I haven't lived in England for the last 17-18 years, but I am feeling like it is time to go back. I have visited at least once every year, but of course there is a difference between living there and visiting. Just curious as to what other people think about where they would live and where they wouldn't want to live.


Thank you!

It depends. Will you work, do you have a job, and how rich are you?

If your job is in London, a cottage in Scotland is probably not a realistic option. If you're on a small retirement income, a big house in Sussex probably isn't on the cards.

Agreed - definitely need more info.

Personally I would go to Southampton but that is based purely on my own experience living there. Granted, I was a student at the time so my lifestyle now would be completely different, but I believe there is at least some sort of job market there, it's close to my home (the Isle of Wight) and is lively, great shopping, good train connection to London, has an airport etc.

Let me remind you that Scotland is not in England.

Are you sure? I thought we had a vote and everything.

I think anyone answering this question without knowing about your circumstances will be giving you a biased opinion based purely on their experience and own situation.

So I think you might need to say why you want to move back? What are you missing here that you think the UK might offer you?

What are your plans for the next 5 years? Where did you live before in England? Seaside town? Urban city? Country side?

You have kids? (I saw it on your profile) What do they like? How will this affect them?

Same as all the above- depends on so many things.

If I/we moved back, it would be to the East Midlands- lovely countryside and stone villages and towns- but so close to vibrant and multicultural Leicester- fast and very regular trains to London St Pancras (1 hour, every half hour till late), excellent access to M1/A1/M11, Luton and Stansted for EasyJet to all of Europe. And of course very reasonable prices for rents and house/flat purchase. Market Harborough is a favourite.

Having lived in London for over 30 years I would have been biased, however I have spent a couple of weekends in Worcestershire, rather like 'To the Manor Born' GF looks & sounds like Penelope Keith .

Well, Malvern has a lot to recommend it. Apart from the hills, it's a local social hub and has easy access to most parts of England and Wales.

I would move back to Cornwall without hesitation, and would avoid any large urban areas like the plague.

Lots of really nice places mentioned- but again, for us, too far from London and other places we love. Forgot to mention that fast trains go to St Pancras in 1 hour, where we can pick up TGV to Switzerland and other European cities without having to change stations. Brilliant. And also the price of housing isvery high in most areas mentioned, apart from parts of Yorkshire.

Biased, well perhaps- as after a few years in London (Isleworth, Putney and Roehampton) and a few years in Staffs, I lived 35 years in East Leicestershire. Happy days.

You cannot believe how pretty the East Leics/Rutland towns and villages are- mellow stone and Collyweston or Swithland slate, as lovely as the Cotswolds but without the tourists and souvenir shops, and great butchers, grocers, ironmongers, etc.

West midlands is definitely the way to go. In terms of city options I am personally impressed by Birmingham. The city has unique architecture, not the standard stuff you get everywhere. It is very multi cultural, good for arts, music and sport (though not for the faint hearted if you want to be a football fan - it's a roller coaster ride). Property is extremely affordable, with good returns for rental, compared to London (in case you came to your senses and returned to Switzerland). Then you've got the LS2...