Single 30+ moving out of London, Buckinghamshire?
Discussion
Hi all, I'm a resident of London for about 13 years now but am looking for a change of quality of life and looking for a good place to live on the fringes. My motivations are primarily
1) Larger houses/flats for a lower cost
2) More forests, greenery, nature and countryside which I love
3) More beautiful old buildings, cottages, market town vibe etc
4) More relaxed pace of life
5) Meet other like minded people (nice girl wouldn't go amiss!)
The issues I have though are
1) Commutability to London, either the city or Canary Wharf
2) Having no friends in any of these areas, it would need to be a place with a strong population of late 20s and early 30 something professionals, ideally with a good single population as I am single and want the sort of place I could bump into nice people in local pubs or shops and get talking, easy to make new friends etc as I know no-one in any of these areas. I have lived in Caterham in Surrey and found it primarily families with children with very little pub culture so it was impossible to meet other local singles and people to make friends with.
3) A decent size and vibe, nice restaurants, a few nice bars, nice pubs, good cinema, good shops, not feeling a million miles away from everything
I have been looking at places like Buckinghamshire, ie Amersham, St Giles, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield etc as they seem lovely but I have no idea what it would be like there for a single, 34 year old guy who knows no-one in the area initially. I'm not interested in clubs and that kind of nightlife, more like really nice vibrant local pubs where it's possible to meet and talk to new people.
Can anybody suggest where a nice, beautiful town would be to live where I would have an aspect of the countryside without being too rural, in a beautiful area and where it would be relatively easy for a confident and social 34 year old single guy to make friends and meet people?
1) Larger houses/flats for a lower cost
2) More forests, greenery, nature and countryside which I love
3) More beautiful old buildings, cottages, market town vibe etc
4) More relaxed pace of life
5) Meet other like minded people (nice girl wouldn't go amiss!)
The issues I have though are
1) Commutability to London, either the city or Canary Wharf
2) Having no friends in any of these areas, it would need to be a place with a strong population of late 20s and early 30 something professionals, ideally with a good single population as I am single and want the sort of place I could bump into nice people in local pubs or shops and get talking, easy to make new friends etc as I know no-one in any of these areas. I have lived in Caterham in Surrey and found it primarily families with children with very little pub culture so it was impossible to meet other local singles and people to make friends with.
3) A decent size and vibe, nice restaurants, a few nice bars, nice pubs, good cinema, good shops, not feeling a million miles away from everything
I have been looking at places like Buckinghamshire, ie Amersham, St Giles, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield etc as they seem lovely but I have no idea what it would be like there for a single, 34 year old guy who knows no-one in the area initially. I'm not interested in clubs and that kind of nightlife, more like really nice vibrant local pubs where it's possible to meet and talk to new people.
Can anybody suggest where a nice, beautiful town would be to live where I would have an aspect of the countryside without being too rural, in a beautiful area and where it would be relatively easy for a confident and social 34 year old single guy to make friends and meet people?
Hello and welcome, top lurking!
The areas you suggest are all on the right lines; I'm in Denham (29) and value the proximity to London but availability of space and less frenetic surroundings.
Marlow, parts of High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross etc. all worth a look.
I've a friend that moved from Ealing to Gerrards Cross recently for the same reasons (he also works in the city).
The areas you suggest are all on the right lines; I'm in Denham (29) and value the proximity to London but availability of space and less frenetic surroundings.
Marlow, parts of High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Amersham, Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross etc. all worth a look.
I've a friend that moved from Ealing to Gerrards Cross recently for the same reasons (he also works in the city).
I am in Epsom, and moved for the kinds of things you describe (well, I'm already married so didn't need to consider the single life thing). 32 min train into Waterloo so easily commutable to the City. Theres a cinema, a selection of non-chain restaurants, Enough pubs to have an okay pub crawl, a theatre. House prices are not as ridiculous as Kingston or Wimbledon. Plenty of green spaces but still well within the M25.
Edited by ReallyReallyGood on Tuesday 28th January 11:17
Edited by ReallyReallyGood on Tuesday 28th January 11:24
Not sure what your budget is, but if it's limited you could look at parts of Luton. Don't laugh, it has excellent transport links, cheap housing, and not all parts of it are rubbish. I grew up in South Luton and it's very close to the M1, airport, train station, and nights out in Harpenden or St Albans are perfectly possible (train or taxi).
The countryside to the north and south-west of Luton is lovely (Chilterns). It's got all the shops you need, although the Arndale isn't the prettiest place. Population is very mixed, but on the whole they are very friendly people. Just avoid the big estates like Marsh farm, Hockwell Ring, Sundon Park, etc. (and Bury Park) and keep an open mind.
