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Escape to the country
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I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions?  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I am currently staying in a place called Rillington between York and The East Coast.
It's lovely round here. The nearest town is 5 miles away, Malton.
Malton has a main line train service.
We're circa 20 miles from York, (Leeds is about another 20). It's around 20 miles to the East Coast seaside towns
It's on the A64, so good road links too. The M1 is about 30-45 minutes.
House prices seem like good value round here.
I'm not saying the area is exactly ideal for your needs but maybe the towns between Leeds & York could provide what you are looking for |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I am currently staying in a place called Rillington between York and The East Coast.
It's lovely round here. The nearest town is 5 miles away, Malton.
Malton has a main line train service.
We're circa 20 miles from York, (Leeds is about another 20). It's around 20 miles to the East Coast seaside towns
It's on the A64, so good road links too. The M1 is about 30-45 minutes.
House prices seem like good value round here.
I'm not saying the area is exactly ideal for your needs but maybe the towns between Leeds & York could provide what you are looking for"
We're two minutes from the A64, yet heard a car about every half hour or so
People say 'How Do' when you see them whilst walking the dog
There's 2 or 3 pubs, a chip shop, a butchers, a school, a post office / general store
Oh and it's flat  |
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"I am currently staying in a place called Rillington between York and The East Coast.
It's lovely round here. The nearest town is 5 miles away, Malton.
Malton has a main line train service.
We're circa 20 miles from York, (Leeds is about another 20). It's around 20 miles to the East Coast seaside towns
It's on the A64, so good road links too. The M1 is about 30-45 minutes.
House prices seem like good value round here.
I'm not saying the area is exactly ideal for your needs but maybe the towns between Leeds & York could provide what you are looking for"
I'll add that to my list! |
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"Go West to Cheltenham if you want civilisation, but if you want to double your money, go North!!
Where does midpoint between everyone land you?  "
Cheltenham...too near to my ex-husband!
To be roughly equidistant(ish) to everyone the Midlands...ish!  |
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I grew up in the countryside but have lived in York for the last 5 years, it's great as although it's a city, it's not an ugly urban sprawl, and certainly from where I am I can cycle two minutes and be out in the countryside. |
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"I am currently staying in a place called Rillington between York and The East Coast.
It's lovely round here. The nearest town is 5 miles away, Malton.
Malton has a main line train service.
We're circa 20 miles from York, (Leeds is about another 20). It's around 20 miles to the East Coast seaside towns
It's on the A64, so good road links too. The M1 is about 30-45 minutes.
House prices seem like good value round here.
I'm not saying the area is exactly ideal for your needs but maybe the towns between Leeds & York could provide what you are looking for
We're two minutes from the A64, yet heard a car about every half hour or so
People say 'How Do' when you see them whilst walking the dog
There's 2 or 3 pubs, a chip shop, a butchers, a school, a post office / general store
Oh and it's flat "
People...lead with flat!
Three pubs? The nearest pub to me is a mile away...people, second selling point pubs! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? "
bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want |
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"I grew up in the countryside but have lived in York for the last 5 years, it's great as although it's a city, it's not an ugly urban sprawl, and certainly from where I am I can cycle two minutes and be out in the countryside."
When I visited my sister in Leeds last year she drove us down to York for the day. Unfortunately, it was for retail therapy. I'll get her to give me a proper tour of the area |
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want "
My daughter went to uni in Bath, love the area but a tad pricey and I want to be mortgage free. |
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By *eliWoman
over a year ago
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Burford is absolutely beautiful and ticks a lot on your list (proximity to teaching hospital, lively community etc).
There are some beautiful villages in Staffordshire if going on the Midlands thing - Gnosall, Abbots Bromley. Stone is brilliant as well but more of a town. Again, going by proximity to teaching hospital - Royal Stoke.
Not sure if Cheshire is a bit far north but there are lots of lovely villages in East Cheshire and not too bad a commute to the hospital. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want
My daughter went to uni in Bath, love the area but a tad pricey and I want to be mortgage free."
