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Starting Again

I'm packing up my home ready to sell and am keen to move... but to where? I think I want to buy outright, rather then rent, but am not sure about that, as buying outright means I'm limited geographically. If you have moved later in life, on your own, what were your main considerations? Should I move near one of my three children - when they could up sticks and move. Should I move to live closer to friends - where I will have people to grow old with? Should I move to the seaside and know that there will be always something I can do? I really do need help making a decision; I'm scared to make a decision as I will probably have to live out my years wherever I choose - and what if I hate it there (wherever it is)? I currently live in the West Midlands, which is not my home town; I was born and lived for my first 17 years in West Yorkshire. I have no real allegiance to anywhere. Thanks to those who can give me any pointers. This is my first post, please be kind.


Created By on 13/03/2018

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Viator
27th Mar 2018 13:49:12 (Last activity: 22nd Apr 2018 19:10:40)
1
Thanks for voting!
I have moved many, many times, here and abroad. The one thing I have learned in engaging in such an adventure is that adventure rarely comes with certainty. You have to decide which is more important to you - you are never going to satisfy fully the dilemmas posed in your questions.

I am male, about to turn sixty. I am very happy with my own company so making new friends was never a priority or concern for me - if it is for you, then living in a rural area (I do) may not be for you, but then there is no guarantee being in a populous area will lead to friendships; it really boils down to how much effort you wish to make.

I have lived here for three years, but I am making preparations to leave, buy a place abroad to use as a base, then travel as much as I can before I am claimed by the 'dribble factory'. Having no dependants, I can do that, but you have family - only you know how well that family works and whether you all benefit from being in close proximity.

You are in an exciting position, but, as you are finding, it can be mildly terrifying, too. As you are so unsure, and if your finances can bear it, my advice is to rent for a few months in any area that appeals before buying.

Good luck.
Response from McKAli Original Poster made on 22nd Apr 2018 19:10:40
Yes, @Viator, I really do need to rent in an area first.

I have looked in areas where I have an interest, on the internet mainly, and read their local papers to see what activities and which groups are advertised.

It's exciting and scary. I've been looking at Spain and France more recently, but "Brexit".
I don't want to choose somewhere only to be evicted from the country!
globetraveller
14th Mar 2018 15:33:17 (Last activity: 22nd Apr 2018 19:05:04)
3
Thanks for voting!
Is it possible for you to have a long holiday at the seaside area you are interested in? But rent an apartment and treat it as if you were living there. Find out if there any groups you can join if you were to live there.
Where do your friends live?Is there a lot of things to do ? I am not sure why living close to the seaside means there is more to do? If you had a spare bedroom would your friends like to visit?
Do your three children live in one area and are you a close family?
Response from McKAli Original Poster made on 22nd Apr 2018 19:05:04
My children are not in one area, no. One on mainland Europe, another with a girlfriend in the North and the other 20 miles from me, but I get the impression he won't be living there for long.
I think the seaside is attractive to me because I like to walk and I like the life of bracing air. I like to draw and write poems and see the seaside as constant inspiration.

Sorry it took time to reply, I couldn't find my post again and I didn't get a notification to say there were replies waiting.
patcaf
4th Apr 2018 12:28:47
2
Thanks for voting!
Recently retired and moved to Ireland 9 months ago. My wife wanted to get away from the cities (we lived in West Midlands, Solihull ) and also wanted to be near the sea. Our children are in the UK, Holland, and Canada and could move on at any time so no point in following them. We considered moving back to Scotland where we have friends and family and spent a lot of time looking around but decided it was too cold. We also considered Kent where we have many friends but coastal homes in Kent are very expensive and we would need to downsize to afford one.

So we moved to a similar size house on the West coast of Ireland a couple of minutes from several fabulous beaches. We love it but it could be very lonely on your own. Like many coastal areas many of the houses are holiday homes and rentals so are empty during the winter as are the caravan parks. Shops, restaurants even pubs close for the winter. Hospitals are a round trip of 100 miles. We need two cars to get around and we know that in ten years or so we will have to move to a nearby town if driving becomes a problem.

So research very carefully before you move to ensure there is a real community all year and that essential services are nearby and accessible. Renting during the winter period is a great idea but you then incur two removal costs or storage costs. We would not find rental as we have two cats and a dog so we took the plunge and bought.

Moving can be very liberating but you need to be sure of the area and whether you can find a place in the local community. It is not easy to make friends when you are older (we are 65) and, although we know many people, we do not have any real friends in this area so far. But early days. As others have said ; if you can afford it keep your existing home and rent in your chosen area first. We use AirBNB a lot when we travel and for short term rental they are excellent.

Good Luck.
Shez1955
18th Mar 2018 12:32:37
1
Thanks for voting!
I think it’s sensible to have some sort of connection to an area and excellent advice to rent to try out a new area. The web is great to check out an area for activities that may interest you. Good luck in your search.
KathrynNP
15th Mar 2018 15:18:21
1
Thanks for voting!
You are very brave I’m very new to this and would not have replied - but - saw a mention of Yorkshire. I was born nr Leeds but do not live there. I recently visited a friend who moved (like you) to Filey. It was wonderful- so much community, things to do even in winter. May be worth a visit ? Wishing you luck
SilverBlue
14th Mar 2018 19:52:27
1
Thanks for voting!
Like you I’m preparing to move, decluttering but it is a big decision where to move to and I understand all your concerns, although for me it’s a bit easier as my son will not be moving far due to work commitments

I would like to go back to the West Country where I was born but think that might be a little silly with no family close by.

I have just moved my father to be close to my sister as he needs to be near one of us and think you should consider whether it’s possible to live near one of your children, having a ninety four year old to look after has made me realise we do become dependent on our children for help and support later in life much more than I realised.

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