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I've no idea where I would like to live once I graduate from university next summer with my degree in physiotherapy. I'll be 29 when I finish, and I'm completely disillusioned with this country.
I've not travelled much in the UK (the only major cities I've been to are London, Birmingham, and Leeds). I'm aware this will therefore sound quite ignorant, but is there anywhere in the UK which is really that 'nice'? Can't say I've been bowled over by anywhere I've been so far.
To give you an idea of what sort of place I like on a purely aesthetic level. The most recent city I visited was Vancouver, which I absolutely loved.
In terms of what I would want, the main criterion is somewhere with a large population therefore creating many social opportunities. But it also has to feel open and friendly, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.
Does anywhere like this even exist in this country or am I going to have to go overseas for the type of thing I am looking for? If so then my qualification should open doors.
Looks like plenty of people have recommended the likes of Bristol and Vancouver.
Whilst very different places, be aware that they've both got something of a downside in common: rain! Both cities are on the western side of their respective land masses, so you can expect plenty of *very* wet days.
I went to Vancouver several years ago, and it is a genuinely stunning place. However, much of the time it was overcast and absolutely pissing down. People I know who have lived there for a long time tell me that conditions like that are very commonplace.
I've been to Bristol a few times, and the story's similar (although not to quite the same degree as Vancouver).
If you're at all seasonally affected (like me), then it's something that you'll want to bear in mind. Funnily enough, I often think that one of the best kept secrets about good old East Anglia is its relatively dry climate. Surely if too many people catch on, we can expect mass migration from other parts of the UK? Shh!
[Post edited 23 Jan 2020 22:06]
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Shingle Street.... on 22:13 - Jan 23 with 4472 views
We are crying out for physiotherapy professionals in the West of Ireland.
Galway is the best place to meet friends, socialise and have fun. If you designed a place for your first 5 years after graduating then Galway is the pace to be. I did mine in Leeds and wish I had known about Galway.
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Where to live in the UK? on 22:34 - Jan 23 with 4448 views
Where to live in the UK? on 22:16 - Jan 23 by ClareBlue
We are crying out for physiotherapy professionals in the West of Ireland.
Galway is the best place to meet friends, socialise and have fun. If you designed a place for your first 5 years after graduating then Galway is the pace to be. I did mine in Leeds and wish I had known about Galway.
Mmm. West Ireland (Connacht or Munster) certainly feels like a great place to live.
It's the people but there's something about the Atlantic itself.
Pronouns: He/Him
0
Where to live in the UK? on 22:39 - Jan 23 with 4440 views
Where to live in the UK? on 22:05 - Jan 23 by mr_bean
Looks like plenty of people have recommended the likes of Bristol and Vancouver.
Whilst very different places, be aware that they've both got something of a downside in common: rain! Both cities are on the western side of their respective land masses, so you can expect plenty of *very* wet days.
I went to Vancouver several years ago, and it is a genuinely stunning place. However, much of the time it was overcast and absolutely pissing down. People I know who have lived there for a long time tell me that conditions like that are very commonplace.
I've been to Bristol a few times, and the story's similar (although not to quite the same degree as Vancouver).
If you're at all seasonally affected (like me), then it's something that you'll want to bear in mind. Funnily enough, I often think that one of the best kept secrets about good old East Anglia is its relatively dry climate. Surely if too many people catch on, we can expect mass migration from other parts of the UK? Shh!
[Post edited 23 Jan 2020 22:06]
East Anglia is dull as feck. Geographically at least. Nice people and Ipswich is the greatest football team the world has ever seen.
OK, it's better than most of the South East but it doesn't really compare to the rest of the UK after that. OK, Lincolnshire is pretty drab and average too I'll give you that.
Pronouns: He/Him
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Where to live in the UK? on 22:43 - Jan 23 with 4433 views
Where to live in the UK? on 22:39 - Jan 23 by Darth_Koont
East Anglia is dull as feck. Geographically at least. Nice people and Ipswich is the greatest football team the world has ever seen.
OK, it's better than most of the South East but it doesn't really compare to the rest of the UK after that. OK, Lincolnshire is pretty drab and average too I'll give you that.
