| Where to live in the UK? 13:59 - Jan 23 with 40501 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
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. [Post edited 23 Jan 2020 14:00]
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| Where to live in the UK? on 05:10 - Jan 25 with 4639 views | C_HealyIsAPleasure |
| Where to live in the UK? on 16:24 - Jan 24 by gordon |
Well basically, lots of people like to make jokes and laugh about both themselves and other people, but they do know it's just a joke and in the spirit of fun and all that. But when people move to London, particularly from provincial towns like, I don't know, Brackley, Nuneaton or Kings Lynn, their capacity to do so slowly ebbs away.They start to take themselves awful seriously. They become what's often known as big time charlies, or in the interest of brevity, tw*ts. [Post edited 24 Jan 2020 16:25]
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See also the reaction of people when someone dared to suggest they don’t like the place*
*Personally I love the place but that doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s cup of tea |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 08:01 - Jan 25 with 4586 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 13:16 - Jan 24 by ThisIsMyUsername |
Spacious.
Modern feel.
Vibrant.
Safe.
Culture.
Nice views.
Easy access to different types of environments. |
Let's score Norwich on these criteria (out of 10):
Spacious - 4 (City area itself is small, lots of green spaces though)
Modern feel - 4 (lots of history, some more modern areas but not the main attraction)
Vibrant - 7 (good arts scene, young population with both the uni and arts school. Crap clubs but good pubs/bars)
Safe - 9 (avoid Prince of Wales and wearing a Town shirt though)
Culture - 8 (arts festivals, the Sainsbury Centre and other galleries, UNESCO City of Literature)
Nice views - 7 (some stunners by the river and cathedral and from Ketts Hill but not universal)
Easy access to different types of environments - 7 (coast and broads very close by, hour and a half from London, miles from hills and mountains though)
Total = 46/70 |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 08:40 - Jan 25 with 4573 views | Mullet |
I’ve not been to Vancouver for over a decade, but I’m a bit baffled by the idea that anywhere fits other than Manchester and that’s an absolute stretch.
A cluster of modern skyscraper type architecture, a decent coffee/brewing scene depending on your taste, some big hills an hour or so out and the Lakes beyond that. You have lots of TV and a few Hollywood films made here, massive music and arts scene, big gigs and sport etc.
It’s possibly the best place outside of the London economy to live if you want a bit of everything, but it’s not Vancouver really. Manchester has gone down a bit in the last 5 years in terms of the city centre as Police cuts and homelessness has combined, but it’s overblown in the media to some extent. How it will compare to the rest of the country after more Tory ambivalence who knows?
I’d go abroad if I was in your shoes. Even if it’s only for a year or two and you come back and try again here or anywhere else suggested. The smaller cities suggested are all god for different reasons from what I’ve seen. |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 09:02 - Jan 25 with 4550 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 08:40 - Jan 25 by Mullet |
I’ve not been to Vancouver for over a decade, but I’m a bit baffled by the idea that anywhere fits other than Manchester and that’s an absolute stretch.
A cluster of modern skyscraper type architecture, a decent coffee/brewing scene depending on your taste, some big hills an hour or so out and the Lakes beyond that. You have lots of TV and a few Hollywood films made here, massive music and arts scene, big gigs and sport etc.
It’s possibly the best place outside of the London economy to live if you want a bit of everything, but it’s not Vancouver really. Manchester has gone down a bit in the last 5 years in terms of the city centre as Police cuts and homelessness has combined, but it’s overblown in the media to some extent. How it will compare to the rest of the country after more Tory ambivalence who knows?
I’d go abroad if I was in your shoes. Even if it’s only for a year or two and you come back and try again here or anywhere else suggested. The smaller cities suggested are all god for different reasons from what I’ve seen. |
What are house prices like up in Mancunia? I may end up moving either this year or in the next few years and I liked Manchester when I visited a couple of years ago. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 13:58 - Jan 25 with 4476 views | Mullet |
| Where to live in the UK? on 09:02 - Jan 25 by Herbivore |
What are house prices like up in Mancunia? I may end up moving either this year or in the next few years and I liked Manchester when I visited a couple of years ago. |
Piece of string type stuff mate. There's stuff for every budget depending on what you're willing to compromise on.
I was amazed how expensive the South East is. Someone is selling on my parents' street in Halesworth and it's about 100k more than what something here would be in similar areas and stuff, for that money you'd end up in some of the poshest parts here I think. Obviously a lot more variables at play, but if you're curious and want to know what different suburbs are like up here feel free to ask away.
