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So, I’m a 25-year-old Swede that is looking to re-locate to England next summer (if nothing extra ordinary happens in regard to Brexit) and I need a little help with finding my ideal place. I visited my friend in Edinburgh two year ago and fell in love with the feeling of living in a historic city. Most Swedes in Britain end up in London, but that does not interest me at all.
The places I’ve previously lived in has either lacked in weather, culture, architecture and things to do (Gothenburg, Sweden) or had issues with distances, location, too windy, too expensive and all the bugs (Perth, Australia).
My ideal city/town in England is: Around 50 000 – 150 000 people, filled with history (buildings, places, architecture), walkable, not overtly commercialised (less big brands, more independent shops), safe/low crime, children friendly, has all necessities (shops, pubs, cinema, hospital, schools etc) and not overly expensive (want to be able to live in the heart of it all).
Where it should be: This is my biggest question. As I want to minimize rain and wind I’ve ruled out most of the west coast (which is sad as I found interest in places such as Lancaster, Hereford and Shrewsbury). So should I aim for north or south of the east coast? As I see it:
Living in the south: more sunshine, less rain, proximity to London and Europe (for car trips) and a stronger economic situation.
Living in the north: more laid-back life, more of 4 season weather (I love snow), cheaper, more nature as its close to Scotland and the Pennines (?) and a little bit more “British” community compared to the south (?).
I’ve looked into cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, Chester, Winchester, Bath and so forth but most of these cities are either too expensive or in the wrong side of the country (e.g. west).
For the southern part of England I’ve found interest in the cities Rochester, Canterbury, Hastings and Salisbury.
For the northern/eastern parts of the country I’ve found interest in Lincoln, York and Durham.
So the question is – is it really that big a difference where you live (culture, weather etc.) or could I find what I’m looking for anywhere in England?
most people live within commuting distance of work, that defines the area where they can live.
the south has very expensive housing, its cheaper in the north.
the south has a milder climate than the north but on average gets more rain.
I live in the south west so of no interest to you.
most people live within commuting distance of work, that defines the area where they can live.
the south has very expensive housing, its cheaper in the north.
the south has a milder climate than the north but on average gets more rain.
I live in the south west so of no interest to you.
........ and I live in the north. Unless you wish to wear a flat cap, and own a whippet, also of no interest to you.
The weather difference isn't as big as you think it is. There are places that are wetter or warmer, but it doesn't encompass the entire west or south and the difference isn't that significant for many places - but that's not to say that Cornwall isn't appreciably warmer than northern Scotland. Everywhere gets four season weather, the country is nowhere near south enough to ignore any of the seasons.
The biggest culture difference is between urban, suburban, and rural areas, rather than north-south-east-west.
........ and I live in the north. Unless you wish to wear a flat cap, and own a whippet, also of no interest to you.
I now have a mental image of a Swedish guy, Googling whippets, thinking, “mmm, small greyhound, perhaps overfed dachshund, think I prefer German Shepherd, North not for me, must check out Swindon.”
I now have a mental image of a Swedish guy, Googling whippets, thinking, “mmm, small greyhound, perhaps overfed dachshund, think I prefer German Shepherd, North not for me, must check out Swindon.”
........ plus he will need to wear braces and a belt!
I have a friend in Swindon, going on what he said about the place, my advise would be DONT!!
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