Filton then just outside bath, nothing is as pricey as London |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I wouldn’t suggest any one moving to South Wales. I can’t wait to leave here!
My daughter and her family moved there last year from Berkshire: they love it! "
They all talk funny here. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want
My daughter went to uni in Bath, love the area but a tad pricey and I want to be mortgage free."
Reading great countryside a big town lots of shops cheaper housing, several hospitals, London overspill,easy rail links and road links to everywhere it's almost a hub just like London |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Forget Wiltshire then! It's remote, apart from the likes of Salisbury, but I get snowed in all the time!
Yeah...but can supplies get through? "
Back in March when we had the heavy snow... Nothing, absolutely nothing got through. Although we did end up having to go shopping in a tractor lol |
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"Burford is absolutely beautiful and ticks a lot on your list (proximity to teaching hospital, lively community etc).
There are some beautiful villages in Staffordshire if going on the Midlands thing - Gnosall, Abbots Bromley. Stone is brilliant as well but more of a town. Again, going by proximity to teaching hospital - Royal Stoke.
Not sure if Cheshire is a bit far north but there are lots of lovely villages in East Cheshire and not too bad a commute to the hospital."
Used to visit Wilmslow every other weekend, had a playmate who lived there. London house prices I thought so never considered the area. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Forget Wiltshire then! It's remote, apart from the likes of Salisbury, but I get snowed in all the time!
Yeah...but can supplies get through?
Back in March when we had the heavy snow... Nothing, absolutely nothing got through. Although we did end up having to go shopping in a tractor lol "
maybe that accounts for all the really skinny people in that area |
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"I wouldn’t suggest any one moving to South Wales. I can’t wait to leave here!
My daughter and her family moved there last year from Berkshire: they love it!
They all talk funny here. "
My niece and nephew have strong Yorkshire accents so my ears are prepared for my grandsons Welsh ones.  |
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want
My daughter went to uni in Bath, love the area but a tad pricey and I want to be mortgage free.Reading great countryside a big town lots of shops cheaper housing, several hospitals, London overspill,easy rail links and road links to everywhere it's almost a hub just like London "
My daughter lived in Caversham and I was looking to move nearby to help with the children (2 year twins and a newborn).
My son-in-law qualified as a solicitor...and moved to South Wales. But I do like Reading. |
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"Forget Wiltshire then! It's remote, apart from the likes of Salisbury, but I get snowed in all the time!
Yeah...but can supplies get through?
Back in March when we had the heavy snow... Nothing, absolutely nothing got through. Although we did end up having to go shopping in a tractor lol "
 Say it isn't so! |
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Serious question, do you want to be somewhere with a bit of an ethnic mix or are you happy to be the only black person in the village?
If you are used to big city living, some places (still) can come as a bit of a shock,in terms of attitude, staring and comments.
From personal experience. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm a Londoner born and bred. In my 58 years I've not lived or worked more than eight miles from where I was born. I'm used to 24/365 service for all my wants.
I retired two years ago with the intention of selling up and moving to the country...but I'm stuck...where to go!
My children are in South Wales, Kent and London and my sister in Leeds. So Fabbers, help me narrow my search. My requirements are simple: good transport links, local amenities, teaching hospital with a&e, not too hilly, diverse community, green spaces, community spirit and low crime.
Oh...I hate snow, so anywhere where it starts snowing in September and anywhere if it snows Amazon and Sainsbury's can't deliver is out!
Suggestions? bath or Bristol I love Bristols......... It has great restaurants, great countryside, several hospitals, road and rail links are easy for London or Cardiff and it has the all important West Country accent, history in abundance, what more can you want
My daughter went to uni in Bath, love the area but a tad pricey and I want to be mortgage free.Reading great countryside a big town lots of shops cheaper housing, several hospitals, London overspill,easy rail links and road links to everywhere it's almost a hub just like London
My daughter lived in Caversham and I was looking to move nearby to help with the children (2 year twins and a newborn).
