Thoughts on moving to Cornwall

ForeverAddickted · August 26

Always been a dream of ours, we love going on Holiday down there basically every summer… I'm 43 in a couple of months, my wife has just turned 38, and we've got an 8-year old Son who is Autistic, has ADHD and has a cognitive learning disorder.

House is already on the market (its a three bed for reference), as we're fed up of living somewhere without a driveway, parking after all can be a nightmare living around the houses where I am here in Strood… Started looking at houses around the Dunkirk / Canterbury area the other week, and I made the suggestion to my wife that if we're going to move away from family… Why not do it properly and just go to Cornwall

I work from home, so I wont need to change job… My wife is an experienced Veterinary Nurse so will be able to find work wherever she goes - Already started looking online at properly around St. Austell / Bodiam and you're looking at a four bed house, with a drive way which is at a ridiculous amount compared to what you'd be paying up here in the ME2 / ME1 areas, we'd even have money left over from the equity of our current home to make improvements etc.

So I thought I'd ask the question here… Why shouldn't we move…?

Has anyone made the move, regretted it, are there realities of Cornwall I'm not thinking about. Ideally dont want to go too far into the county at the same time (Camborne / Redruth / Truro). Yes there is the danger that I'll be further away from my parents (they're both in their 70's now) so be difficult to get back in a hurry if I need to… Yes we won't have the childcare, but already I only get relief once / twice a week in the School Holidays, and am used to my Son being around

AFKABartram · August 26

Seaside n countryside are for days aht and olidaze. Saff Lundern, la la la…

AndyG · August 26

Hi Mate.

I cant really talk about Cornwall as I dont really know the area well enough. But what I do know is that once people take the plunge and move away from London not many are clambering to return to live. It is easy to get caught up in the London is the place thought process but when you leave you realise pretty quickly that life elsewhere is pretty decent as well, but without the stress, traffic, and high costs. I love our trips back to watch Charlton and enjoy every second but you couldnt offer me enough money to live down there now

fenlandaddick · August 26

Only thing I would say is it gets busy down there in the summer. If you can cope with that then why not? Don't really want any 'what ifs' later in life.

Friends I know who have escaped to the countryside have never looked back.

Besides if it becomes a poor decision, in a few years you can always move again

fenaddick · August 26

I was nervy about moving outside of London but I'm glad I did, even if it isn't Cornwall. Other Fen is right about the tourist stuff and as well as getting busy it can mean lots of things shut in winter. There's also only one 24 hour A&E (Truro) in all of Cornwall so that's something to bear in mind. I have Cornish family, they all loved it and couldn't wait to move back but that's obviously slightly different. Seems like it would suit you though and maybe being somewhere a bit more peaceful might help your son?

Baldybonce · August 26

Tried it and...
pro's, nice house, nice scenery etc.
cons, is your job safe? , buses etc are few and far between and a lot more expensive. Having to drive a lot, more expense.
Hospital visits can be a mission. Find out about docs, nearest hospital, dentist etc.
Check out the local paper online for crime etc.
Some of the locals will not like you and will say you're taking their kids houses, work etc.
We moved back to London after 5 years and lost about 40k on property.

ForeverAddickted · August 26

Thanks for the thoughts so far... Especially AFKA... Most insightful of the lot

Fen, that’s really helpful about the 24-hour A&E as was one thing I hadn't thought about checking - Certainly well versed over how busy it gets in the Summer Holidays, as been part of the problem, and have experienced the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay around the August time, which is a nightmare on that weekend to get around, and is very possible the more peaceful way of life will help my Son tenfold.

I guess I'm not trying to be put off against moving down to Cornwall, I'm very much my own person and can make my own decisions... But in the same vein I'm wary of moving there, I've experienced Cornwall in the summer, know how beautiful it is, am aware of the positives - Just need to be given as well some of the reasons not to move (if that makes sense), what are the negatives I'm not thinking of (like the sole 24-hour A&E as a small example), that I'm missing, and will think: "Oh shit I shouldn't have done this" a month into it... But then I'm a massive over thinker and don't do anything without being aware of the facts first.

WSS · August 26

Always see a "Charlton Athletic" sign when I'm leaving my dad's down in Cornwall (he's in St Teath which is in Bodrum). He moved from Dartford down there 8 years ago and would never come back. Less traffic, more of a community, pace of life a lot slower.

If you like the outdoors, can work from home like you can and it suits your kid's needs then I'd say go for it.

I love going down there to visit, I couldn't see myself living down there but you never know.

MarcusH26 · August 26

I went to uni down in Falmouth having come from the South Coast and I agree with baldybonces point about getting around , that took a lot more planning with buses and things just not being as regular. Definitely a slower pace of life down there that's for sure. Winters do get absolutely miserable down there some years to counteract the great summers and amazing scenery.

* Football might as well not exist down there , it's rugby country!

Oggy Red · August 26

Well, tiz true I moved down 'ere backalong and I be still 'ere, m'loverrrr

Algarveaddick · August 26

Only you can decide. But I urge caution.

A friend who moved to the country now bitterly regrets it, but his other half is happy enough, he'd move back to London this afternoon. Others have done so and are quite happy. I think a lot of that depends on how social you are.

Some other friends moved to Cornwall and took over a pub and opened a micro-brewery, they did okay, but encountered some very stupid people who wouldn't actually deal with anyone who wasn't Cornish, even though they could make money out of them. Eventually they had enough and moved back to the midlands. Which backs up the tales of incomers not always being welcome, it is true that there can be resentment.

Once you start spending equity, the chances of returning to a similar situation should you regret it are diminished.

I will say the same thing I have told people who want to move to Portugal: rent first. It may be that Cornwall suits you but the actual locality you choose doesn't. Much easier to move on if you are only renting, and keep your house on in Kent so you can move back if you don't like it.

JohnBoyUK · August 26

Well, it would certainly help your photography!

Its not Cornwall, but I have absolutely no regrets from moving out of Suburban Petts Wood to the quiet tranquility of Westerham. My girls are in a village school with only 50 kids in it. We've got more space indoors and out, the air is cleaner (none of us have had a cough or splutter in the 13 months we've been there!). I guess the one main difference is that I'm only a 10 min ride from Oxted or a 20 mins ride away from Bromley South or Orpington if I need to get into London but other than going into the office and going Spurs maybe twice a month, we rarely need to go in these days.

The only thing I would say, as maybe a negative and something to think of. You're ok for the minute work-wise but what if you was to be made redundant, for example? Do you do something that you would easily find another job down there? If so, then you're laughing and I'd have no hesitation.

Stig · August 26

ForeverAddickted said:

Always been a dream of ours...

I reckon you've answered your own question in your first six words. If it's all ways been your* dream, then do it. If not, you'll spend the rest of your life wondering.

*This answer is based on the assumption that it's a genuine shared-dream. If only one of you dreams of this and is dragging the other along, it's got far less chance of succeeding.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Leroy Ambrose · August 26

Dunno about Cornwall, but I moved to Lancashire over ten years ago and I can't ever imagine going back to London. To be honest, London lost its lustre for me long before I left - I do miss the vibrancy and the culture, but the benefits of living somewhere more rural and quieter far outweigh those.

I found the first few times I went back it felt like coming home, as time went on it felt more like being a visitor, and now I feel like a stranger.

I think if you grow up in London (or close to it) for a lot of people you get blasé about just how huge it is. It's only when people from round here go down for a weekend to 'see the sights' that I realise it's still pretty magical for them.

Rufisonfire · August 26

We're on holiday at the moment in Fowey which is very close to St Austell and Bodmin and I can confirm it is indeed beautiful. I was talking to a guy this morning who said he retired here six years ago and he said it's the best thing he ever did.

ForeverAddickted · August 26

JohnBoyUK said:

Well, it would certainly help your photography!

Its not Cornwall, but I have absolutely no regrets from moving out of Suburban Petts Wood to the quiet tranquility of Westerham. My girls are in a village school with only 50 kids in it. We've got more space indoors and out, the air is cleaner (none of us have had a cough or splutter in the 13 months we've been there!). I guess the one main difference is that I'm only a 10 min ride from Oxted or a 20 mins ride away from Bromley South or Orpington if I need to get into London but other than going into the office and going Spurs maybe twice a month, we rarely need to go in these days.

The only thing I would say, as maybe a negative and something to think of. You're ok for the minute work-wise but what if you was to be made redundant, for example? Do you do something that you would easily find another job down there? If so, then you're laughing and I'd have no hesitation.

Yeah if being honest John, its the Photography aspect for me thats making me want to go down there, well one of the reasons... I love taking the Camera down there for a couple of weeks each year, and wonder what I could do with the freedom each week like I do now - Getting around isn't a problem as will already rely on cars rather than public transport, we've first hand experience at how rubbish the latter can be.

What you say about redundancy is definitely one factor that'll hang over me... I'm an Office worker that works solely from home... so even if I get made redundant living in Medway, my first thought is to look for a new job that allows me to continue working remotely, but even now I know that wouldn't be easy.

Its funny Stig, because it is a joint dream to move down to Cornwall... But whenever we go down there, my wife is adamant we'll find somewhere and we won't come home - I've always erred on the side of caution and my heart probably hasn't been in it... Even now with us selling up here, I've wondered if its the right decision. Can understand why my wife wants to move, and am happy to do so, partly because of the driveway as she's getting home from Eltham @ 8pm some nights and struggling to park - Its literally this last week though, we looked at two houses down in Dunkirk (NOT FRANCE!!!) last Saturday, and ever since that quieter, calmer experience... Its made me more receptive to moving somewhere... and I was the one that has said: "Why not focus on Cornwall"

EugenesAxe · August 26

My thoughts as someone who moved down here (Plymouth which is practically Cornwall) 20 years ago, so been here half my life now and didn't realise until I typed that.

Both my daughters were born and grown up here and I think they have had a very different childhood to mine, being able to go to a beach or Dartmoor whenever they wanted, the downside I have noticed is there really isn't too much of a music scene and I say that now because they are both of an age where they are going to stuff with their friends but it's only local bands, most things are a local grass roots level most of the time; Bristol and Exeter are the nearest cities that catch the tours...compare that to what I grew up with and Brixton Academy, Barrowlands, The Astoria, Hammersmith etc it might be a factor but if it's peace and quiet you want then it will be perfect.

As far as schools go the ones my girls went to were amazing, youngest has ASD and the SENCO team were magnificent and she thrived.

Happy to answer anything specific.

Swisdom · August 26

Sent you a dm. I’ve had a few family members move there 40 years ago who love the place and remain there. It’s a much slower pace of life which suits some people and not others. Public transport needs planning because it’s far less frequent than up here (which makes us lazy and not plan anything in great detail).

well worth investigating if it suits the needs of you and the family

ForeverAddickted · August 26

Swisdom said:

Sent you a dm. I’ve had a few family members move there 40 years ago who love the place and remain there. It’s a much slower pace of life which suits some people and not others. Public transport needs planning because it’s far less frequent than up here (which makes us lazy and not plan anything in great detail).

well worth investigating if it suits the needs of you and the family

Cheers mate, saw your DM will reply to you properly shortly

Algarveaddick · August 26

Leroy Ambrose said:

Dunno about Cornwall, but I moved to Lancashire over ten years ago and I can't ever imagine going back to London. To be honest, London lost its lustre for me long before I left - I do miss the vibrancy and the culture, but the benefits of living somewhere more rural and quieter far outweigh those.

I found the first few times I went back it felt like coming home, as time went on it felt more like being a visitor, and now I feel like a stranger.I

I think if you grow up in London (or close to it) for a lot of people you get blasé about just how huge it is. It's only when people from round here go down for a weekend to 'see the sights' that I realise it's still pretty magical for them.

Proof that it takes all sorts to make a world. After 22 years away, we are feeling more at home in London than ever when we visit.

EugenesAxe · August 26

You'll miss the Valley tho, I still do.

killerandflash · August 26

To me there's a big difference between "seaside Cornwall" and the inland parts. The seaside resorts are gorgeous, whereas the inland parts can feel a bit neglected, with quite a bit of poverty.

I'd definitely want to be on the mainline railway, to get access to Plymouth and Exeter, never mind London.

iainment · August 26

I moved to rural Ireland in 2007 I think. Was there for about 6 years and had to come back because the funding for my job ended. There wasn’t anything else available that paid enough.
I loved it, the pace of life slower than London, the scenery and the people. Would go back tomorrow if I could.

My only advice is to echo the rent at first option keeping your house up here. If you love it after a decent period then go all in. If you do sell up it’s unlikely you’ll get anything like your current house if you have to come back.
Good luck.

SWEnglandAddick · August 26

I've lived in Launceston and Plymouth for the last 5 years (now moved to Dorset).

We've loved it, summer is busy but that's mostly in the summer holidays, the other weeks of summer are fine.

Then winter is the opposite, which I really enjoyed as we'd often visit all the tourist hotspots and nobody would be there.

Getting out of the county can be hard work depending on where you choose, but if you close enough to the A30 it's not that tricky, from Launceston I often drove to London in 4 hours 30, or Bristol in 2 hours 20. If you're closer to Truro though you can easily add another hour to those journey times.

Most of Launceston, Liskeard and Bodmin have pretty good links to Plymouth so you can get everything you need from there, if need be. Then if you're deeper into Cornwall you'd be looking at Truro as your main hub.

I was working remotely whilst in Cornwall and it worked out really well, I was self employed and managed to pick up lots of Cornish clients too.

bobmunro · August 26

Leroy Ambrose said:

I found the first few times I went back it felt like coming home, as time went on it felt more like being a visitor, and now I feel like a stranger.

I feel exactly the same - but you sum it up far better than I could.

We've lived in rural Cheshire for 18 years now - moved at 51 after living in south London for my first 28 years and Kent for the next 23 years. When we relocated up t'north we always had the intention of moving back south when I retired. Not a snowball's chance in hell of us doing that now.

FA - as mentioned above, your current job allows the move but that could change. Another key consideration would be schooling for your son (I know you would have already considered that). One other factor that must not be ignored is the potential for making the move only viable one way - I know people who moved out of London to the country or coast and got the same or similar house for a lot less than they sold for in London/south. They banked and subsequently spent the difference and are now not in any position to move back if/when circumstances change. When we moved to Cheshire we deliberately bought a house for a fair bit more than we got for our house in Kent (we got a much bigger house than we needed even then and certainly what we need now the kids have long flown the nest) - it gave us security to be able to move back if we wanted to.

If you are both as keen, and the boxes can be ticked, then go for it - the pace and quality of life alone are priceless.

EugenesAxe · August 26

I think its a good and realistic point about the trap of moving away from London and not being able to move back again, it's the thing that has kept me here.

LoOkOuT · August 26

Shame you’re not a doctor that has a fear of blood.

EugenesAxe · August 26

LoOkOuT said:

Shame you’re not a doctor that has a fear of blood.

Or a tree surgeon that can't stand the sight of sap.

SomervilleAddick · August 26

I think the suggestion of renting first makes excellent sense - when we moved to the US we rented and checked out a few neighborhoods before we bought. Same with my brother when he moved to Portugal. It’s gives you the opportunity to really get to know a place, especially once it gets out of tourist season.

Oggy Red · August 26

Hi Forever,

As you know, I've lived down here in Cornwall for quite a long time now.

It's a very different mentality from London and Kent, you'll need to adapt and muck in with the locals - sense of community is still strong in Cornwall.

Second home owners are despised, buying up houses that would otherwise be homes for young families.

The buying of second homes is killing villages ....the plethora of these houses empty for most of the year, are causing the village shop to close down, then the pub and school.

Cost of living can be quite high and wages low, you'll see a lot of people struggling to make ends meet - especially in towns like Bodmin, St Austell, Redruth and Camborne.

Maybe take a look around Saltash or Liskeard, 30 minutes to Plymouth (city of 250,000) many more work opportunities, facilities, shops, etc.

Truro is the capital city of Cornwall, population 20,000.

Treliske hospital in Truro is the only A & E for much of Cornwall;
Derriford hospital in Plymouth covers E and SE Cornwall.
First responder local service is good, ambulance and air ambulance helicopter covers the rest.

Doctors and dentists in Cornwall, much deteriorated since COVID. Be lucky.

Don't underestimate the distance, Cornwall is a long way from London, no motorways and the main roads are of variable quality, gridlocked on summer Saturdays.

Only one main railway line, Plymouth to Penzance, though including direct through services from Paddington, Cardiff, north of England, etc ...west of Exeter, the journey quite slow and time consuming.

Be aware that Cornwall can feel very different from England.
People here are very proud to be Cornish, proud of their heritage and culture, language even.... it's definitely not the Home Counties.

And it can rain a lot - when it starts, it never bleddy stops.
But when the sun shines, it's God's Own Country.

Me? ....Cornwall my home.
I can't ever imagine moving back up the line. To me after more than 40 years in Cornwall, Kent now seems like a foreign country, even though I still have family there.

Algarve made the very best suggestion - rent first and see how it works for you. It's great advice!

Whatever, you will be welcome to drop me a DM.

Good luck!

robinofottershaw · August 26

We left Surrey for the Cotswolds 6 years ago, about 3 years after I retired. My wife was in a position where she could also give up corporate life and still does bits and pieces of consultancy, if it’s interesting.

When we were both working we didn’t have a good work/life balance with quite a lot of business travel, which impacted our social life, so weekends were very much a time for catching up (often with work) and decompressing together.

We took a punt on a village (~2,000 people, 2 pubs, a village school, community shop plus decent bistro) with the house being the big attraction, as we wanted to upsize. For us, the move has worked really well and, with the time now to socialise, we have made some really good friends. We have 4 sons with families none of whom are within 3 hours drive of us but they like to visit and we have the room to accommodate them.

The downsides are manageable. Public transport is pathetic, so we still run 2 cars. We have to travel 30-45 minutes if we want to go to decent shops in Cheltenham or Stratford Upon Avon. We do get to London (85 minutes by train) a few times a year, but boy I feel like a stranger in my home city nowadays and am glad to come away again. We have a cottage hospital about 3 miles from us that has a minor injuries unit which is only open from around 8 - 20:00, so emergency healthcare is again 30 minutes away.

You are in a different situation, both still working and with a young child. Like we did, I would write down a list of all the things that are key considerations for you in any move (both house and location) and keep that in mind all the time when looking around. But find somewhere with a good community. Also, as others have said, if you end up with spare money after changing location, don’t be too quick in spending it, in case you do end up regretting it and want to move back.

The other downside is that I no longer get to The Valley - the only time in the last 6 years was the day poor Headphones Norm passed away. However, a VPN and a weekly trip to Warsaw, plus Sky Sports remedies that!

Thoughts on moving to Cornwall

Comments

Categories