Where to live in the UK? on 22:39 - Jan 23 by Darth_Koont
East Anglia is dull as feck. Geographically at least. Nice people and Ipswich is the greatest football team the world has ever seen.
OK, it's better than most of the South East but it doesn't really compare to the rest of the UK after that. OK, Lincolnshire is pretty drab and average too I'll give you that.
I don't agree that it's dull. It's just different, but it's still oozing with character and history. A walk under a clear sky and the muted colours of the low winter sun, on a crisp, calm early winter morning, with frost on the still-golden reeds and a slight mist drifting across the estuary...lovely. Pike fishing weather! Down in this neck of the woods it'd be pissing it down and you'd be battling a force 6 at that time of year.
I used to think it was dull, but the longer apart the visits the more I enjoy it each time I go back.
Where to live in the UK? on 22:39 - Jan 23 by Darth_Koont
East Anglia is dull as feck. Geographically at least. Nice people and Ipswich is the greatest football team the world has ever seen.
OK, it's better than most of the South East but it doesn't really compare to the rest of the UK after that. OK, Lincolnshire is pretty drab and average too I'll give you that.
Getoutofit!
I love Suffolk - pretty county with some lovely villages.
Anyone telling you it's flat hasn't explored it either.
Probably flat to you, but that's because you live in an abnormally non-flat part of the country.
I'm too tired to come up with any actual come-backs.
Where to live in the UK? on 23:05 - Jan 23 by Swansea_Blue
I don't agree that it's dull. It's just different, but it's still oozing with character and history. A walk under a clear sky and the muted colours of the low winter sun, on a crisp, calm early winter morning, with frost on the still-golden reeds and a slight mist drifting across the estuary...lovely. Pike fishing weather! Down in this neck of the woods it'd be pissing it down and you'd be battling a force 6 at that time of year.
I used to think it was dull, but the longer apart the visits the more I enjoy it each time I go back.
Norfolk and Suffolk are pretty and tranquil, just not very dramatic.
Where to live in the UK? on 23:05 - Jan 23 by Swansea_Blue
I don't agree that it's dull. It's just different, but it's still oozing with character and history. A walk under a clear sky and the muted colours of the low winter sun, on a crisp, calm early winter morning, with frost on the still-golden reeds and a slight mist drifting across the estuary...lovely. Pike fishing weather! Down in this neck of the woods it'd be pissing it down and you'd be battling a force 6 at that time of year.
I used to think it was dull, but the longer apart the visits the more I enjoy it each time I go back.
Where to live in the UK? on 23:05 - Jan 23 by Swansea_Blue
I don't agree that it's dull. It's just different, but it's still oozing with character and history. A walk under a clear sky and the muted colours of the low winter sun, on a crisp, calm early winter morning, with frost on the still-golden reeds and a slight mist drifting across the estuary...lovely. Pike fishing weather! Down in this neck of the woods it'd be pissing it down and you'd be battling a force 6 at that time of year.
I used to think it was dull, but the longer apart the visits the more I enjoy it each time I go back.
Meh. I guess you have to have some strange Proustian memories to make it work. My only attachment is ITFC.
I wouldn’t put it in the top 20 counties in England. But for the South East it’s definitely one of the best.
Pronouns: He/Him
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Where to live in the UK? on 00:59 - Jan 24 with 4310 views
Where to live in the UK? on 19:48 - Jan 23 by Oxford_Blue
Having lived in Ipswich, London and Oxford, I can say Oxford is a wonderful city - beautiful, great buildings, culture, restaurants, schools, hospitals etc and 46 mins from London.
Not cheap.
Oxford is a big disappointment. Cambridge a far superior city.
Where to live in the UK? on 20:59 - Jan 23 by gordon
The risk with London though, is that it turns you into a tw*t. Seen it happen more times than I care to remember, and it doesn't get any less sadder each time.
London is a dump best avoided by all ages. If you do get stuck there make a plan to get out at some point. A terrible place.
You're exactly where I have been over the last 18 months, but at a different "crossroads" life stage.
My sons have both now left home. One graduated in the summer, one went to Uni in September.
I wanted to leave Britain because of the Brexit vote. i wanted to live somewhere optimistic and friendly and welcoming of difference.
For the past two years I was preparing for this moment. A friend who lives in Calgary invited us over and had a job opening for me lined up. I had discussions and it was pretty much lined up.