My son-in-law qualified as a solicitor...and moved to South Wales. But I do like Reading. "
see its ideal it's home from home, I had a friend who lived in Caversham to died when he was 42 really nice guy |
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I'm a city girl, love Bristol. That would be my choice.
Mixed population, loads going on. Good train links. Interesting architecture. House prices are on the high side but still cheaper than London. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm a city girl, love Bristol. That would be my choice.
Mixed population, loads going on. Good train links. Interesting architecture. House prices are on the high side but still cheaper than London."
Great choice meet you there |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Burford is absolutely beautiful and ticks a lot on your list (proximity to teaching hospital, lively community etc).
There are some beautiful villages in Staffordshire if going on the Midlands thing - Gnosall, Abbots Bromley. Stone is brilliant as well but more of a town. Again, going by proximity to teaching hospital - Royal Stoke.
Not sure if Cheshire is a bit far north but there are lots of lovely villages in East Cheshire and not too bad a commute to the hospital."
Impressive Staffordshire knowledge Meli, you really should visit more Staffordshire villages soon.
I’d suggest Burton on Trent and surrounding area to the op, Yoxall is a favourite place of ours. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Try walsall. Its close to countryside all around. The QE Hospital is close by. Close to Birmingham for shopping. Motorway links are nearby. Central to all England and Wales! |
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"Serious question, do you want to be somewhere with a bit of an ethnic mix or are you happy to be the only black person in the village?
If you are used to big city living, some places (still) can come as a bit of a shock,in terms of attitude, staring and comments.
From personal experience."
At one point I considered Norfolk but ruled it out for that reason. The locals were passive aggressive. Looked at parts of Cambridgeshire I could afford but there was a big eastern european community, and they weren't friendly. Conversely, I don't want to live in an area with a large West Indian community either.
My parents, ex-husband, children all moved out to predominately white areas without incident. I think hostile glares and passive aggressive interaction are preferably to walking out of the station to running battle of armed black youths.
I don't want to live in a village - that implies remote to me, and I need somewhere that has good transport links as I don't really like to drive.
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"I'm a city girl, love Bristol. That would be my choice.
Mixed population, loads going on. Good train links. Interesting architecture. House prices are on the high side but still cheaper than London."
Plus easier to get to South Wales than London, but it's the house prices. I want to be mortgage free. |
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By *imiUKMan
over a year ago
Hereford |
If you want flat you have two choices: the East of the country or the Somerset levels. Everywhere else is not flat.
Otherwise, the rest of your post sounds really like you want to live in the town. |
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"Have a drive round and check it out in person. Look for 'For Sale' signs and you might find a gem. "
I did that in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire - that's how I know the natives weren't too friendly.
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"If you want flat you have two choices: the East of the country or the Somerset levels. Everywhere else is not flat.
Otherwise, the rest of your post sounds really like you want to live in the town. "
To be honest, two years post retirement in the same place would suggest I'm not sure what I want. At one point I was looking at the south coast, but that seemed like God's waiting room.
I'm seeking suggestions to help narrow down what I want as it will probably be my last move. Once I'm back on my feet I'll take a road trip. |
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By *imiUKMan
over a year ago
Hereford |
"Have a drive round and check it out in person. Look for 'For Sale' signs and you might find a gem.
I did that in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire - that's how I know the natives weren't too friendly.
"
The rules are different in the country. We moved to the village I grew up in when I was 10, my parents have made friends, but they will never be local, although myself and my brother are.
People are often polite, but not friendly at first. You will have to live there for a few years and integrate in some way - drinking in the pub is a good way to do this.
There are people in my village who I didn't know existed until one of the pubs became a "gastropub". |
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"When I retire and the kids finally all leave home, I would like to go and live in or close to Hastings. "
Love Hastings, lots going on for a small place.
But...even though it's more mixed than it was 15 years ago when my parents moved down there, it had a some Hill Billy BNP pockets.
There's a creative side to the town and a redneck end so choose your location carefully.
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"Serious question, do you want to be somewhere with a bit of an ethnic mix or are you happy to be the only black person in the village?
