Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
#31
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Hi UKWinds, I don't have those figures I'm afraid. I think it would vary depending on what type of house you mean - period property, modern house on an estate etc. We need 4 bedrooms and we also want a period home - not something on a housing estate. That pushes up the price of course.
#32
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 260
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Well done, whens the next one
#33
Finally Home!
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
UKWinds, York is lovely, but too touristy for me and also a little bit too hectic. I'm more of a country girl despite having spent the last 20+ years in big cities. Or maybe that's why - too much city life! My favorite towns, if it was just up to me, are Richmond up near Northumberland (seriously must be one of the most perfectly preserved historic towns in the UK) or Pateley Bridge. But since my husband really wants fast Internet access for our business, I don't think either are really possible.
Last edited by sallysimmons; Jul 15th 2012 at 6:18 pm.
#34
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Charlotte,NC
Posts: 1,717
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
#35
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Charlotte,NC
Posts: 1,717
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Thanks guys for the kind words - I'm happy to share what I can because I know how I felt when I was in the US. I looked forward to details like a starving woman grabbing for scraps of food
I went into Ilkley today to meet a friend for lunch and took the chance to pop up to the moors for a few minutes. I honestly think Ilkley Moor is a magical place. The weather was utterly foul and yet this was my view. Really I think the moors are better in the grey weather!
I went into Ilkley today to meet a friend for lunch and took the chance to pop up to the moors for a few minutes. I honestly think Ilkley Moor is a magical place. The weather was utterly foul and yet this was my view. Really I think the moors are better in the grey weather!
#36
Banned
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,830
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
UKWinds, York is lovely, but too touristy for me and also a little bit too hectic. I'm more of a country girl despite having spent the last 20+ years in big cities. Or maybe that's why - too much city life! My favorite towns, if it was just up to me, are Richmond up near Northumberland (seriously must be one of the most perfectly preserved historic towns in the UK) or Pateley Bridge. But since my husband really wants fast Internet access for our business, I don't think either are really possible.
#37
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 603
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Sallysimmons,
Thanks so much for the wonderful update, I really appreciate the updates from people who have moved back. I'm loving your blog too, its so nice to see how happy you are.
Things were starting to line up for us but the property prices are proving to be a stumbling block. I've gone from certainty that I wanted to return to feeling very confused and not sure if will even be possible because of the cost of houses.
Its so great to be able to come here and read about BTDT experiences of those who have returned.
Thanks so much for the wonderful update, I really appreciate the updates from people who have moved back. I'm loving your blog too, its so nice to see how happy you are.
Things were starting to line up for us but the property prices are proving to be a stumbling block. I've gone from certainty that I wanted to return to feeling very confused and not sure if will even be possible because of the cost of houses.
Its so great to be able to come here and read about BTDT experiences of those who have returned.
#38
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 260
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Sallysimmons,
Thanks so much for the wonderful update, I really appreciate the updates from people who have moved back. I'm loving your blog too, its so nice to see how happy you are.
Things were starting to line up for us but the property prices are proving to be a stumbling block. I've gone from certainty that I wanted to return to feeling very confused and not sure if will even be possible because of the cost of houses.
Its so great to be able to come here and read about BTDT experiences of those who have returned.
Thanks so much for the wonderful update, I really appreciate the updates from people who have moved back. I'm loving your blog too, its so nice to see how happy you are.
Things were starting to line up for us but the property prices are proving to be a stumbling block. I've gone from certainty that I wanted to return to feeling very confused and not sure if will even be possible because of the cost of houses.
Its so great to be able to come here and read about BTDT experiences of those who have returned.
What area of the UK are you wanting to move back to. House prices in the UK vary so much depending on the area.
I mentioned on another thread that my house in Lincolnshire is worth approx £145,000 and EXCACTLY same house down South is up for £325,000.
Maybe considering a different location would mean more affordable housing would be available.
#39
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 603
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Homeiswheretheheartis,
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
#40
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 260
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Homeiswheretheheartis,
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
Thats alot to consider, especially the schools, how old are your children?
I know the north better as I'm from the North West and have family that live in Chorley and Manchester.
I do know that Manchester Airport is easy to get to from the M56 and it takes about 45mins from Chorley. There are lots of nice towns around that area that aren't as expensive as Manchester itself.
I understand how hard it is regarding schools, we chose a school here in the US before we arrived. It was a private one, but when we arrived we weren't impressed and chose the local school instead. If you read on paper the private school would be the better choice, but the local has been better for my kids.
Good luck with your search.
#41
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Homeiswheretheheartis,
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
#42
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 745
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
Homeiswheretheheartis,
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
We are lucky to have some flexibility on where we move to. My husband's job means we need to be not too far from an airport, preferably not too much more than an hour drive (or train connection would work).
I've been looking at towns and villages (don't want to live in a city) approx an hour from Birmingham, Bristol or Manchester airports (had a quick look near Edinburgh airport but it was pricey). I know Bristol a bit but Birmingham I've been to a total of twice in my life and I've never been to Manchester.
We have children so decent schools is a very high priority.
I've worn myself out looking on rightmove and then checking the maps and the school ratings on ofsted. We were living in Buckinghamshire before and really liked it there (and the proximity to London) but couldn't afford it there now and actually wouldn't want to move there as it would feel like such a backward step.
#43
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 603
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
MITFH & J.JsOH,
Thank you both for the suggestions, much appreciated.
I did look at Wales but the houses that I liked/could afford seemed to all be in areas that were a bit too isolated for us and the schools in those areas didn't have good ratings.
J.JsOH, I forgot to mention Stansted but yes that is another area I've been looking at and some parts are more affordable. I've been trying to get the train routes figured out so good to know about Ely.
I think bottom line the less expensive areas in the UK are still a lot more expensive than where we are living in the US.
Thanks again to you both and also to Homeiswheretheheartis
Thank you both for the suggestions, much appreciated.
I did look at Wales but the houses that I liked/could afford seemed to all be in areas that were a bit too isolated for us and the schools in those areas didn't have good ratings.
J.JsOH, I forgot to mention Stansted but yes that is another area I've been looking at and some parts are more affordable. I've been trying to get the train routes figured out so good to know about Ely.
I think bottom line the less expensive areas in the UK are still a lot more expensive than where we are living in the US.
Thanks again to you both and also to Homeiswheretheheartis
#45
Banned
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,300
Re: Back 3 Months After 22 Years Away
UKWinds, York is lovely, but too touristy for me and also a little bit too hectic. I'm more of a country girl despite having spent the last 20+ years in big cities. Or maybe that's why - too much city life! My favorite towns, if it was just up to me, are Richmond up near Northumberland (seriously must be one of the most perfectly preserved historic towns in the UK) or Pateley Bridge. But since my husband really wants fast Internet access for our business, I don't think either are really possible.