I'm originally from a rural area.. DH has always lived in a city and close to his family. I moved away from home as soon as I became an adult and have lived in cities ever since. Me and DH currently live in Birmingham round the corner from his family.
These days I find myself missing rural life, it had been my lifestyle for 18 years before I moved away and I've expressed subtly (maybe not very subtly) that I like the idea of moving away from Birmingham in a couple of years. DH doesn't seem overly keen.. he's more logical and grounded and I act more on a whim, following whatever excites me. Whenever I elude to the idea, there's really no comment or excitement from him. It all seems very one-sided. When his sister and her husband told us they'd be moving to Yorkshire in a couple of years he seemed more interested in the idea, but only if his family including his parents moved there too. I know DH would really hate being away from all that a city could offer and away from family/friends/people he knows. He likes the idea of living rural when we retire... but I see the quality of life it could offer us now: cheaper houses (Birmingham is expensive), starting a family in a much better financial and community situation, and everything that I love about the countryside.
Does anyone know of any towns, suburbs or villages in Yorkshire that have a small city feel to them (cinema, shopping centre or mainstream retail chains and restaurants), close to a city too?
I have fallen in love with Harrogate, North Yorkshire. To me, it strikes the perfect balance of being close to larger cities (Leeds and York), job opportunities, good schools, restaurants and shops we go to here in Birmingham, plenty of places to walk, and it's stunning. But just to keep my options open, I'm looking for other potential places. Would love your suggestions!!
Who knows, in a couple of years it may feel right for DH too, but I can at least do my research.. and dream.