You'd probably love the vegan offerings in the Chorlton/Didsbury/golden triangle of Stockport type places. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 10:11 - Jan 26 with 4399 views | BrixtonBlue |
| Where to live in the UK? on 09:02 - Jan 25 by Herbivore |
What are house prices like up in Mancunia? I may end up moving either this year or in the next few years and I liked Manchester when I visited a couple of years ago. |
You must be a fan of rain. |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 10:17 - Jan 26 with 4396 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 10:11 - Jan 26 by BrixtonBlue |
You must be a fan of rain. |
It's a cool city and I prefer the North to the South, people tend to be more friendly. I'm just weighing up options at the minute, a lot will depend on where jobs come up. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 10:27 - Jan 26 with 4388 views | BrixtonBlue |
| Where to live in the UK? on 10:17 - Jan 26 by Herbivore |
It's a cool city and I prefer the North to the South, people tend to be more friendly. I'm just weighing up options at the minute, a lot will depend on where jobs come up. |
I'd agree with that, but every time I've ever been anywhere near Manchester it's pissed down.
Driving to Clitheroe last weekend (where we were staying before heading to Tranmere) I said to the missus "We're near Manchester, it'll probably piss down soon" and right on cue the heavens opened. Literally had to have the wipers on full speed. Once clear of Manchester it cleared up again. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 10:37 - Jan 26 with 4381 views | NewcyBlue |
| Where to live in the UK? on 10:17 - Jan 26 by Herbivore |
It's a cool city and I prefer the North to the South, people tend to be more friendly. I'm just weighing up options at the minute, a lot will depend on where jobs come up. |
Best of luck with the jobs etc.
I make you right about the North too. |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 11:26 - Jan 26 with 4358 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 10:37 - Jan 26 by NewcyBlue |
Best of luck with the jobs etc.
I make you right about the North too. |
Cheers mate. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 11:31 - Jan 26 with 4355 views | Ryorry |
| Where to live in the UK? on 10:17 - Jan 26 by Herbivore |
It's a cool city and I prefer the North to the South, people tend to be more friendly. I'm just weighing up options at the minute, a lot will depend on where jobs come up. |
If you're looking for NHS work, Leeds has *2* major teaching hospitals (obviously also a major centre for sports if it's private practice you're after). |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 11:38 - Jan 26 with 4345 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 11:31 - Jan 26 by Ryorry |
If you're looking for NHS work, Leeds has *2* major teaching hospitals (obviously also a major centre for sports if it's private practice you're after). |
Think it's the OP who's looking for that kind of work. I'd be after something at a university (of which Leeds also has a few to be fair). | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 13:54 - Jan 26 with 4304 views | MVBlue |
| Where to live in the UK? on 11:38 - Jan 26 by Herbivore |
Think it's the OP who's looking for that kind of work. I'd be after something at a university (of which Leeds also has a few to be fair). |
Interesting debate. If this was being held 20 years ago answers might be different.
Manchester is very modern and has a lot going on. But weather.
Canada sounds nice and isnt a million miles away. But weather.
Australia is excellent, did it for 3 years and the cities are awesome. But if you like your family you will struggle. To stay. And have kids.
Brighton is good and modern. Back in the day Nottingham would have got a mention, but these days its sh** and thats why I left. |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 13:59 - Jan 26 with 4297 views | Mullet |
| Where to live in the UK? on 13:54 - Jan 26 by MVBlue |
Interesting debate. If this was being held 20 years ago answers might be different.
Manchester is very modern and has a lot going on. But weather.
Canada sounds nice and isnt a million miles away. But weather.
Australia is excellent, did it for 3 years and the cities are awesome. But if you like your family you will struggle. To stay. And have kids.
Brighton is good and modern. Back in the day Nottingham would have got a mention, but these days its sh** and thats why I left. |
Manchester isn't that wet, it's a bit like Seattle in that the media at a certain point played on the image and it's stuck.
Obviously people complaining it rains in January when the whole country was lashed by a big storm are beyond help or sense. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 18:02 - Jan 26 with 4218 views | MVBlue |
| Where to live in the UK? on 13:59 - Jan 26 by Mullet |
Manchester isn't that wet, it's a bit like Seattle in that the media at a certain point played on the image and it's stuck.
Obviously people complaining it rains in January when the whole country was lashed by a big storm are beyond help or sense. |
Yeah for cities i’d pick Brighton (full of International people who Want to have fun) or Manchester. But im happy in the West Country going between Wiltshire, Bath, Bournemouth and Oxfordshire now. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 19:08 - Jan 26 with 4192 views | Herbivore |
| Where to live in the UK? on 18:02 - Jan 26 by MVBlue |
Yeah for cities i’d pick Brighton (full of International people who Want to have fun) or Manchester. But im happy in the West Country going between Wiltshire, Bath, Bournemouth and Oxfordshire now. |
Brighton is crazy expensive though, I think that's a big downside. Almost London prices there. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 20:12 - Jan 26 with 4164 views | Ace_High1 |
Get abroad mate, the best option.
