Thinking of moving (house prices, job market, schools)

[okaydorothy]

Hi there
we are an irish american family. My dh and I were born in Ireland, lived there and emigrated to NY in our 20's. Our boys who are 10 and 11 were born here.

Now we are tiring of Ny and are thinking of moving back to Europe. We still have family in ireland and also have family in Birmingham. But we would not want to be next door neighbours with them either.

I will have a diploma in accounting(associates here) and my dh has a BA in IT. However for the past 20 years we have owned a small pest control buisness.

We would LOVE a little village/Town that is decent to live in and we could also make a living. Not a cookie cutter development ; rather a decent home on 1/2 acre or so.Schools are also important of course.
Any idea?
Thanks

[Hengist]

Somewhere near Chester to the north or Gloucester to the south will give links to both Birmingham and routes to the Irish ferries. But don't expect many half acre plots unless you have serious capital behind you.

www.rightmove.co.uk would be your first port of call, and there are agencies who specialise in character properties with land. Having a more specific idea of location (which county) is going to be your first big decision. Rightmove listings also have maps showing local schools with links to inspection reports.

I believe there are major property bargains to be had in Ireland, but have no idea if that market has bottomed out yet.

[westtexas28]

Hey have you thought of Kent ?? it is the garden of England after all but fantastic links to London and even the rest of europe by EUROSTAR or by ferry ?

I lived in Rochester nice town typical english with church , small high street etc etc but 45 min direct train to london and bluewater one of the biggest shopping centres in europe 20 min drive away or a direct bus

On the outskirts of Rochester (Hoo

[westtexas28]

Sorry I hit send too early !!!

Ourskirts of Rochester very rural (Hoo, Wouldham , Chattenden ,) could be worth a look house prices pretty decent and as I said before London job market close enough but you live far away enough to enjoy peace !!!

Good luck

[okaydorothy]

Thank you so much. I am looking at ideas ad towns. Love the small town feel. Will be over in Feb to have a look.