If you could move anywhere in UK where would you move too?

[Drago]

I think that is between you and Mrs D????

One of my Constable Crabtree typos.

I think Mrs D would like it too, but I've reconciled myself to the fact that until she retires in 12 years or so were about as far as were going to go from the sprogs.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

One of the interesting things about it is the contrast with the trends in Europe. Throughout southern Europe you find an exodus to the cities, with only old people left in villages. There are umpteen abandoned villages, and it's perfectly possible to buy an entire village if you so choose. Europeans aspire to living in cities, but Brits aspire to getting out. This is another reason why there are endless Brits buying up rural properties in France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and so on.

Yes, for an older population, cities have the potential to be far more suitable. Two of the main things that put me off rural idylls are the availability of healthcare and the need to drive everywhere. I look at the choices of many Escape to the Country retirees and wonder how viable they remain after a few years.

 

[Slick]

Yes, for an older population, cities have the potential to be far more suitable. Two of the main things that put me off rural idylls are the availability of healthcare and the need to drive everywhere. I look at the choices of many Escape to the Country retirees and wonder how viable they remain after a few years.

The health care thing is something that many people forget about. I've seen a specialist team arrive in minutes in and around the city, but I know from bitter experience it could be hours in rural Scotland to get the same help. Probably not something we really want to think about too much.

 

[Mo1959]

Yes, for an older population, cities have the potential to be far more suitable. Two of the main things that put me off rural idylls are the availability of healthcare and the need to drive everywhere. I look at the choices of many Escape to the Country retirees and wonder how viable they remain after a few years.

I wouldn't mind moving 6 miles away to Comrie. It's a large village but actually has a health centre and dental practice and some nice shops.

I find Crieff has grown so much since I moved here 40 years ago that I'm not enjoying it as much. I hanker for village life again.

 

[Alex321]

The health care thing is something that many people forget about. I've seen a specialist team arrive in minutes in and around the city, but I know from bitter experience it could be hours in rural Scotland to get the same help. Probably not something we really want to think about too much.

You can be rural but within minutes of an ambulance station in some places. We are cxertainly not in a city (the edge of Cardiff is about 7 miles away by road), and live in quite a small village, but there are ambulance stations in both the nearest small tons, each 3 miles away, and it is about 15 miles to the nearest hospital, in Bridgend.

 

[Sterlo]

Yes, for an older population, cities have the potential to be far more suitable. Two of the main things that put me off rural idylls are the availability of healthcare and the need to drive everywhere. I look at the choices of many Escape to the Country retirees and wonder how viable they remain after a few years.

I've often thought that, great for "now", what about when you are potentially unable to drive. It's a key thing I'm looking at for when/if we move, if there's a doctors within a reasonable walking distance and it's on a decent bus route, I would consider a smaller village that's close to a town/small city.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

And it’s not just about ambulances, or even mostly about ambulances. My concerns would be mostly about just normal appointments, referrals to clinics and hospitals, all the normal stuff that builds up in volume as we get older. If there’s no bus to get you there, and you are unwilling or unable to drive.

 

[Slick]

You can be rural but within minutes of an ambulance station in some places. We are cxertainly not in a city (the edge of Cardiff is about 7 miles away by road), and live in quite a small village, but there are ambulance stations in both the nearest small tons, each 3 miles away, and it is about 15 miles to the nearest hospital, in Bridgend.

I am the same, so isn't an issue for me, but that wasn't the scenario I described.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Reminds me of the time I was cycling in the Outer Hebrides when I was talking to the BandB hostess. We were a little outside Stornoway. She mentioned that her husband had a hospital appointment in a couple of days. I assumed it was in Stornoway, but it turns out it was in Inverness. I then thought about the logistics of getting to said appointment. Ferry to Ullapool, then it's 60 miles to Inverness, then obviously the return. It would take at least an overnight stay, possibly two, if dependent on public transport. I also got the impression that the appointment was only for a check up or similar.

 

[Alex321]

And it’s not just about ambulances, or even mostly about ambulances. My concerns would be mostly about just normal appointments, referrals to clinics and hospitals, all the normal stuff that builds up in volume as we get older. If there’s no bus to get you there, and you are unwilling or unable to drive.

That is a good point.

There is a bus service (four per day with the first at 10:23) to Cowbridge where our doctor is located, but no practical one to where our current dentist is, nor to Bridgend hospital. For the other reasonably close hospital (Royal Glamorgan), it would be bus to Talbot Green (5 per day, first at 9:27), then from there to the hospital (every 30 minutes).

It really would not be practical for us to get to either hospital without driving or taking a taxi.

 

[ianrauk]

Interesting how no-one has ambitions to move to a city.

I would love to move to Edinburgh. I love the place.
But I won't, as it pisses down with rain every bloody day up norf.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

This is a lovely house in a lovely place.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/145372292#/...

 

[Drago]

My islands accent - when I switch it on - makes me a bumpkin in Edinburgh. Its like living in Hampstead and greeting ones neighbours, "oooh aaaah aaaye!"

So when there I use my English public school accent, that annoys them even more

I do like Edinburgh though. Fascinating place.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

WHen I lived in Bangor I knew a family that lived in a small village on the outskirts - mostly fairly old council houses

About 30 minutes walk to the Tesco for someone active - easy drive ina few minutes

But uphill all the way back which would be a pain with shopping on a rainy day!

But if your mobility was affected then you were a bit screwed - there were buses
one each way every day - weekdays only!

Naturally the village shop had closed many years ago

I knew someone who went to the doctor in the morning and never drove again
suddenly the whole basis of his life changed because his car became useless to him
and this can - and does - happen to a lot of people as they get older

I remember my Dad's eyesight getting worse
Initially he just started avoiding driving after dark - then he had to stop altogether
as he was disabled anyway he couldn;t get out unless some drove him - even his social life almost stopped!

As has been said - I watch "escape to the country" and similar and think - "hmm - fine for now but......."

 

[Dave7]

When I married then moved to Warrington in1970 it was just a small, relatively unknown small town.
It was fantastic. Population 60+K. Fabulous old markets. Great, friendly pubs. Everybody seemed to know each other.
Then it had the misfortune to end up smack in the middle of M6, M62, M56. It was designated a new town and now has a population of 250,000.
Old Market gone. Most shops gone. All shopping is in out of town malls.
All very sad really.