Living in Belfast - cost

Tammykitty

Archie_Duke said:

Redwino222 said:

Yes I drive and plan to get a car to explore,  but I am really a city dweller so don’t think I will venture outside the city limits for he house.

i think Fred is following me!

My experience in Northern Ireland was that public transport was great, especially around Belfast and the corridors out to Bangor and Lisburn. I’d love to be on £70k and living in NI, you really should plan to travel around though, the countryside is amazing!

First time i have ever heard anyone describe NI public transport as great!
Bangor and lisburn are about the only 2 places easily accessible by train, so that's something i suppose.
I lived in South Down for years, and getting anywhere by public transport was a disaster usually. just a poor unreliable bus service
Now living in Derry, and its not much better..although the bus service to Belfast is at least regular from here, but it stops too early, and there is no co-ordination for services to connect in Belfast etc.

Redwino222

Eclipser said:

Very popular at the minute.
https://www.propertypal.com/millmount-village-dundonald/d1291

I looked at this on google earth.  It seems to be outside belfast, and I couldn’t really see any amenities in walking distance.  

I would like parks, restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance.  

They are nice enough houses, but from what I can see on the maps, it’s not really the lifestyle I am looking for (maybe more suitable for young families?).

colink24

I moved to NI from a nice part of South East England back in 2015, so happy to share my thoughts. I am also hitting 40, though I am married with 3 kids.

I earn slightly more than you, managerial role.

I have found that financially we live a lot more comfortably. We are able to live in a 4bed detached for the same price as a 2 bed semi in the location I used to live. In the 4 years weve been here, we have paid off 20k of debt, and saved enough for a deposit on a house. In South East, we lived on credit cards.

I find the pace of life is slower, and people are generally very nice. Some parts are rough, but then thats the same in every county of England, too.

The kids like it. Its actually statistically the safest place to live in the UK, I believe. Nightlife is good, though it does take some adjustment living on a small island compared to back home, where the options for day trips etc is a lot more vast.

Good luck with the move! Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions. 

fred246

I have been to Northern Ireland for a couple of hours. I was worried about bombs so we didn't stay long. To be fair we didn't see any. The countryside was nice and the road signs familiar. This was a few years ago.

KiwiCoop

fred246 said:

I have been to Northern Ireland for a couple of hours. I was worried about bombs so we didn't stay long. To be fair we didn't see any. The countryside was nice and the road signs familiar. This was a few years ago.

I'm sure the OP appreciates your input.

fred246

I hope so. Always trying to be helpful.

Retireby40

Stranmillis area is quite a nice area. Studenty and lots of young professionals. Not many bars/clubs around there so it isn't a hive of madness like other parts. From stranmillis area to city centre your talking 20 minute walk. The house i posted below is probably another 5 mins further.

Its close to Botanic Area where you have the park. Also there's a huge gym the PEC. Its for both students and the public. Its really top drawer in my opinion. Swimming pool etc too. All you could wish for.

https://www.propertypal.com/35-sharman-road-stranmillis-belfast/663449/photo-15

Below is something you could buy around that area. Its just under 300k semi detached, nice area, more families and professionals like yourself.

Belfast really is a great city. Great atmosphere, generally great people and has lots of options in regards to social life, restaurants, sports events, concerts etc. 

I lived in Belfast in different parts throughout my 20s and know most areas of South Belfast and City Centre quite well. If you have any doubts or need anymore info drop me a message. 

In terms of cost. Food, drinks etc are reasonable. Much cheaper than Dublin probably similar to Glasgow, Edinburgh.

Sit down restaurant meal with a beer or wine 20-25 quid.

Pint of beer in a bar anywhere between £4.20-£5 depending on where you go and what you drink.

ballyblack

Pint of beer in a bar anywhere between £4.20-£5 depending on where you go and what you drink.

or real ale in wetherspoons well under £2

Retireby40

ballyblack said:

Pint of beer in a bar anywhere between £4.20-£5 depending on where you go and what you drink.

or real ale in wetherspoons well under £2

Wetherspoons has more than served its purpose manys a late afternoon loading up. The double up on spirits for a quid too. Only drawback no footie or music. 

Tammykitty

OP
I saw this and i thought of you 

194 Lisburn Road, Belfast - PropertyPal
Its detached, and yet right in the middle of things, Botanic gardens in easy walking distance.

A few nice bars around (Ryans was one of my personal favourites for years). Lots of coffee shops
Its on a very busy road though, traffic on the lisburn can be very slow at rush hour, and there may be a few students about