If you have lots more money though I'd look in St Albans or parts of Bucks as you say.
The countryside to the north and south-west of Luton is lovely (Chilterns). It's got all the shops you need, although the Arndale isn't the prettiest place. Population is very mixed, but on the whole they are very friendly people. Just avoid the big estates like Marsh farm, Hockwell Ring, Sundon Park, etc. (and Bury Park) and keep an open mind.
If you have lots more money though I'd look in St Albans or parts of Bucks as you say.
Thanks for all the replies guys (and gals), didn't expect so many so soon!
My budget is probably renting initially at £1500pcm, a nice 2 bed flat/house.
It certainly doesn't have to be Buckinghamshire so any other suggestions are most welcome, that was just one place that popped out to me so far. Others were the whole Wimbledon/Richmond/Kew/Isleworth/Hampton/Kingston upon Thames area, Highgate etc. I lived in Warlingham, Surrey for 2 years and found it really quiet and dead, the only pubs were grim, chavvy places and the high street was a few takeaways, a nail bar and a tanning shop, so very far from the kind of place I want. And it was all primarily families or teenagers too, not a lot of middle class single thirty somethings.
Windsor I think from what I've seen is a nice place with the kind of vibe I like, trendy, not too loud, relaxed, beautiful, but that's a bit too built up for me to live in.
I think the main issue for me is wanting to live with the countryside on my doorstep in a lovely market/commuter town, but for there to be enough of a local community and vibe to have nice coffee shops, cosy pubs, cinema etc where I won't struggle to meet people in the area to become friends with as I've learned that being out near the countryside and knowing no-one can be pretty isolated and depressing!
Places like Marlow, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield etc, would I find it relatively easy to meet similar people to myself to become friends with and go out for meals, drinks etc? Or would I struggle without an existing social group?
My budget is probably renting initially at £1500pcm, a nice 2 bed flat/house.
It certainly doesn't have to be Buckinghamshire so any other suggestions are most welcome, that was just one place that popped out to me so far. Others were the whole Wimbledon/Richmond/Kew/Isleworth/Hampton/Kingston upon Thames area, Highgate etc. I lived in Warlingham, Surrey for 2 years and found it really quiet and dead, the only pubs were grim, chavvy places and the high street was a few takeaways, a nail bar and a tanning shop, so very far from the kind of place I want. And it was all primarily families or teenagers too, not a lot of middle class single thirty somethings.
Windsor I think from what I've seen is a nice place with the kind of vibe I like, trendy, not too loud, relaxed, beautiful, but that's a bit too built up for me to live in.
I think the main issue for me is wanting to live with the countryside on my doorstep in a lovely market/commuter town, but for there to be enough of a local community and vibe to have nice coffee shops, cosy pubs, cinema etc where I won't struggle to meet people in the area to become friends with as I've learned that being out near the countryside and knowing no-one can be pretty isolated and depressing!
Places like Marlow, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield etc, would I find it relatively easy to meet similar people to myself to become friends with and go out for meals, drinks etc? Or would I struggle without an existing social group?
Have you considered Berkhamsted?
35 mins to Euston (on the fast train that only stops 2 or 3 times).
Nice restaurants.
A few decent pubs.
Cinema (with a bar
and comfy seats!).
Plenty of countryside.
Canal.
Golf course.
Decent access to M1 and M25.
Resonable number of 30 somethings.
Sure you could find a nice place for 1500pcm there
35 mins to Euston (on the fast train that only stops 2 or 3 times).
Nice restaurants.
A few decent pubs.
Cinema (with a bar
and comfy seats!).Plenty of countryside.
Canal.
Golf course.
Decent access to M1 and M25.
Resonable number of 30 somethings.
Sure you could find a nice place for 1500pcm there
I grew up in Wendover (Bucks) - nice village. I think it's the Met line into Marylebone from there (Same line as Amersham).
I now live in Leighton Buzzard (Beds) - 35mins into Euston.
House prices seem reasonable, my only issue is the local council LOVE speed/width restrictions and anything that limist the use of a car. I avoid most of it by going shopping in Milton Keynes.
Phill (31)
I now live in Leighton Buzzard (Beds) - 35mins into Euston.
House prices seem reasonable, my only issue is the local council LOVE speed/width restrictions and anything that limist the use of a car. I avoid most of it by going shopping in Milton Keynes.
Phill (31)
Blimey £1500.00 a month for a two bed Flat?
I've the answer, Evesham. You can have my 2 bedroom Flat, located ground floor within a Regency House, big communal gardens, plenty of communal parking, 400 yds from the station with direct connection to London.
