UkWinds5353

Hello

Just want to ask for opinions for Scottish friends of ours that are making the move back to the UK after having lived in the States for the last 15 years. Really awesome people and we hate to see them go but they have made their decision and it's their desire to relocate somewhere different. They feel moving back to Scotland would put them right back in the rut that made him want to leave. They seem to be open to several places. Their main priority is to consider an area not in London but a reasonable drive to it. They want a place with good schools for their children, pubs, parks and decent shopping. And they are youngish (mid 40s). He is a Brit and she is American. The areas they are looking for Houses are, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Swindon, Reading, Kent, Watford and Oxfordshire. With a few exceptions most seem to have multiple affordable housing options. Just not sure which are the better areas for a well balanced lifestyle. All seem to be no more than 90 minutes travel time to London.
Which areas do you suggest and why?

Thanks again.

scot47

The further away from London, the better the quality of life.

SanDiegogirl

One of the most important aspects of having a well balanced lifestyle would be having a job. What does the Brit do for a living? Is he going to be able to get a job 'anywhere' in the UK?

Presume he knows he has to obtain a visa for his American wife.

Personally I like the Surrey, Sussex area .... good schools, great countryside, pubs, parks etc.

UkWinds5353

They appear to have the same opinion. And their kids are very young which factors into much of what they want to do.

UkWinds5353

I kid them about their plans because they have accomplished all the difficult work. They've(he has) been planning this move for years and even the kids have duel citizenship. They just haven't figured out where they want to move to. The careers can be performed from a home office. He has some family in Brighton, his parents and siblings are all in Scotland, I think they want a fresh start. They go over for festivals and family visits once in a while. Now the kids are of school age they feel the time is right. He doesn't want to raise his children in America.

Surrey is not a bad drive to London. I wonder if the area has as many Festivals and other events compared to some of those places mentioned in my original post? Pretty sure they are going to rent first before buying a home. They want to be near many of the fun activities for adults. It's his belief that will make the transition easier for his wife who is happy about the move but a little concerned and nervous. They don't want to be in a place too slow. Somewhere fun with a vibrant nightlife for the weekends.
I suggested Manchester to them because that is where my family lived and it was a good experience.

SanDiegogirl

....... and what about obtaining the visa for the American wife?

UkWinds5353

They have everything under control except which relocation area to select which is a nice problem to have. She is the American but she has duel citizenship as well. A parent is Scottish.They went to a Glastonbury Festival a few years ago and she was blown away by that area. He's smart in introducing the Mrs to areas making sure it's an amazing experience and memory. There is a small part of her that is reluctant to give up her home and move away from friends and family. I'm sure that is the reason why he wants to be on target in picking the right place. They both are very nice people and I hope all goes well for them.

UkWinds5353

Here's a question...…

What are the best mid size cities that have incredible live music venues?

My friends are HUGE music fans and having great pubs and several music venues could be a major selling point.

verystormy

brits1

Will employment/money be a factor? if I were to choose from their requirements, I love Bath, Christchurch, Norwich, Shrewsbury, Bournemouth, lots of nice market towns in North Yorkshire and the East Ridings, York and also Harrogate....there are many excellent areas to live in the uk but it all comes down to budget and work. Hope their move goes well

christmasoompa

Many would disagree with that.

OP, they want to be within 90 mins of London? Some of their choices are slightly odd in that case, 90 mins isn't realistic for a lot of them. I live in the Reading area, if I can help with any specific questions about that? I love it as it's incredibly rural where I live, but we can be in London in an hour (or quicker with a fast train) and are also within an hour of the coast, Bath, Oxford, Windsor, New Forest, etc. Schools are amazing here, among the best in the country. No idea on the music scene I'm afraid, not my kind of thing, although of course Reading Festival is a huge one.

Does he need to commute to a particular part of London? That may well have a bearing on where will be within 90 mins.

Beraider

Born and raised in a council house in London and proud to say "I'm a Londoner", even after 25 years as an expat in the US. Still have family living there and they seem to managing OK with quality of life.

One man's meat is another man's poison but London has an awful lot to offer and no matter what, it's where I'm from.

Pollyana

Bristol or Brighton might be worth a look

UkWinds5353

I'm not 100% sure because they have talked about a range more than a set purchase price. But he mentioned about 500k sterling. Their home here in the States has already sold and the majority of that will be used for the down payment. They use to live in my current neighborhood and the homes here on average are the exchange rate equivalent. I've been looking online with them and they have been searching for several months, but now their home is sold the move is far more real. Honestly, it's too bad they don't want to move to Scotland. Homes in the Glasgow area are amazing with a great deal of charm while still being in their price range.

UkWinds5353

Do those areas offer a good lifestyle balance for a young family while offering good nightlife?