I investigated immigration into Canada. If you have the right professional or educational qualifications it is easy. There is a national set of criteria- pass those and you are in. There are also Province or Territory (the Canadian equivalent of US States) criteria- so if a particular region is short of a particular skilled workforce they can add them in even if they aren't on the national list. Once in and working after only 5 years you can apply for Canadian citizenship, giving permanent rights (and also some pretty cool reciprocal rights with USA- worth knowing!). Best of all there is no problem being a dual British and Canadian citizen as the Queen is Head of State of both! Perfect!
Vancouver is wet and grey, but beautiful and has amazing beaches, coastline, islands, mountains, skiing nearby if that's your thing, a young international population.
Calgary has much colder winters (and winter/snow season is 7-8 months of the year) but is very dry and bright. And it is an hour away from Banff National Park which contains tens of thousands of views each of which would be the most beautiful view in any other country.
Toronto and Montreal are both great cities, and so is the small University city of Kingston between them.
Canada is a great country. Everyone is polite and, as you say, everywhere is clean. Why don't people drop litter in Canada? Because a fed bear is a dead bear.
So, my heart was set on Canada. Initially Calgary: get citizenship then maybe move on somewhere else.
Then my Dad was diagnosed late with cancer. It had gone stage 4, into his bones. Suddenly everything changed...
Canada would be too far away. i just couldn't do it.
I went to Edinburgh for the Fringe this summer, as I do every couple of years. I was on the bus in from Leith where we were staying. Anyone who knows Edinburgh will know that's not the pretty way. But the city seemed buzzing, alive, vibrant. Not the busyness of the Festival, but real life. And I just felt, really strongly: i want to live here!
So I've sorted a job and I move in late March/early April. It's still a 7 hour drive from my parents, but an easy 45 minute bus from my house to the airport in emergencies, short flight and then an easy train and taxi to their house, or a train 4 or 5 hours and taxi. Doable.
But I get to live in a beautiful city, with THE comedy festival (I'll be able to get to two or three shows every day on work days!) and loads of other festivals, Hogmanay, hundreds of brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants, Arthur's Seat 10 minutes from my house, Portobello Beach a 15 minute drive away. Seaside and a cultural city after 16 years stuck in a medium sized town in the Midlands.
And, OK, it's not Canada, but for the past three years I have been dying for the Labour Party to win the argument, to stand up to and defeat one of the worst (performing) Prime Ministers of all time and then one of the worst (as a human being) Prime Ministers of all time. And they have failed. And I've been impressed by very few MPs, but consistently by the SNP. So I haven't left Britain, but I'm going somewhere where progressive politics are celebrated.
Birmingham is a friendly place- don't rule it out. Bristol is cool. Friends who live in Leeds love it. Newcastle is interesting. Cambridge, Oxford. Basically loads of English University cities will give you a young and diverse population and loads to do. As long as you can afford to live in the right areas.
But I have to emotionally and physically turn my back on England. This song (WARNING NSFW!!!) sums it up:
And I love Edinburgh, and this is just a glimpse into a beautiful city:
And one of its most famous sons sums the attraction of the city up here:
And there's countryside nearly, not quite, but nearly, as beautiful as Western Canada in just about any direction, eg:
I'm happy with my choice, but if I were you I'd look at Canada first (maybe visit Toronto and Montreal, to give more of a flavour and choices?) read up on immigration possibilities in your line of work and go for it!
9
Where to live in the UK? on 02:52 - Jan 24 with 4265 views
Where to live in the UK? on 01:39 - Jan 24 by connorscontract
You're exactly where I have been over the last 18 months, but at a different "crossroads" life stage.
My sons have both now left home. One graduated in the summer, one went to Uni in September.
I wanted to leave Britain because of the Brexit vote. i wanted to live somewhere optimistic and friendly and welcoming of difference.
For the past two years I was preparing for this moment. A friend who lives in Calgary invited us over and had a job opening for me lined up. I had discussions and it was pretty much lined up.
