Move down south - would you do it?

[Freddie1980]

I would look at living in Herts, Essex or maybe Kent within a town that has a good train service to London but living in a town like Shenfield or Brentwood means you won't have the access to the variety of shops and services you get by living in a big city.

I've recently moved out of Chelmsford but I can tell you that's a city that could be good compromise. Prosperous, clean, cheaper to buy then towns that are closer to London like Shenfield, wide range of shops and services (these days Chelmsford has just about everything you could want). The only drawback IMO is it's about 40mins by train to London plus the commute to the station itself and the annual season ticket isn't cheap either.

 

[Sagalout]

I worked there for 6 months and hated it once the novelty had worn off. That said, the only capital cities I could live in are Berlin and Reykjavic - most others are just too populated.

Personally I find the further North you go the friendlier people are (I've always found Manchester to be a very friendly place whenever I've been) and the better the scenery is. That's proper scenery for you Londoners - not a postage stamp of greenery or Ruchmond Park lol

Harrogate is perfect for me - beautiful town, as affluent as the South East but without the crazy house prices, access to proper countryside and just over 2 hours to London for short breaks and day trips.