At the moment I rent for £625.00 to a professional guy who is high management in a large building company, in fact the place is full of professional types. However I'l quite happily kick him out for £1000.00 per month
Positives
You have £500.00 in your bank account more each month
You are 5 minutes cycle ride to open fields
Evesham has a river and a lovely park
We have a mainline station
It has some good pubs, if you know where to look, bit rough but friendly
Its a pretty safe place to live
We have one nightclub
If your in a pub in the Cotswolds, (7 miles away) and tell them you live in Evesham, they will look at you in a funny way, start to talk to you in a very slow manner, and with a sad knowing smile decide you won't have to buy a drink again all night. (Because you are obviously poor)
We are getting a new bridge
We are getting a Waitrose
Negatives
Its just under 2 hour commute to central London. But lots of people do it daily.
Evesham is too many, a dump. (But thankfully not the area, where the flat is) but I like the town anyway.
We only have one nightclub
The German Company that is rebuilding the 'New Bridge' over the Avon, were capable of building the Fuhrer bunker, the Wolfs Lair and the Berghof (I kid you not) but seem incapable to build a new bridge over the river in Evesham.
They haven't actually built the Waitrose yet either, but its coming . ....
The locals are a little 'strange' but ok
Deal?
I've the answer, Evesham. You can have my 2 bedroom Flat, located ground floor within a Regency House, big communal gardens, plenty of communal parking, 400 yds from the station with direct connection to London.
At the moment I rent for £625.00 to a professional guy who is high management in a large building company, in fact the place is full of professional types. However I'l quite happily kick him out for £1000.00 per month
Positives
You have £500.00 in your bank account more each month
You are 5 minutes cycle ride to open fields
Evesham has a river and a lovely park
We have a mainline station
It has some good pubs, if you know where to look, bit rough but friendly
Its a pretty safe place to live
We have one nightclub
If your in a pub in the Cotswolds, (7 miles away) and tell them you live in Evesham, they will look at you in a funny way, start to talk to you in a very slow manner, and with a sad knowing smile decide you won't have to buy a drink again all night. (Because you are obviously poor)
We are getting a new bridge
We are getting a Waitrose
Negatives
Its just under 2 hour commute to central London. But lots of people do it daily.
Evesham is too many, a dump. (But thankfully not the area, where the flat is) but I like the town anyway.
We only have one nightclub
The German Company that is rebuilding the 'New Bridge' over the Avon, were capable of building the Fuhrer bunker, the Wolfs Lair and the Berghof (I kid you not) but seem incapable to build a new bridge over the river in Evesham.
They haven't actually built the Waitrose yet either, but its coming . ....
The locals are a little 'strange' but ok
Deal?
Edited by Wozy68 on Tuesday 28th January 13:59
trumptriple said:
Not sure what your budget is, but if it's limited you could look at parts of Luton. Don't laugh, it has excellent transport links, cheap housing, and not all parts of it are rubbish. I grew up in South Luton and it's very close to the M1, airport, train station, and nights out in Harpenden or St Albans are perfectly possible (train or taxi).
The countryside to the north and south-west of Luton is lovely (Chilterns). It's got all the shops you need, although the Arndale isn't the prettiest place. Population is very mixed, but on the whole they are very friendly people. Just avoid the big estates like Marsh farm, Hockwell Ring, Sundon Park, etc. (and Bury Park) and keep an open mind.
If you have lots more money though I'd look in St Albans or parts of Bucks as you say.
I spent years living in Sundon Park without any real problems. Far far better than anywhere else you've listed and much better than a lot of other parts too.The countryside to the north and south-west of Luton is lovely (Chilterns). It's got all the shops you need, although the Arndale isn't the prettiest place. Population is very mixed, but on the whole they are very friendly people. Just avoid the big estates like Marsh farm, Hockwell Ring, Sundon Park, etc. (and Bury Park) and keep an open mind.
If you have lots more money though I'd look in St Albans or parts of Bucks as you say.
nzjamesk said:
Thanks for all the replies guys (and gals), didn't expect so many so soon!
My budget is probably renting initially at £1500pcm, a nice 2 bed flat/house.
It certainly doesn't have to be Buckinghamshire so any other suggestions are most welcome, that was just one place that popped out to me so far. Others were the whole Wimbledon/Richmond/Kew/Isleworth/Hampton/Kingston upon Thames area, Highgate etc. I lived in Warlingham, Surrey for 2 years and found it really quiet and dead, the only pubs were grim, chavvy places and the high street was a few takeaways, a nail bar and a tanning shop, so very far from the kind of place I want. And it was all primarily families or teenagers too, not a lot of middle class single thirty somethings.