I investigated immigration into Canada. If you have the right professional or educational qualifications it is easy. There is a national set of criteria- pass those and you are in. There are also Province or Territory (the Canadian equivalent of US States) criteria- so if a particular region is short of a particular skilled workforce they can add them in even if they aren't on the national list. Once in and working after only 5 years you can apply for Canadian citizenship, giving permanent rights (and also some pretty cool reciprocal rights with USA- worth knowing!). Best of all there is no problem being a dual British and Canadian citizen as the Queen is Head of State of both! Perfect!
Vancouver is wet and grey, but beautiful and has amazing beaches, coastline, islands, mountains, skiing nearby if that's your thing, a young international population.
Calgary has much colder winters (and winter/snow season is 7-8 months of the year) but is very dry and bright. And it is an hour away from Banff National Park which contains tens of thousands of views each of which would be the most beautiful view in any other country.
Toronto and Montreal are both great cities, and so is the small University city of Kingston between them.
Canada is a great country. Everyone is polite and, as you say, everywhere is clean. Why don't people drop litter in Canada? Because a fed bear is a dead bear.
So, my heart was set on Canada. Initially Calgary: get citizenship then maybe move on somewhere else.
Then my Dad was diagnosed late with cancer. It had gone stage 4, into his bones. Suddenly everything changed...
Canada would be too far away. i just couldn't do it.
I went to Edinburgh for the Fringe this summer, as I do every couple of years. I was on the bus in from Leith where we were staying. Anyone who knows Edinburgh will know that's not the pretty way. But the city seemed buzzing, alive, vibrant. Not the busyness of the Festival, but real life. And I just felt, really strongly: i want to live here!
So I've sorted a job and I move in late March/early April. It's still a 7 hour drive from my parents, but an easy 45 minute bus from my house to the airport in emergencies, short flight and then an easy train and taxi to their house, or a train 4 or 5 hours and taxi. Doable.
But I get to live in a beautiful city, with THE comedy festival (I'll be able to get to two or three shows every day on work days!) and loads of other festivals, Hogmanay, hundreds of brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants, Arthur's Seat 10 minutes from my house, Portobello Beach a 15 minute drive away. Seaside and a cultural city after 16 years stuck in a medium sized town in the Midlands.
And, OK, it's not Canada, but for the past three years I have been dying for the Labour Party to win the argument, to stand up to and defeat one of the worst (performing) Prime Ministers of all time and then one of the worst (as a human being) Prime Ministers of all time. And they have failed. And I've been impressed by very few MPs, but consistently by the SNP. So I haven't left Britain, but I'm going somewhere where progressive politics are celebrated.
Birmingham is a friendly place- don't rule it out. Bristol is cool. Friends who live in Leeds love it. Newcastle is interesting. Cambridge, Oxford. Basically loads of English University cities will give you a young and diverse population and loads to do. As long as you can afford to live in the right areas.
But I have to emotionally and physically turn my back on England. This song (WARNING NSFW!!!) sums it up:
And I love Edinburgh, and this is just a glimpse into a beautiful city:
And one of its most famous sons sums the attraction of the city up here:
And there's countryside nearly, not quite, but nearly, as beautiful as Western Canada in just about any direction, eg:
I'm happy with my choice, but if I were you I'd look at Canada first (maybe visit Toronto and Montreal, to give more of a flavour and choices?) read up on immigration possibilities in your line of work and go for it!
Sorry to hear about your dad.
Congrats on the move and I hope it all goes well.
The whole area between Edinburgh and Newcastle is spectacular and worth exploring.
Where to live in the UK? on 01:39 - Jan 24 by connorscontract
You're exactly where I have been over the last 18 months, but at a different "crossroads" life stage.
My sons have both now left home. One graduated in the summer, one went to Uni in September.
I wanted to leave Britain because of the Brexit vote. i wanted to live somewhere optimistic and friendly and welcoming of difference.
For the past two years I was preparing for this moment. A friend who lives in Calgary invited us over and had a job opening for me lined up. I had discussions and it was pretty much lined up.
I investigated immigration into Canada. If you have the right professional or educational qualifications it is easy. There is a national set of criteria- pass those and you are in. There are also Province or Territory (the Canadian equivalent of US States) criteria- so if a particular region is short of a particular skilled workforce they can add them in even if they aren't on the national list. Once in and working after only 5 years you can apply for Canadian citizenship, giving permanent rights (and also some pretty cool reciprocal rights with USA- worth knowing!). Best of all there is no problem being a dual British and Canadian citizen as the Queen is Head of State of both! Perfect!
