Originally Posted by BritInParis (Post 11855590)

She mentions healthcare provision once in her OP along with a range of other things that attract her to the UK so I'm not sure how you are extrapolating that into that she has a range of expensive medical problems that she needs to take care of.

Originally Posted by BEVS (Post 11855788)

Indeed BiP. Quite.

I'm uncomfortable with what sounds like intrusive , uncomplimentary posts about the OP coming from left field . So let's move right along and simply continue to care, share and help.

All the best with this huge decision Downton Gabby.

Originally Posted by verystormy (Post 11857325)

I will throw something into the mix.

Maybe consider Leicester.

It has two universities, both which have big amounts of mature students.

Housing is very affordable.

Living / grocery costs are low thanks to it having a massive food market.

It is the centre of the U.K. so, easy to travel to other cities - Nottingham is 30 mins, Birmingham 40 mins and London about an hour.

Surrounded by great countryside.

Lots of history / culture.

Originally Posted by verystormy (Post 11857325)

I will throw something into the mix.

Maybe consider Leicester.

It has two universities, both which have big amounts of mature students.

Housing is very affordable.

Living / grocery costs are low thanks to it having a massive food market.

It is the centre of the U.K. so, easy to travel to other cities - Nottingham is 30 mins, Birmingham 40 mins and London about an hour.

Surrounded by great countryside.

Lots of history / culture.

Originally Posted by robin1234 (Post 11857799)

What's Leicester like to visit? (Cathedral, museums etc.) Living near Norwich, both Leicester and Nottingham are easy to get to by train, so I've been thinking of a two night "city break" to one or t'other!

Originally Posted by Downton Gabby (Post 11851954)

Hello everyone,

I've decided to just throw all this out there to you lovely people and see what your thoughts are and what information you have or can point me to.

I'm trying to decide if I should try moving to England in the Spring. First off, I anticipate many recommendations to visit first, however I have my lease here coming up for renewal, absolutely want to make a change and want to just do it now, rather than sign another lease.

I'm an American with dual citizenship - Irish and U.S. As such, I know I can live in the U.K. thru the Irish Citizenship, a privilege I am very grateful for.

So, here are some things that have been bouncing around in my head...I'd be grateful for some kind and helpful feedback.They are all over the place in terms of topics. Please imagine you're in my shoes. Here goes:

Can I find a nice bungalow with a garden for around $1500 USD, nice, safe, picturesque area, good shopping, transportation, hospital, doctors and veterinarians?

I'd like to be close to a big city, but not too close. Also, I need good internet connections.

What's the best way to open a bank account if I go - as a US citizen or Irish citizen?

Are there any opportunities for someone in their early 60's to go to university there to complete a degree without breaking the bank? If so, the location then should also have access to a uni.

When would I be able to sign up with the electoral roll and the NHS? In what order would I do these things? What else would I need to set up or enroll in?

How do mobile phone rates compare to those in the US?

Are driving lessons expensive? How about the cost of gas...and the price of used cars, too?

I'd love some input regarding moving by yourself to another country, no family or anyone there to help. I know it's a big move, but time is flying by, life is sometimes short, and sometimes you just have to go for it. Has anyone here done it? DO you know any Americans who have moved there alone?

I would possibly be looking for p/t work, but have a portable business as well that I operate from home via computer, btw.

Will I be happy there in that lovely country where the weather is mild, the elections are not crazy like they are here, everyone isn't "packing heat", no one goes without healthcare or loses their home to pay for it, where dogs are welcome most places and loved so much? I think so....

Awaiting your thoughts....

Thanks!

Originally Posted by robin1234 (Post 11857799)

What's Leicester like to visit? (Cathedral, museums etc.) Living near Norwich, both Leicester and Nottingham are easy to get to by train, so I've been thinking of a two night "city break" to one or t'other!

Originally Posted by Downton Gabby (Post 11861488)

..... Scotland was a suggestion... any other thoughts on places there?

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 11861503)

It's not very central. As a new immigrant wanting to look around I would strongly recommend somewhere in the area inside, or very close to, a loop drawn between Cambridge, Worcester, Liverpool, Leeds, Lincoln, and back to Cambridge.

Anywhere else, in any direction, and you'll be a bit out-on-a-limb and with longer journeys and higher traveling costs. Don't get me wrong, there is beautiful countryside outside that loop in all directions, but basing yourself outside that loop may be less than ideal if you're looking to use public transport, or even if you're driving.

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 11861503)

It's not very central. As a new immigrant wanting to look around I would strongly recommend somewhere in the area inside, or very close to, a loop drawn between Cambridge, Worcester, Liverpool, Leeds, Lincoln, and back to Cambridge.

Anywhere else, in any direction, and you'll be a bit out-on-a-limb and with longer journeys and higher traveling costs. Don't get me wrong, there is beautiful countryside outside that loop in all directions, but basing yourself outside that loop may be less than ideal if you're looking to use public transport, or even if you're driving.

Originally Posted by ldollard (Post 11861752)

i do agree with this, but i get the feeling the OP is looking for some peace and she has a job that hopefully will provide all the finances she needs. But as you say its prob best to be close to some kind of center of activity just in case.