How did you choose a new area to live?

SLZ

redandwhitestripes wrote: »

It's a good few years away but I've been considering moving out of NW London where I have lived all my 40 odd years and move to a new part of the UK.

I've been thinking about ' the South West' - a big area - and I wouldn't know where to start , so have just done a few searches on Rightmove to see where is affordable as an initial starting point!

So how do you choose an area , if you don't have family or friends in such areas to advise you.
It's a broad question I know but just wondered what things went through your mind , and what you did to determine where to move to.

It was quite simple, the main driving factor was a job which London provides me but in a couple of years when my partner and I start to consider children and our own home, we'll be moving to Cambridgeshire most likely as it's beautiful.

As for your wish to move to the SW, if you're looking at Cornwall, you'll be in a good position coming from London with London money to Cornwall where a large 5 bed can cost as little as £300k (Helston) but the main places to live are Falmouth, St. Ives, Newquay (if you're young), Truro but you won't get the community feeling unless you live just outside and in a village.

hazyjo

I've often looked at areas - usually for retirement lol. Places like Suffolk or Norfolk. I've sat for ages googling things like 'Norfolk restaurants Post Office beach recommend' and you can usually find recommendations on a forum somewhere for areas with or near those things, or a newspaper article that talks about an area. I read what people say about each area and whether I think it'll suit me, and also have a good virtual walk around.


I am in Chingford now which I grew up near so I knew of it already, but my next move will be Leigh-on-Sea which is a bit of a gamble. I've done tonnes of internet research, visited a few times, follow various bars, restaurants, local groups, etc on FB, and regularly search twitter. I also have the Fenchurch St departure boards on my faves so check that every night when I remember (although they are pretty reliable).


I like to be in a town. I can't imagine being in the middle of nowhere. I love to be able to stroll outside my door to browse in shops and to walk to several restaurants/bars/pubs. Live music is always a bonus - something Chingford lacks. Leigh has a very busy music scene in lots of small bars - anything from folk, jazz to rock, and a few local festivals, and it's arty too - several galleries/artists there. Oh, and the sea on my doorstep! I can't think of a better place for me and my OH. It's all come from internet research, I'd not known about it before really.


I've no idea what I searched for to find it, but just tried looking up "essex restaurants post office music art sea beach desirable" and Leigh-on-Sea got mentioned.


Have a think about what's important to you.


Jx

mrsbee17

We moved for work; but we're now in a position where we want to buy a house but are struggling to find the huge deposit for the high-priced housing in the Thames Valley; a bit stuck as we can't seem to land jobs back in South Wales - it's a tough situation so choose wisely!

Peccary

We shortlisted some places based on a few criteria which were important to us:


30 mins thereabouts commute to Manchester for work and fun (and football in OH's case)
access to countryside for walking
town not village, I wanted all the amenities in walking distance , I do drive but like being able to walk.
We want to start a family soon so wanted a big enough place to meet other parents.


We spent a lot weekends visiting places on a Saturday morning to see how lively they were, how the independent shops were doing etc We also rented first but have now bought in the place we chose

pimento

Exeter.

Lots of trains, lots of buses, an airport, a rugby team, a football team, a river, a cathedral, a John Lewis and reasonable house prices.

See you there in four years and three months when I retire.