So confused! Where on earth do we live?

NomadAmber

My husband and I are both aged in our early thirties, no children (sadly, it's not happening) and we're still not on the housing ladder. We both run our own businesses from home and - due to the nature of our work - we can work from absolutely anywhere... as long as we can drive to the odd meeting each month.

Now this sounds amazing and something I'm sure you'll say we're lucky to have the choice. But to us - it's a curse. We're so incredibly confused. Because we don't know where we want to live.

At the moment, we've moved from the North West of England to be down in Brighton. We moved because we previously lived in suburbia close to all our family, which was nice - but very boring as there was nothing to do in our hometown. We also moved because all we did was work, work, work and we moved to Brighton to enjoy a better quality of life.

But we're not sure if Brighton is for us. So where next? I suppose we're both thinking that we should move back to the North West because it's 'safe' and 'familiar' and we'd have a better chance of buying something up there. But then lots of people say we should stay near London and where we are as it's so fantastic.

With all this in mind, if you were in our boat, where would you live? If you could be anywhere, where in the UK would you choose?

I think my husband is craving semi-rural quiet life and I still want my dose of city living. We could still live in a city but it would have to be somewhere with lots of green spaces for my husband and great areas for cycling.

Help!

NomadAmber

Please? Anyone?

fawd1

what about somewhere like Bath? It's in a very rural location, but you still have the amenities of the city. It's very pricey mind you, but then so's Brighton.

GAH

When most people base there decision will be to live it will be a number of factors, close to work, close to family, close to a shopping facilities, low crime rates, good nightlife.

It depends what things are most important to you.

Rather than get reccommendations from people hear, surely it is better to choose an area you know well or have visited many times before.

erichamster

I'd live in Cornwall, and I do!

NeverAgain_2

The North East is good for getting about - very little traffic in comparison to other parts of the country.

It also tends to be cheaper, although like anywhere, the good bits fetch good money.

Newcastle is the only place in the region with a big city feel, even though it's not that big.

Durham is worth a look, countryside in easy reach as is Newcastle for nights out and shopping.

VfM4meplse

I think you need to work out your objectives with OH and then consider where would be the best location for that to happen - eg, if you see a family in your future, good schools will be a consideration, as will family contact.

Moving is expensive and requires careful thought.

hazyjo

What about Windsor, Oxford or Cambridge?

If you do decide to up sticks again, it would probably be worth considering renting for 6-12 months to see if you like the area.

Jx

InMyDreams

NomadAmber wrote: »

I think my husband is craving semi-rural quiet life and I still want my dose of city living. We could still live in a city but it would have to be somewhere with lots of green spaces for my husband and great areas for cycling.

Help!

This is screaming Sheffield to me. All the benefits of living in a major city, but on the doorstep of the Peak District with all the rural opportunities that offers (including mountain biking). If you live on the west side you can be minutes away from city centre in one direction and peace and tranquillity on the other. According to Sheffield city council website, Sheffield boasts more trees per person than any other European city, with 61% of the city being green space. https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/sheffield-profile/geography.html

NomadAmber

fawd1 wrote: »

what about somewhere like Bath? It's in a very rural location, but you still have the amenities of the city. It's very pricey mind you, but then so's Brighton.

I love Bath. But actually prefer Bristol as it's got more of what I'm after at this stage of my life. It's also got a good digital scene - good for our businesses. But not sure really.. Arghh! Thanks for your input

NomadAmber

GAH wrote: »

When most people base there decision will be to live it will be a number of factors, close to work, close to family, close to a shopping facilities, low crime rates, good nightlife.

It depends what things are most important to you.

Rather than get reccommendations from people hear, surely it is better to choose an area you know well or have visited many times before.

This is just our problem. 'Home' doesn't feel like anywhere at the moment. Family are driving us mad. We need to break away and make a life of our own somewhere else.

What's important? Quality of life. Cycling. Countryside close by but a little city living in a pretty place with gorgeous architecture. Not bothered about nightlife or shopping really. Just love restaurants, bars, parks, being in places where there's lots of interesting people and events going on.

Brighton has it all for us but we're not sure.