still go back regularly. It’s very vibrant, friendly and fun. Lots of culture, Brecon Beacons nearby and wonderfully good value when compared to some of the other cities. Cost of living there is cheaper too and handy for getting to the SW. I always loved the warm, chatty informal nature of the Welsh (I’m originally from London) and it’s one of the things I miss most now I’ve left. Lovely flats in the Cardiff Bay area

Bridport · 24/06/2025 17:21

I lived in Bristol through my 30s and really enjoyed it. So much going on. A city right by the countryside with lots going on culturally. Bristol has a real green, left wing fighting spirit. Bishopston, Southville, Redland and Cotham have a great buzz about them. Nowhere is cheap.

Mercurial123 · 24/06/2025 17:29

I don't find it that easy to make friends in Brighton many people find it hard to make connections as it's so transient. Also, it's really expensive and boring in winter. Bristol is a much better option.

pottylolly · 24/06/2025 17:35

If you’re alone Bristol is the best. People are so friendly

Picle · 24/06/2025 17:37

Leeds or Sheffield, or some areas of Manchester as per previous posts.

I wouldn't recommend Frome. Not particularly friendly and there is a lot of resentment amongst locals towards 'outsiders' and being priced out of the market by them. Also - has drugs problems, increasing antisocial behaviour from youths, and is pretty grotty in places.

Crikeyalmighty · 24/06/2025 17:41

@HappyOldCrone I would agree with that totally -

Andoutcomethewolves · 24/06/2025 17:41

Ha, I came on to suggest Bristol or Brighton.

I moved to Bristol after a breakup in my early thirties. There's so much to do and so many opportunities to build a social circle. Within a couple of months I had a good friendship circle (despite being socially awkward) and was always off to a gig or exhibitions or the pub with them! It's also very left wing generally and we love to protest 😁 I was there when Colston's statue was pulled down (didn't participate but did observe and cheer them on haha). Lots of appearances and talks by politicians etc.

I used to live in Easton which provides everything you want, now in Stokes Croft which also does but is a little...grittier 😬

Never been to Brighton but I have friends there and it seems like a similar vibe.

Think the main problem may be you wanting to live alone, and rental prices in both.

Nameynamechange123 · 24/06/2025 17:43

Cardiff! Honestly it’s a great city- not too big and not too small, so much great green space both in the city and just outside of it! Lots of great independent cafes etc. Super friendly people and loads of nice areas to live in depending on what you’re after!

FatherFrosty · 24/06/2025 17:44

another vote for Cardiff. Great mix of everything going on.
Brighton and Bristol are also great.

user2848502016 · 24/06/2025 17:44

Liverpool

LittlleMy · 24/06/2025 17:49

Appletrig · 24/06/2025 17:09

York or Edinburgh!

Urgh! Two of my favourite places, I imagine Edinburgh is a pretty costly city though. York could be a go-er though.

@BubbleLily Love Bath also but I think it’s like a little London in terms of renting. When I was in my late 30s I was seriously contemplating Bristol so I’d probably go there if I had my time again. I think it’s the best compromise for an element of everything you’re looking for 🙂. My ex used to live in Clifton in Bristol - stunning, safe and vibrant. Google it, not sure what your budget is but will be worth every penny!

Roselilly36 · 24/06/2025 17:50

Come to Norwich, OP, sensible property prices, gorgeous beaches, friendly people, more sunshine hours, low crime. We moved from the South Coast, best move we ever made, no regrets.

Zezet · 24/06/2025 17:52

A friend who wanted to move went to B&Bs (NOT AirBNB) in the places she was interested in. Really helped her discover the difference between what she thought she'd like and what she did like.

nottoplan · 24/06/2025 17:54

Hastingsa & st Leonard’s

filionj · 24/06/2025 17:55

York

Plantladylover · 24/06/2025 18:00

Also so curious about what people are saying that needs deleting by mods.

If I were you (and I have been you, also at 29) I'd do 2 things.

1-consider my budget for buying a flat/house and what I can get for my money.

2- visit places for the weekend. See what they are like. I'd also second York, Manchester. I'm a bit out of date on property prices but I still believe there is a North/South divide. visit places in conjunction with looking at property prices

I moved from South Essex in 2004 to North Manchester, never regretted it for a minute. Prior to this I lived in Birmingham (loved it) Bristol (hated every minute) and now in Scotland (here to stay )

MounjaroMounjaro · 24/06/2025 18:04

If you don't mind the weather, then Edinburgh's great. As another poster said, though, have you thought of going abroad?

Pluvia · 24/06/2025 18:05

Edinburgh. Fantastic city.

Edited to add: great minds think alike! I hadn't seen your post when I posted, honest.

Maddy70 · 24/06/2025 18:07

Have you considered abroad? You have no ties and a remote job. Spain is offering digital nomad visas for example.
I live there and it's so easy to meet people and make friends

SushiDisco · 24/06/2025 18:08

Exeter?

CarraghInish · 24/06/2025 18:12

Try a visit to Scotland and see what you think of the vibes up there! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

FrenchBean7 · 24/06/2025 18:13

Liverpool ticks all your boxes. Check out Aigburth and areas like that. It’s a very friendly city

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