If you are used to big city living, some places (still) can come as a bit of a shock,in terms of attitude, staring and comments.
From personal experience.
At one point I considered Norfolk but ruled it out for that reason. The locals were passive aggressive. Looked at parts of Cambridgeshire I could afford but there was a big eastern european community, and they weren't friendly. Conversely, I don't want to live in an area with a large West Indian community either.
My parents, ex-husband, children all moved out to predominately white areas without incident. I think hostile glares and passive aggressive interaction are preferably to walking out of the station to running battle of armed black youths.
I don't want to live in a village - that implies remote to me, and I need somewhere that has good transport links as I don't really like to drive.
"
Peckham Rye/Nunhead girl here, I hear what you are saying.
It's still strange when you go places in the UK where they still want to touch your hair...and ask "where are you from, no where are you really from?"
Couldn't be doing with that on a daily basis. |
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"Have a drive round and check it out in person. Look for 'For Sale' signs and you might find a gem.
I did that in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire - that's how I know the natives weren't too friendly.
The rules are different in the country. We moved to the village I grew up in when I was 10, my parents have made friends, but they will never be local, although myself and my brother are.
People are often polite, but not friendly at first. You will have to live there for a few years and integrate in some way - drinking in the pub is a good way to do this.
There are people in my village who I didn't know existed until one of the pubs became a "gastropub". "
Oh I get that: at one point I was thinking about the Dordogne and joined an ex-pat forum asking if the natives were friendly. I didn't mention my ethnicity.
The consensus was it was bloody hard work making friends with the locals as they tended to socialise within their families and lifelong friends and outsiders weren't readily welcome.
I can be quite sociable...just need to find where. |
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"When I retire and the kids finally all leave home, I would like to go and live in or close to Hastings. "
Hastings, Margate and Bournemouth were my first choices. Don't know why I changed my mind...hmmm |
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"When I retire and the kids finally all leave home, I would like to go and live in or close to Hastings.
Love Hastings, lots going on for a small place.
But...even though it's more mixed than it was 15 years ago when my parents moved down there, it had a some Hill Billy BNP pockets.
There's a creative side to the town and a redneck end so choose your location carefully.
"
There are hillbilly types everywhere. I'm not a million miles from where Stephen Lawrence was killed and the area is still one I rarely visit.
Sad really that in 2018 I have to take my ethnicity into account when choosing where to live in the country off my birth, where I've worked 40 years before retirement.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I moved to a village just over a year ago and really miss amazon now deliveries 
However we do get prime and have a rail station. Personally I think a busier village would suit what you are after more than remote countryside |
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"Serious question, do you want to be somewhere with a bit of an ethnic mix or are you happy to be the only black person in the village?
If you are used to big city living, some places (still) can come as a bit of a shock,in terms of attitude, staring and comments.
From personal experience.
At one point I considered Norfolk but ruled it out for that reason. The locals were passive aggressive. Looked at parts of Cambridgeshire I could afford but there was a big eastern european community, and they weren't friendly. Conversely, I don't want to live in an area with a large West Indian community either.
My parents, ex-husband, children all moved out to predominately white areas without incident. I think hostile glares and passive aggressive interaction are preferably to walking out of the station to running battle of armed black youths.
I don't want to live in a village - that implies remote to me, and I need somewhere that has good transport links as I don't really like to drive.
Peckham Rye/Nunhead girl here, I hear what you are saying.
It's still strange when you go places in the UK where they still want to touch your hair...and ask "where are you from, no where are you really from?"
Couldn't be doing with that on a daily basis."
Small world: marital home was in Nunhead. Every Saturday took my daughters swimming in Dulwich, followed by a trip to the library, stopping off at Ayres bakery before heading home.
Never appreciated how happy those halcyon days were. |
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By *irtySekretsCouple
over a year ago
Filthy Desires Upon Trent |
"North Wales .... living the dream for a city girl who upped and left 3yrs ago ..... just 260 of us in our little bubble here
Forgive my ignorance: how does it differ from south Wales? "
I’ve found North Wales to be far less friendly than South Wales. I’ve lived in both areas.
