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Are you living where you always wanted to live?

I am just being rather nosy but am intrigued to know whether you have ended up where you always wanted to live or if you have a burning desire to have a foray/end your days somewhere else? I am a country girl born and bred but following my marriage break up I lived in Bournemouth for a year where I just didn't earn enough money to live so headed for London - twenty six years now and I have never had a single second of regret at doing so. I love the general buzz, the diversity, the history - in fact everything! So, are you where you are because of circumstance? Happy there? Wish beyond anything that you were elsewhere? I'd love to know.


Created By on 10/11/2016

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jeanymay
10th Nov 2016 18:27:16
0
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Good post Mel's I'm a town girl, and still live within about 6 miles from where I was born, and like it in general
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 10:07:49
Ah jeany, contentment and general happiness with your lot is a good but rare thing. I have often wondered if my marriage hadn't gone for a burton whether I would still be living the same area or whether economic circumstances may have made us move on - but the past is a place called yesterday and I shall simply never know!
Response from jeanymay made on 11th Nov 2016 10:47:11
Oh Mel's you are quite right. I have had to pick up the pieces and move on twice after 2 failed marriages, but this has made me appreciate what I do have in life.
PerfectNumber
5th Nov 2021 16:31:14
0
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Yes and no. At the moment, we are living within commuting distance of London - we both moved to London to work after Uni, and met at work. Our house is far too big for us, but, having married & had kids late, we have both kids basically still at home. One works in the theatre, and the other is probably going to live in America. And the house is used as office space for certain voluntary organiations, so we're not over-housed in the taking-up-too-much-of-the-housing-stock sense, but the cleaning & repairs & decorating get me down.

If/when the kids decide what they want to do, I look forward to moving to a small flat. I like London, but my husband doesn't, and I'm less fussed, so I expect we'll go somewhere much cheaper and split the profit betweenn the kids & our future care-home needs. I',m a church-goer & a mrembre of various organisations, so I'm sure I'd make friends anywhere, and the other half likes to minimise socialising anyway!

(Oh - and before anyone points out hte problem of *stuff* when downsizing, the house is full of empty furniture that I don't want to get rid of yet, because of now knowing what the kids want to do, and if they'll want any of it - they're not having my great-grandmother's writing desk, mind!!)
diewis
22nd Oct 2021 13:20:49
0
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In Cyprus 5yrs never thought I would end up here. Always travelled first with arm then with hubby then retired to france....spain.. And finally (at the moment ). cyprus
cocteau
8th Sep 2021 10:36:29
0
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Not really, and I'm going to move to another state. From my experience, I can recommend Braintree Movers https://starkmovers.com/braintree-movers/ btw.
FrancieB
28th Jun 2021 05:07:01 (Last activity: 28th Jun 2021 08:06:29)
0
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I decided to give it al up in the Uk and travel. I spent time 3 years, living in Central America teaching and now live in Colorado. Best decision I ever made.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 28th Jun 2021 08:06:29
Hi FrancieB,

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Yogafan
27th Jun 2021 15:42:07
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We recently moved from Wilts to Cornwall.We have family already in Cornwall,so it was an easy decision.Having never lived near the ocean,I am now 10 mins walk away and absolutely love it.I finished work yesterday and headed straight for the beach.A great way to unwind and relax.I'm not originally from the UK,and would of hoped to move back to my country of origin,but sadly my husband (Who is a Brit)refused to move.
MollyUK
29th Mar 2021 19:52:38
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Before we retired, I said I'd never move up to be near his family (lovely family, terrible weather & backward community!). Yet here I am. If I could say one thing to young women, it would be: Don't become a camp follower (even if he's a lovely man, he probably won't really appreciate the sacrifice) and don't sideline yourself (other people will only too gladly do that for you if you let them). OK, I suppose that's strictly two things, but they amount to the same sense of having missed your own boat.
smacg
15th Feb 2021 02:49:39 (Last activity: 15th Feb 2021 07:58:19)
0
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I just realized the original post on this topic is really old! Oh, well!
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 15th Feb 2021 07:58:19
Hi smacg,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

