Bournemouth or Harrogate

[Aiimy]

Hello everyone - This is my 1st post and was really hoping I could get some opinions or advice regarding a relocation dilemma we have.

First of all. I'm a 28 year old Filipina care worker and my husband (37) is British, where are currently living in Surrey. In a strange situation we have both been offered job opportunities, but in different locations in the country. We both decided that we would like to move away from this area but can't decide which way to go.

The areas that we are considering is between Bournemouth and Harrogate, but unfortunately I have never been to Harrogate so have no idea what it's like.

Here are a few criteria's;

• Roughly £220k to spend on a home - Apartment or small house
• Things to do - Restaurants/bars, community scene, sports clubs, meeting people etc
• Schools - reputable schools
• Surrounding areas - We feel Harrogate may be a little too remote

Last one.. we're both very social and love meeting people from all backgrounds, but as a Filipino I would like to be in an area with a Filipino community also (if possible). I'm still fairly new to the UK

Aiimy

I would recommend Bournemouth. Many varied cultures. Good schools and links to Airports and London. Some very expensive areas but there are affordable areas such as Boscombe and Southbourne. Lots of care work too.:-)

I don't know Harrogate so cant help there. There are plenty of areas within Bournemouth where you can buy something nice within your budget.
lots to do, although its a large town it still has a strong sense of community.

Sounds like Bournemouth might be more up your street - more international population, better weather, outdoorsy lifestyle. Harrogate may be up north but is not that remote, you can get to cities like Leeds very easily on the train and there is beautiful countryside to the north if that's your thing. Where else in the country do you need to be able to get to?

Harrogate is lovely, very genteel and no bad areas of the town. It's situated about half an hour from both York and Leeds.
Most of the schools in Harrogate are good, and there is a thriving community feel to the place.

I grew up there and then moved back there for a few years after living in London.

Both leeds and York have Filipino community groups.

Harrogate does have a nice Filipino community. But it doesn't have the seaside.

Would housing be cheaper in Harrogate?

Housing is expensive in harrogate (for the North) particularly near certain secondary schools. That said you could probably get a small 3 bed semi for your budget.
Schools are very good and most bits aren't remote unless you're thinking about some of the villages out near patley bridge. Takes just over half an hour to Leeds or York and under 3 to London on train.

Harrogate a a fairly affluent area and lot of people retire here so loads of private care work.
There are loads of restaurants, bars, sports clubs etc too.