Vancouver is wet and grey, but beautiful and has amazing beaches, coastline, islands, mountains, skiing nearby if that's your thing, a young international population.
Calgary has much colder winters (and winter/snow season is 7-8 months of the year) but is very dry and bright. And it is an hour away from Banff National Park which contains tens of thousands of views each of which would be the most beautiful view in any other country.
Toronto and Montreal are both great cities, and so is the small University city of Kingston between them.
Canada is a great country. Everyone is polite and, as you say, everywhere is clean. Why don't people drop litter in Canada? Because a fed bear is a dead bear.
So, my heart was set on Canada. Initially Calgary: get citizenship then maybe move on somewhere else.
Then my Dad was diagnosed late with cancer. It had gone stage 4, into his bones. Suddenly everything changed...
Canada would be too far away. i just couldn't do it.
I went to Edinburgh for the Fringe this summer, as I do every couple of years. I was on the bus in from Leith where we were staying. Anyone who knows Edinburgh will know that's not the pretty way. But the city seemed buzzing, alive, vibrant. Not the busyness of the Festival, but real life. And I just felt, really strongly: i want to live here!
So I've sorted a job and I move in late March/early April. It's still a 7 hour drive from my parents, but an easy 45 minute bus from my house to the airport in emergencies, short flight and then an easy train and taxi to their house, or a train 4 or 5 hours and taxi. Doable.
But I get to live in a beautiful city, with THE comedy festival (I'll be able to get to two or three shows every day on work days!) and loads of other festivals, Hogmanay, hundreds of brilliant pubs, bars and restaurants, Arthur's Seat 10 minutes from my house, Portobello Beach a 15 minute drive away. Seaside and a cultural city after 16 years stuck in a medium sized town in the Midlands.
And, OK, it's not Canada, but for the past three years I have been dying for the Labour Party to win the argument, to stand up to and defeat one of the worst (performing) Prime Ministers of all time and then one of the worst (as a human being) Prime Ministers of all time. And they have failed. And I've been impressed by very few MPs, but consistently by the SNP. So I haven't left Britain, but I'm going somewhere where progressive politics are celebrated.
Birmingham is a friendly place- don't rule it out. Bristol is cool. Friends who live in Leeds love it. Newcastle is interesting. Cambridge, Oxford. Basically loads of English University cities will give you a young and diverse population and loads to do. As long as you can afford to live in the right areas.
But I have to emotionally and physically turn my back on England. This song (WARNING NSFW!!!) sums it up:
And I love Edinburgh, and this is just a glimpse into a beautiful city:
And one of its most famous sons sums the attraction of the city up here:
And there's countryside nearly, not quite, but nearly, as beautiful as Western Canada in just about any direction, eg:
I'm happy with my choice, but if I were you I'd look at Canada first (maybe visit Toronto and Montreal, to give more of a flavour and choices?) read up on immigration possibilities in your line of work and go for it!
Awesome post ;-) Sorry to hear about your father.
As for Edinburgh, I would move tomorrow if it werent for the weather. I love the outdoors and everything you can do there, but hiking, cycling and mororbiking are all horrible in the rain...
But you've definitely just put Scotland on my list for this. Determined to see more of the UK this year so you might be getting a pm soon :-)
Btw, you are the 4th person I know who has moved to Scotland partly due to the state of the English brexit vote and they all have very similar motives...
First thing to do is be really clear in your mind what nice is? Asking me or anyone else what their favourite city is, wont mean it is your favourite city!
So have a hard think, is it the fun side? (places like Newcastle do well)
Is it important to be affordable side? Is it access to the countryside? Is it job opportunity? Is it looking nice? Is it culture? Is it diversity? Is it peace and tranquiity?
Is it ability to park? Is it security?
There are 101 things that could be important to you....try amd work what is important and that will lead to informed suggestions. Otherwise all you will get is a list of cities people love for their own likes, not for yours :-)
*which is still fun, but maybe not all that helpful.
And have a think about the opportunities overseas for sure. It is a small world.
And dont be afraid to try places out. I have lived in 6 countries all of which have their pluses and minuses. Cities will be the same ;-)
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