Best relocation areas in the UK?
Dec 8th 2018, 1:12 pm
#91
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
I mentioned to both of them about the great folks on this website over a few months ago. They have all their legal concerns squared away but I think reading about the various experiences of other expats would be very helpful. There are always several details a person hasn't thought of.
Dec 8th 2018, 1:17 pm
#92
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
That was a weird reply as 3AM didn't mention Scotland at all?
I have to agree with him/her as i think the 'scene' in Liverpool and Manchester is amazing. Yet you are within an hour of stunning countryside. Easy enough to travel in to the two cities for any musical events etc. Plus you have the seaside on your doorstep . Doesn't matter what we all say though. It's how conformable this couple will feel when they get there. I hope it all works out fo them
I have to agree with him/her as i think the 'scene' in Liverpool and Manchester is amazing. Yet you are within an hour of stunning countryside. Easy enough to travel in to the two cities for any musical events etc. Plus you have the seaside on your doorstep . Doesn't matter what we all say though. It's how conformable this couple will feel when they get there. I hope it all works out fo them
My friends have narrowed their search, and Manchester is still a potential pick. They really haven't mentioned Liverpool but I have. I think they want to be in central or south UK. Two more weeks and they'll be over there. Happy wife happy life. If my friend's wife is happy so will he be.
Last edited by UkWinds5353; Dec 8th 2018 at 1:30 pm.
Dec 9th 2018, 1:21 am
#93
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
I've recently returned from the US to Liverpool and love it. The deciding factor us was the cost of living and the accessibility to national parks such as the Lakes and Snowdonia and being on the coast while still being in a city with plenty of culture and nightlife. South Liverpool has some great options for affordable family housing close to the city centre and close to parks. The city has plenty of cultural events/museums/theatres/music events etc. and it is a short 40 minute train ride to Manchester which offers even more. It's also easy to get to Ireland and the rest of Europe thanks to low cost airlines and the ferry port. I've lived in the North and South of England including London. If your friends income will not change with regards to their location, you get so much more for your money in the North of England. We can actually get more house for our money here than we could where we were living in the US. I do think it's a personal preference though. I have friends from the South of England who would never entertain the idea of living in Manchester or Liverpool but for me I personally love the atmosphere and the people of the UK's northern cities.
I've heard so many opinions about the differences between the north vs south regions in the UK. Some people say the folks in the north still retain a more open demeanor which not only makes them more approachable to a stranger but also somewhat friendlier. And on the other hand quite a few say the south has the best opportunities and can be just as friendly in small towns. I know people from London that believe there is only one place in the UK worth calling home. Maybe bias toward bigger cities might be the explanation for their thinking. My friends are going to need time visiting various places to figure out what fits best. My experience in Manchester is why I have a preference there. I think they'll figure it out in short order.
I will admit it does surprise me when I hear people say they could only live in a city that has it all like NYC or London. Both are wonderful cities and I have lived in NYC. But after a while it can get tiresome living in a concrete Jungle that has a pace which is always dialed up to Mach 10.
Dec 9th 2018, 1:50 am
#94
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
I'm a Lancashire lass but would recommend Burton-on-Trent, Lichfield, Staffordshire moorlands and the Derbyshire dales areas. Stunning countryside, lots to see and do, good transport links and very friendly people. Wish we'd never left!
Dec 9th 2018, 1:36 pm
#95
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
Dec 10th 2018, 7:59 pm
#96
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
I totally agree about the beauty of that area. I wonder if my friends could adapt to being in a different suburbia. Closest city is Birmingham and they haven't mentioned that particular city as a potential pick. I do believe the condensed size of the UK will bring into focus the many places that could work for them. Here in America you can travel 8 hours by car and still be in the same state. How do you think housing prices are? My friends actually lost a little money by selling their home early because they wanted to make everything simple as possible once it's time to move to the UK. Housing prices are still going up in the States in the vast majority of markets.
Dec 10th 2018, 8:26 pm
#98
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
It's stunning what you can get for the money in Scotland. I'm amazed more people aren't drawn there by the affordability not to mention the culture and nightlife.
An actual house built of stone and it's insanely reasonably priced. Do you see as many houses made of stone in central and south UK that are affordable?
Btw, I will send the picture of that house to my friends, just as a reminder. That is a seven figure priced home in the states and the house would be only partially built of stone in America. More than likely the front of the structure.
My friends would be bowled over if they could buy a stone house in their desired area. For their budget that might be asking too much.
I am curious if a house made of stone has any different structural insulation quality concerns than a house made of brick in terms of quality of life for the inhabitants? You would think a stone house would be more insulated in winter but might be a bit hotter in summer. But maybe I'm wrong.
Dec 11th 2018, 4:49 pm
#100
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
G;asgpow to London by train is less than 5 hours Leave the gas-guzzler at home !
Dec 11th 2018, 7:00 pm
#102
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
Leave Glasgow Central 05.50 arrive London Euston 11/02
other trains are similar
other trains are similar
Dec 11th 2018, 7:29 pm
#103
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
There are times when using the train is simple and efficient especially when going into a huge city like London. Fewer parking cost and concerns not to mention traffic headaches. But that said I still enjoy driving my truck on a nice long trip. There is something freeing about being on the open road even when doing a shorter trip of less than 500 miles. I'm sure my friends are going to make the most of the close proximity of the UK to the rest of eastern and western Europe. They have done several cross country trips here in the states. 6000 miles traveling distance from Florida to California and back they've done multiple times. And they have driven from north to south in South America. I'm sure traveling through Europe is going to feel like a much easier journey.
Dec 11th 2018, 8:12 pm
#104
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
There are times when using the train is simple and efficient especially when going into a huge city like London. Fewer parking cost and concerns not to mention traffic headaches. But that said I still enjoy driving my truck on a nice long trip. There is something freeing about being on the open road even when doing a shorter trip of less than 500 miles. I'm sure my friends are going to make the most of the close proximity of the UK to the rest of eastern and western Europe. They have done several cross country trips here in the states. 6000 miles traveling distance from Florida to California and back they've done multiple times. And they have driven from north to south in South America. I'm sure traveling through Europe is going to feel like a much easier journey.
Dec 11th 2018, 8:33 pm
#105
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Re: Best relocation areas in the UK?
using my Trainline app, Glasgow to London return, leaving next Friday early morning, returning Sunday afternoon is £94.05.
ETA
at 400 miles each way you are looking at about £90 in petrol alone, plus tolls, parking etc.
ETA
at 400 miles each way you are looking at about £90 in petrol alone, plus tolls, parking etc.
Last edited by durham_lad; Dec 11th 2018 at 8:39 pm.