smacg
15th Feb 2021 02:48:35
0
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Hello! I live near Dallas, Texas in the U.S. If I had another life to live again, I would definitely live somewhere in Maine in the U.S. My husband and I visited there a few years ago and honestly, I did not want to come back. My husband has early onset Alzheimer's and honestly, I am worn out. I find myself thinking of "what ifs" and "if only" a lot these days. Fortunately, we have a large family. Several of my children live out of state.....New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle! I am blessed to get to visit them and I love all of these cities! But.....Maine is still my most favorite place!!
jeanmark
10th Nov 2016 19:53:06 (Last activity: 1st Nov 2020 21:03:36)
0
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I've lived in a village for 26 years and love it. Many years ago I was offered a good post in London but turned it down as realised I hated cities. I'd be happy being in the middle of nowhere but accept I need a few comforts, as long as I have a car I don't have a problem.
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 10:01:43
Hi jeanmark, I always thought that I would hate the city and when I first moved up here I actually only gave it six months - talk about a duck taking to water - here I am 26 years later!
Response from jeanmark made on 11th Nov 2016 11:24:14
I originally lived in a city as that was were I worked but never did like it even though I lived on the outskirts. I was so glad when we bought a house in a village just ten miles from the city, I'm much happier.
Response from Leadfoot82 made on 1st Nov 2020 21:03:36
Jeanmark, My hat is off to you as a nurse. I live in the U.S., and I refer to one of our twin daughters as the "hero" of our family. she is an R.N., and beginning with the onset of the damned "bug" back in Feb., she has donned her hazmat suit & gear every working day and gone into the Covid 19 ward at her hospital on the South-end of Indianapolis. So far,so good, but my wife & I worry about her constantly. We will keep our fingers crossed for an effective vaccine very soon! Health-care workers are slated to be first in line, & then "oldsters" like my wife & I (80+), at which time I look forward to "peering out" into the world again-eh? Take care & GB
Leadfoot82
30th Oct 2020 21:31:44
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We live in the U.S., and for most of our married-life lived in Northern Indiana, right next to the Michigan border. Up there, 2 or 3 feet of snow and minus 20F temps are common in mid-winter Then, at retirement we chased kids who,after their college graduations moved one-by-one to the State capitol at Indianapolis. so we found a decent home in a West-side suburban town, and it's about 200 miles South of our old home. The climate is just a tad better-we now get Winter about a week later, and Spring about a week earlier, and seldom see temps below zero (F). But if I were to hit the lottery, I would live here for the summer months, and Savannah, Ga. or Florida for the fall and winter months. But lately, there has been a price too steep to pay for living in any of the coastal areas of the U.S.. Drought,fire & earthquakes on the West coast, and record numbers of Hurricanes on the East and South coasts, have made home investments there a sketchy proposition, since those locales almost match the U.K's housing prices. (but not quite) I watch "Escape to the Country" and love the scenery, but sometimes my jaw drops at the housing costs. For a half-million to a million dollars in Indiana, you can live in a genuine mansion!
[deleted]
15th Oct 2020 09:36:17 (Last activity: 15th Oct 2020 09:39:43)
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[deleted]
Response from Sue - Silversurfers Assistant Editor made on 15th Oct 2020 09:39:43
How lucky you are to be in such a lovely place with such wonderful views!!
[deleted]
15th Sep 2020 20:32:40 (Last activity: 16th Sep 2020 12:29:15)
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[deleted]
Response from jeanmark made on 16th Sep 2020 12:29:15
I'm not sure I had any thoughts on where I would end up. I was born and raised in Norfolk and moved to Lincolnshire to start my nurse training. At the time of my training, you were expected to give your training hospital at leat a years service once qualified, after a year I moved to Oxfordshire purely to compete a post-grad course in Accident and Emergency Nursing with the intention of leaving once completed. That never happened, I was offered a post that sounded interesting and after two years I met my husband (rather a shock to my parents as I had never intended to marry), as a result all of my varied career from that point forward remained in the one city. A beautiful old university city that I never really liked, but living with a man I adore. Fortunately, we moved to a nearby village 30 years ago and here I will stay until I get called to a higher - or lower - pasture!
Callistra
2nd Jun 2019 22:07:09
0
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I started life in a small village in Scotland, but over the years moved many times due to both father and husband being in the armed forces. In my twenties I lived in Edinburgh and loved it. We moved to London for my late husbands work 12 years ago and I do not like it at all, I don’t feel at home or secure. I would very much like to go home, to Edinburgh and see all the familiar sights.
patcaf
11th Nov 2016 13:04:52 (Last activity: 11th Nov 2016 14:36:45)
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We are originally from Glasgow but have lived in England for over 30 years, in several locations including a stint on the Isle of Wight. Also lived in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait along the way. Currently in Solihull which was a small market town when we first came here in 1996. When we returned in 2011 after some years away, it had become a large business town with all the traditional areas turned into a large shopping mall. Very nice town though and we do enjoy living here . As we head towards retirement, however, we have begun to feel that we do not belong here and are planning to move back to Scotland which we would not have considered 10 years ago. Strange how your views change over the years.
Response from jeanymay made on 11th Nov 2016 14:36:45
We all change considerably in more ways than 1 Pat. I hope you find where you want to settle.
[deleted]
11th Nov 2016 09:55:17 (Last activity: 11th Nov 2016 11:46:17)
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[deleted]
Response from jeanymay made on 11th Nov 2016 11:46:17
A true mystery Mel re socks. A very good morning to you. It's blue skies and sunshine today in my neck of the woods. Must dash I'm cooking lunch for my lovely daughter, but catch you all later.
[deleted]
10th Nov 2016 18:05:48 (Last activity: 11th Nov 2016 11:20:41)
1
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[deleted]
Response from jeanymay made on 10th Nov 2016 18:31:10
Oh wow it seems you have had such an exciting past ! What a shame you are so cut off, but so lovely to hear the site is helping a little. Have you thought of moving ?
I'm lucky that I have restaurants, bars, old fashioned country pubs and cafes to choose from to meet up with friends all within walking distance
Response from jeanymay made on 10th Nov 2016 18:52:06
No not done a great deal of travelling,as I'm not over keen on flying. I can see your dilemma re moving its a hard decision. I too have had my share of house moves, and it is exhausting
Response from jeanymay made on 10th Nov 2016 19:33:41
Omg ! Why if I may asked have you travelling to such way out places..the jungle !

