Moving; Brighton to Manchester?

[ReturnToTheNorth]

x-posted in Chat

I'm a Mancunian by birth, but I've lived in the SE for nearly 20 years (Brighton/London).

I'm coming to the end of a contract, and DH has just been somewhat dicked over regarding a secondment/promotion.

I miss my family in Manchester, and we are struggling here financially in Brighton. I think we'd be better off if we went up North, but it just seems such a massive step to take after so long down here.

Have any other MNers made a similar move? What did you miss? And did you regret it?

The very same move my parents made 30 years ago! I think in many ways, the two cities and the towns and villages around them have quite a similar ethos - lots going on in the centre, with beautiful countryside round about.

Manchester has changed enormously in the last 20 years, so it probably won't be like your memories. Why not go up again for a long visit?

We moved from Surrey to Wilmslow 3yrs ago. I'm from Surrey so it was a big move but I love it. We may need to move again soon and I'm not keen.

Although we're just south of Manchester, DH commutes there quite easily. Excellent range of state and indie schools, greenery etc.

Town centre now very swanky and expensive. Coming from Surrey, I was stunned at how expensive South Manchester/North Cheshire is but you get more for your money north of the city.

If you want chic/hobo (as you're in Brighton) then maybe Didsbury/Cholton but schools not great. Schools better just up the road in Heatons. Or there's swanky cafe villages with good schools like Hale or Bramhall. I love living in Wilmslow but it's quite far out for some people and is more fake tan and sports car (neither are me) than relaxed shabby chic like Brighton.

Oh and I don't miss anything really other than the summer pushing into September which it def doesn't up here and the winters are bloody freezing! Manchester rain is a deadly weapon!

Thanks so much for the replies

GrendelsMum (loving the name btw) - you've hit the nail on the head with your precis - I am entranced by the Downs but I just need to remind myself that the Pennines etc are as beautiful and accessible - and that M/cr has Harvey Nicks and Selfridges (x2!!!) as opposed to, erm, Debenhams...

myredquattro, really pleased you made the move and liked it! As an Alty girl originally, I'd never live north of the city, but W.Dids/Chorlton are definitely on my list (if only I can get over the acid flashbacks lol - too much time (mis)spent at the Midland).

And it's no joke, the drizzle and constant grey days - we get more sun here in Brighton and on the South Coast than anywhere else in the UK. Plus the sea and the sky is always shifting, and that's beautiful too.

Aaaarrrgghh I wish someone would just make up my mind for me