Windsor I think from what I've seen is a nice place with the kind of vibe I like, trendy, not too loud, relaxed, beautiful, but that's a bit too built up for me to live in.
I think the main issue for me is wanting to live with the countryside on my doorstep in a lovely market/commuter town, but for there to be enough of a local community and vibe to have nice coffee shops, cosy pubs, cinema etc where I won't struggle to meet people in the area to become friends with as I've learned that being out near the countryside and knowing no-one can be pretty isolated and depressing!
Places like Marlow, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield etc, would I find it relatively easy to meet similar people to myself to become friends with and go out for meals, drinks etc? Or would I struggle without an existing social group?
I can speak for Marlow.My budget is probably renting initially at £1500pcm, a nice 2 bed flat/house.
It certainly doesn't have to be Buckinghamshire so any other suggestions are most welcome, that was just one place that popped out to me so far. Others were the whole Wimbledon/Richmond/Kew/Isleworth/Hampton/Kingston upon Thames area, Highgate etc. I lived in Warlingham, Surrey for 2 years and found it really quiet and dead, the only pubs were grim, chavvy places and the high street was a few takeaways, a nail bar and a tanning shop, so very far from the kind of place I want. And it was all primarily families or teenagers too, not a lot of middle class single thirty somethings.
Windsor I think from what I've seen is a nice place with the kind of vibe I like, trendy, not too loud, relaxed, beautiful, but that's a bit too built up for me to live in.
I think the main issue for me is wanting to live with the countryside on my doorstep in a lovely market/commuter town, but for there to be enough of a local community and vibe to have nice coffee shops, cosy pubs, cinema etc where I won't struggle to meet people in the area to become friends with as I've learned that being out near the countryside and knowing no-one can be pretty isolated and depressing!
Places like Marlow, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield etc, would I find it relatively easy to meet similar people to myself to become friends with and go out for meals, drinks etc? Or would I struggle without an existing social group?
I lived there into my mid 20's and then again early 30's.
Now mid 40's and living around 3 miles away, but still consider it "home". Marlow is a great place to live, especially if you enjoy the outdoors and sport related activity.
The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside - perfect for biking, walking, days out etc.
Sport is all over the place. The town is blessed with extensive facilities for rowing, football, rugby, cricket, hockey, triathlon, open water swimming etc etc. If you are remotely active, there will be something for you, which will help massively in meeting people. there are 3 very good gyms in the town, with a further couple of hotel gyms available. International standard sportsmen and women are a common sight, with Bisham Abbey (GB Hockey, Lawn Tennis Association, football), the rowing club is currently being rebuilt after a fire, but is the home of Steve Redgrave, Naomi Riches, Kath Grainger plus numerous younger rowers going into the GB set up. Rugby is a big game in the town, with a junior club putting out 3 senior sides on a Saturday and offering coaching to many hundreds of kids on a Sunday. The annual mini tournament there is one of the biggest 1 day tournaments in the world, with around 3500 players taking part.
The pub scene is reasonably healthy. There are 4 or 5 places in the High Street which get very busy at weekends. In the week, less so.
Eating out - you are spoilt. I'm not too much of a High Street chain, fan. Apart from these, you have The Hand and Flowers, Vanilla Pod, Tiger Garden, plus some superb eating pubs, within a couple of miles of town. Just down the road in Bray, are the Waterside, Hinds Head and the Fat Duck. Between the 2 is Cookham; again, fair amount of choice in and around.
In the summer, the place is a buzz of activity. The river plays a big part in the towns persona. A wonderful riverside park, connecting with the Thames Path is a gateway to exploring.
Connections to the M4/M40 and M25 are all within minutes.
Rail to Maidenhead, where you will be able to get on the Cross Rail (when it's finished).
I think that you would be fairly hard pressed to beat Marlow as a place to live. It is a little more expensive than many places, but with good reason.
PM me if you want an more detail.
Edited by Nobby Diesel on Tuesday 28th January 14:09
spikeyhead said:
I spent years living in Sundon Park without any real problems. Far far better than anywhere else you've listed and much better than a lot of other parts too.
Apologies, didn't mean any offence, you speak from more experience than me. I've lived in Hockwell Ring, Lewsey Farm, (couldn't recommend either of those) then out to Slip End near Caddington, then back to South Luton. Think the town has a lot more going for it than people give it credit for - if you choose the right bits.
bigandclever said:
My suggestion would be Caversham, in Reading. Got it's own village-y vibe but walkable to the flesh pots social life of a decent sized town. Would be an hour commute (door to desk) to Canary Wharf too.
I was going to say this. That whole area would be ideal in my eyes. Caversham, Emmer Green, Sonning etc. Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff