where to move to?

Some wonderful places mentioned here, i moved from Doncaster where I'd lived for 40 years to Sheriff Hutton, a village in north yorkshire about 10 miles from York, it's got a wonderful community spirit, about 4 miles from Castle Howard and handy for trips to the dales, moors and coast, I was there for 10 yrs but have recently moved to a retirement village in Pickering which is not too far away from the village so can still see friends there. I moved to be nearer my daughters. Good luck with your move when it happens.

You are in your 50s. Still young! However...I would suggest moving to somewhere the children could get over to you and back home comfortably within a day. Time moves on more and more quickly the older you get. If you develop any health problems you might find yourself having to up sticks to get back near them within a fairly short time. More upheaval when you least want it.

I have a friend whose husband died early, she in her 50s and in good health. She moved into a flat in a complex where she would be able to graduate to full time care without having to move! An extreme example but it suited her.

The place you left 23 year ago is likely to have changed.

I've been a bit of a wet blanket here, but most people are much more encouraging. Whatever you do, go on your gut feeling and enjoy the adventure.

There are some lovely rural places round Northumberland or back to Cumbria where you originated, but it is worth considering that as you get older you may become dependent on public transport and other services. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Milnthorpe , on the Lancashire Cumbria border. It is lovely. I really wish we had moved there years ago. Sadly, we missed the boat. Couldn't really afford to move plus my elderly DM and MiL were very very nearby and we knew our DDs would want to get married from this house where they had lived all their lives and have the ceremony at the church where we have always worshipped. The priest had known them since they were little. Two weddings and the deaths of both mums later, one DD moved round the corner from us with her hubby and children, to be nearer to us! So we are now stuck here. Enjoy your opportunity for change. Good luck

Well, Harrogate has it all!! We lived in Glasgow (which I loved), then Aberdeen, a lovely small city, but too far from family. But here in Harrogate a similar distance from DS in Dumfriesshire and DS in Surrey. We tried to leave our DDs in Aberdeen, but they joined us in Harrogate, we are a happy family unit here. It has something for every taste.

North Yorkshire is lovely. Great for walking, cycling and outdoor persuits. Not too far from costal resorts. Spent 20 years there and loved it.

Have you thought about Rothbury or Wooler. There are several retirement villages around there with activities etc

No advice but just wanted to say I love your name. 'Landslide' Stevie Nicks, wonderful song.

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity wherever you end up. Go for it.

We moved out of London to a well known costal town when we retired - we thought we loved the place - after 3 days I knew it was a mistake! We stayed for 18 months in total and moved to the Midlands, much happier! So my suggestion based on past experience rent a property for say 6 months to get a sense of the area, it will save the hassle of selling if you don’t like the place.

I have moved back to the UK from France, after spending nine years there. I was living in a rural area, five km from the nearest town, wholly dependent on my car. Here in Surrey, in a very nice retirement flat just off the High Street, I am very happy. Train and bus are minutes away, shops too, and a library. London is a train ride away. Did you know that some retirement developments are up to half in cost of flats where there is no age limit? I listen with great satisfaction to the gardeners mowing our lawns, work that I no longer need to do, and all maintenance of the building is paid for by my service charge, including exterior window cleaning. To my surprise, no- one bothers me, all is peace and calm, and I half expect someone to knock on my door to tell me that I am enjoying myself too much! Best wishes as you look for your next home. I have absolutely no regrets and am living very contentedly in my new home.

How very wise of you. Don’t worry about your friends...true friends will remain and you will soon make new ones. Plus they can visit you so that will be great for both sides of the equation.
It sounds as though Cumbria is where you truly want to be. What a wonderful adventure you are embarking on.
Good luck.

Yorkshire is wonderful though I suspect not cheap. I don't have experience of moving on my own in my 50s (only post divorce in my 30s and it was truly fantastic to be on my own) but good luck with your plans. What an exciting time. Best of luck

@Whiff

Thank you for the warm welcome and practical suggestions. Will have a look. Its motivating to hear that others have done it.

I was 61 when I moved a year ago from West Midlands to Liverpool. I was widowed 16 years ago. If you get yourself organised and I am a list person you can do it on your own . Read stresses of buying and selling we are on part 6 . We are a friendly bunch and there is a lot experience on their. And someone will be able to help you. Craftyone did a brilliant thing when she started the thread.