Good God I need a sat nav to go around the corner !
Response from jeanymay made on 10th Nov 2016 19:47:32
Oh how brave of you ! I could never do anything like that. I'm such a light weight. Frightened of flying, spiders...everything. Thoughts of the jungle bring me out in a cold sweat
Response from jeanymay made on 10th Nov 2016 20:01:24
No way honestly ! I'm going to sign off now everyone. All gadgets off with a view to relax and later hopefully get some much needed sleep. Sweet dreams
Response from jeanymay made on 11th Nov 2016 07:38:45
I did sleep well thank you Littleminx, and I forgot to say last night it's nice to see your lovely profile pic
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 09:57:19
I know how you feel LittleMinx, I still love the countryside and it is a wonderful release at time to spend a weekend down there to blow away the cobwebs but I am now too entrenched in city life and can imagine no other.

Funnily enough I didn't do much travelling whilst I was married but that had more to do with being married to a farmer who refused to leave the farm for too long and hated foreign travel. It was totally different when I moved to London - I guess you could say my 'career' took of then and I had the freedom to do the jobs I wanted which meant working overseas at times. I've worked in the Cayman Islands, helped open an office in Poland, went on secondment to the UAE, worked in New York and the Cayman Islands - not to mention leisure travel so, yes, my world opened up and I feel really fortunate.

I am grateful for my country roots but am certainly much happier being a city dweller!
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 11:20:41
Funnily enough I don't mind the airports but in all these years I will never, ever get of jet lag - it kills me and the older I get the worse it gets. My mother returned to her native Canada a few years ago and is not exactly in the best of health so I have had one or two dashes across the ocean - an eleven hour flight - awful.
Jenninora
11th Nov 2016 09:34:15 (Last activity: 11th Nov 2016 10:27:34)
1
Thanks for voting!
I live back in Ireland after 25 years in England. I don't know if ( at the beginning, when I had only returned to Ireland) that I could say I was back where I belong as Ireland had changed. Circumstances, not all choice brought me back. Now I know that I am in the right place now that the culture shock has waned. I would not want to be anywhere else at the present time. I love all of these islands and have visited much in them.
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 09:47:47
I know what you mean Jenninora about the culture shock - I didn't visit my former home for a good few years and even though it is only just over 100 miles away - it seemed so strange as I had gotten so used to the hustle and bustle of London and everything seemed so slow and quiet.
Response from jeanymay made on 11th Nov 2016 09:48:38
Good morning Jenninora I'm so pleased you are settled now
Response from Jenninora made on 11th Nov 2016 10:14:58
Thank you. You know. Culture shock means differently to differing people. As Ireland is in two parts , the North was just over its problems. I was pretty shocked as I had been away so long. Anyway people are adaptable as you know and these people were suddenly dragged into the 20 century. Then that helped me adjust. Okay now thankfully even nothing is secure in this life.
Response from Jenninora made on 11th Nov 2016 10:18:22
I am in the North Little Minx. That view of my is the Anglican Cathedral in Armagh. I attend.
Response from Jenninora made on 11th Nov 2016 10:27:34
You are right and I am back and forth to the main land. Got to know Ireland also.
[deleted]
11th Nov 2016 07:30:22 (Last activity: 11th Nov 2016 10:04:29)
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[deleted]
Response from Mels Original Poster made on 11th Nov 2016 10:04:29
I agree Dollie, it is a constant complaint I hear from my family that younger members are having to move away because not only is there nothing to buy (if indeed they could afford to!) but rentals are not only prohibitive but few and far between - I think sometimes many forget that the housing problems aren't just in the cities.

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