Another vote for Burton on Trent and surrounding areas. Good transport links. Beautiful countryside and things to do locally. House prices very reasonable. X |
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"Cornwall, has a massive amount of new people who have retired or moved to Live the dream. "
My daughter had her hen weekend in Cornwall. I have travelled the world and the view crossing the Tamar is in my top three of "wow!" sites.
Downside, distance. It took less time to visit my sister, sit in her kitchen drinking coffee than it did to get a coffee in Cornwall on arrival: my sister lives in Milan! |
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"I moved to a village just over a year ago and really miss amazon now deliveries
However we do get prime and have a rail station. Personally I think a busier village would suit what you are after more than remote countryside "
I think so too...I wouldn’t want to entirely cut off. |
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"North Wales .... living the dream for a city girl who upped and left 3yrs ago ..... just 260 of us in our little bubble here
Forgive my ignorance: how does it differ from south Wales?
I’ve found North Wales to be far less friendly than South Wales. I’ve lived in both areas.
Another vote for Burton on Trent and surrounding areas. Good transport links. Beautiful countryside and things to do locally. House prices very reasonable. X"
I did look into Staffordshire as Martin Roberts (homes under the hammer) is a local lad and always sings its praises. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Cornwall, has a massive amount of new people who have retired or moved to Live the dream.
My daughter had her hen weekend in Cornwall. I have travelled the world and the view crossing the Tamar is in my top three of "wow!" sites.
Downside, distance. It took less time to visit my sister, sit in her kitchen drinking coffee than it did to get a coffee in Cornwall on arrival: my sister lives in Milan!"
It is a nice veiw far better further down but logistically a nightmare to travel from |
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"Serious question, do you want to be somewhere with a bit of an ethnic mix or are you happy to be the only black person in the village?
If you are used to big city living, some places (still) can come as a bit of a shock,in terms of attitude, staring and comments.
From personal experience.
At one point I considered Norfolk but ruled it out for that reason. The locals were passive aggressive. Looked at parts of Cambridgeshire I could afford but there was a big eastern european community, and they weren't friendly. Conversely, I don't want to live in an area with a large West Indian community either.
My parents, ex-husband, children all moved out to predominately white areas without incident. I think hostile glares and passive aggressive interaction are preferably to walking out of the station to running battle of armed black youths.
I don't want to live in a village - that implies remote to me, and I need somewhere that has good transport links as I don't really like to drive.
Peckham Rye/Nunhead girl here, I hear what you are saying.
It's still strange when you go places in the UK where they still want to touch your hair...and ask "where are you from, no where are you really from?"
Couldn't be doing with that on a daily basis.
Small world: marital home was in Nunhead. Every Saturday took my daughters swimming in Dulwich, followed by a trip to the library, stopping off at Ayres bakery before heading home.
Never appreciated how happy those halcyon days were."
Indeed, mum worked in the library, and my dad used to drop her at work then bring us cakes back from Ayres.
Re Bristol...If you go on to one of the estate agents sites, type in Bristol and plus 20 miles you get some interesting property around the 250 mark.
I can spend hours poring over houses, usually at 3am when I can't sleep.
I'm looking to buy again next year.
The looking is probably more fun than the buying to be honest! |
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By *imbo59seMan
over a year ago
North Norfolk area |
"Have a drive round and check it out in person. Look for 'For Sale' signs and you might find a gem.
I did that in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire - that's how I know the natives weren't too friendly.
"
I'm friendly, but then I've only recently retired to Norfolk, so hardly a native |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Similar to you, born and bred in London, worked in London all my life.
I’ve just moved to Westerham and transferred my job to near Gatwick.
Crap transport links but I live it here ! First time in all my life I’ve lived and worked outside the M25, it’s made a massive difference to my life.
Probably no good for you but thought I’d share |
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& before you judge us we’re ex city dwellers 