I was in this situation 18 months ago and was very close to moving to Australia (Melbourne or Sydney). The weather is massively important for me, which is probably the thing I like least about the UK. Far to much rain and dull grey weather.
Only reason I didn't go through was a significant work/investment opportunity came up which I have committed to for 6 years.
Once that is complete then Australia here I come!! |  | | |
| Where to live in the UK? on 08:40 - Jan 27 with 4047 views | WeWereZombies |
| Where to live in the UK? on 20:12 - Jan 26 by Ace_High1 |
Get abroad mate, the best option.
I was in this situation 18 months ago and was very close to moving to Australia (Melbourne or Sydney). The weather is massively important for me, which is probably the thing I like least about the UK. Far to much rain and dull grey weather.
Only reason I didn't go through was a significant work/investment opportunity came up which I have committed to for 6 years.
Once that is complete then Australia here I come!! |
Not sure what the gig is with Oz but if the OP is considering New Zealand then they need to get their skates on as the immigration rules become much more stringent once you pass your thirtieth birthday (unless you are a billionaire). |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 09:27 - Jan 27 with 4031 views | Half_Idiot |
If you've not got any ties to keep you in the UK then you should definitely considered looking abroad. It's something I've wanted to do but never had the opportunity to do it.
But if you're thinking of staying in the UK then Sheffield is a fantastic city! Not a massive city but has lots of culture and the people are incredibly friendly. You've also got the Peak District right on your doorstep. |  | | |
| Where to live in the UK? on 13:02 - Jan 27 with 3938 views | ThisIsMyUsername |
Glad to see I started such an interesting discussion. Thanks to everyone who has posted. Lots of ideas for me to consider when the time comes. | |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 14:31 - Jan 27 with 3908 views | MagicMagilton15 |
| Where to live in the UK? on 16:32 - Jan 24 by gordon |
So, let's start with Coventry. Marks out of 10 in each category.
Spacious: 6 (not sure what this category is about)
Modern feel: 3 (not many old buildings, but the new buildings are pretty awful)
Vibrant: 1 (no)
Safe: 4 (not bad)
Culture: 4 (a transport museum and half a cathedral)
Nice Views: 0 (no views to speak of)
Easy access to different types of environments: 1 (in the worst bit of England)
Total score: 19 |
For Stowmarket in Suffolk:
Spacious: 7 (new houses being added all the time, but you get good value on the housing market compared to most of Suffolk)
Modern feel: 2 (recently got a McDonalds)
Vibrant: 4 (approximately 15 pubs. Some — Gladstone’s, Walnut, Little Wellie, Crown in Stowupland — are better than others — Queens, Oak, Willow. Terrible clubbing nightlife)
Safe: 8 (as long as you don’t deal drugs or stare at some of the locals for too long, you’re fine)
Culture: 3 (Museum of East Anglian life and a couple of churches. Good leisure centre and the football and rugby teams are doing well)
Nice Views: 2 (if you like traffic congestion and Big John vomiting outside a Domino’s, boost to a 5)
Easy access to different types of environments: 7 (great train links, admittedly. Bury St Edmunds is nice)
Total score: 26 [Post edited 27 Jan 2020 14:56]
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| Where to live in the UK? on 14:46 - Jan 27 with 3884 views | Funge |
| Where to live in the UK? on 23:03 - Jan 23 by Herbivore |
The whole of the Fens is just awful. |
Chatteris/ March/ Wisbech - my god, that's a grim old run.
Give The Fens back to the sea (this would have the added bonus of isolating Norfolk even further from humanity). |  | | |
| Where to live in the UK? on 15:16 - Jan 27 with 3862 views | SaleAway |
| Where to live in the UK? on 13:59 - Jan 26 by Mullet |
Manchester isn't that wet, it's a bit like Seattle in that the media at a certain point played on the image and it's stuck.
Obviously people complaining it rains in January when the whole country was lashed by a big storm are beyond help or sense. |
Its considerably wetter than the south-east.... I moved up here having grown up near Stansted, and lived in London for a bit after Uni. I love it up here, but the weather is noticeably worse than south-east.... |  |
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| Where to live in the UK? on 16:02 - Jan 27 with 3828 views | Darth_Koont |
| Where to live in the UK? on 15:16 - Jan 27 by SaleAway |
Its considerably wetter than the south-east.... I moved up here having grown up near Stansted, and lived in London for a bit after Uni. I love it up here, but the weather is noticeably worse than south-east.... |
The South East is certainly drier.
Think Mullet's point is that Manchester has the reputation that you could extend to many other towns and cities outside that.
It appears that Cardiff, Glasgow and Leeds are generally wetter. And Manchester's very similar to Bristol (which is only really talked about as wet by the locals). |  |
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