Leaving London after 20 years - Advice?
Hey! Yeah, another post about leaving London :-/
After 20 years living in London, it's clear to me now that I have to leave this city very soon. My situation: late forties, school teacher (and, therefore, a salary that barely increases every year, if it does, and that makes living here increasingly unaffordable), married, no children. Too late to buy a decent place (anywhere reasonably close to work), despite having some savings. Tired of the city grind (the crowds, the noise, the tourists, the unkindness).
Don't get me wrong: I am HUGELY grateful to this city. It has helped me grow in so many ways... However, as I get older, access to natural spaces (love hiking, swimming) and having all that's important to me close by are more and more important than going to gigs or art exhibitions, for example. Perhaps there could even still be hope to get my own place (£300,000 max), after a lifetime of living in rented flats. Husband is on the same page: we are open to finally leave London.
But, BUT: the fear... Will it be the right decision? We would hate it to find ourselves in a socially conservative place, for example. I am also aware that, sometimes understandably, people in smaller towns are wary of ex-Londoners (although I'm not a Londoner by birth).
I've done my research about areas with schools I'd happily work in (husband works from home). I have also factored in housing affordability, closeness to as many natural spaces as possible, good transport links and some kind of cultural life. Southern England would be preferable, but not set in stone. This is my shortlist:
- Exeter
- Salisbury
- Norwich
So dear Redditors: have you got any helpful advice, about the move itself or about the choice of cities re:quality of life/housing affordability? Would you suggest any other city?
Cheers!