Moving out of London

You are reading a single comment by @C4r1s and its replies. Click here to read the full conversation.

•

Tracks
I'm seriously considering making a move and would really appreciate any advice or experience anyone can share!

I've looked at all the normal London commuter areas, and then looked at some smaller, more rural places around the south east. None of them really appealed, but it did lead me to writing a list of what I do want:
- Lower cost of living, so I can afford to rent a 2 bed place (giving me a real space to WFH)
- Somewhere I don't need a car
- Big enough so that there's enough going on (restaurants, events, opportunities to meet people etc) and you're not doing the same thing every weekend
- Easier access to the countryside/mountains/coast/green spaces (any of those really, I'm just fed up of having to cycle for a rubbish hour just to get out of London)
- Maximum 2 hours or so from London by train so that I can still come in when work dictates
My research so far has narrowed it down to Cardiff...and that's about it. Has anyone spent much time there? I've never been and only know one person there so I don't know if I've just built it up in my head into what I want. Or any other recommendations on places that might be appropriate? I had considered Hove, but I think given the WFH situation I feel like now is the right time to try something different.

My main concern is that I need to make a decision soon due to my flat tenancy. I either decide by 10th December or I'm stuck where I am until June, which doesn't sound appealing.

•

C4r1s in reply to @Tracks

What about Oxford? Or Cheltenham? Oxford 1hr15 from
Marylebone or 1hr from Paddington, plus regular busses all year round (last train can be a bit early if you stay in town late). Countryside is nice, green and pleasant but no mountains. Cheltenham cycling is good, being at the edge of the Cotswolds. Walking is pretty good to, but town maybe a little quiet compared to oxford/London/Cardiff?

Went to uni in Cardiff and been back a few times for the rugby. Seems to have changed a lot, in the past 5 years especially! The area around the Bay is nice, Penarth, Llandaff also quite charming. Cycling is excellent, really enjoyed cycling round South Wales.

About

Avatar for C4r1s @C4r1s started