[Closed] Moving to Cumbria?

Nope its rubbish, stay away, theres no good mountain biking either, stay in Sussex it will be much better. 😉

I'd jump at the chance!

I was born in Cockermouth, it's quite a nice place as things go, but there's a distinct lack of culture in the Lakes and I notice it more and more each time I go back.

It's a lovely place to visit, but, at this point in my life, I'm fairly certain I'd not move back.

Thanks Daffy, this is exactly one of the things I am worried about. If your not doing outdoors stuff... Is there anything else going on...?

It's a lot wetter and colder than Sussex...
I've been in London for 15 years and often think about moving up to the Lakes but salaries are a lot lot lower generally and the weather's a lot less sunny...

But the riding is far far better 🙂

Yes but good sunny weather in Cumbria the views are wonderful. Can't comment on earnings but alas money isn't everything, if quality of life verses work/earnings is an issue could be a tough one, but it is a great part of the UK and the biking, off and on road is ace. A tad more hilly! than Sussex good luck

We did it a couple of years back, it's been pretty good. Change of role not easy depending on what you do. I'd go further out than the honey pots to find somewhere where people live 12 months a year. We are down Cartmel way and we like it a lot. Even if the manchester commute drags a bit.

Salaries might be less up here but so are house prices (Keswick and Cockermouth to an extent are more pricey).

I'm just north of Cockermouth, I wouldn't live anywhere else. I'd say if you locate nearer to Cockermouth it gives you better access to Carlisle/Scotland/NE whilst still being close enough to the lakes.

Earnings aren't the issue as if be looking at a slight promotion and pay rise. I'm really keen to live close to where I work though which would be the area between Workington and Keswick.

z

I think you have to look at the entire package finance wise. If you can have less of or no mortgage up in Cumbria think of the interest you are saving on a better wage down south and how much more before tax you have to earn to pay that.

I made the move from Warwickshire to cockermouth 16 years ago for the rural land outdoor lifestyle. Now with 2 kids, Cumbrian wife, have been fortunate to have travelled the world with work, built my own business up, and continue to bring kids up in a nice place.

The downside, I had to move from cockermouth so I could afford a decent house and commute from Carlisle to cockermouth regularly.

Best move I made in my life....

Ps, can ride skiddaw on the way home, or whinlatter at lunchtime

I'm not sure it's a given that house prices are that much cheaper. Basic family house is 200k+ round here and 400k+ for the nice stuff 4 beds detached etc. then you get into the bigger detached places would be easy to spend £500k + for a big family house

I'd avoid getting too close to the coast, it does go a bit downhill quick in places. I lived in and around Cockermouth for about 6 years on and off, loved it just for being in a place I really wanted to spend my downtime. From Penrith you can be in Manchester or Glasgow on the train really easily. On the very short list of places in the UK I'd move back to.

I moved from Southampton 11 years ago, live near Keswick. For me, it's great. 2 young kids since the move, settled really well. Very obvious benefits of the mountains and lakes. Schools are good, Keswick School, the local secondary to us, rated OFSTED outstanding recently. However, a few potential negatives: it does rain, quite a lot, especially compared to SE England. You get used to it, though, and you also get stunning snowy mountains. Jobs are poorly paid and scarce, so depending on your other half's line of work it may be a struggle. Jobs outside of the tourism industry are centred in the larger towns- Penrith, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Workington. My wife commuted to Carlisle for a while when we first moved, 30 miles each way. Nice houses in Keswick and Cockermouth areas are not very cheap, don't assume Southern cash will buy you your own massive pad with land. We bought a great 30's 4 bed semi 3.5 years ago,with stunning views to Skiddaw, just outside Keswick, for £385K. Go west of cockermouth, and housing costs fall considerably, but there are reasons for this,as west cumbria as significant social deprivation. Culture generally lacking, if you are big consumers of the arts/top level sport, you will be disappointed. It's a long way to the south east for family, and a bit of a way even to Manchester/Newcastle/

All in all, though, we love it, but make sure it is for you and your family.

I'm not sure it's a given that house prices are that much cheaper. Basic family house is 200k+ round here and 400k+ for the nice stuff 4 beds detached etc. then you get into the bigger detached places would be easy to spend £500k + for a big family house

I sold my one bed cottage in kirkgate, cockermouth and bought large family house in Carlisle for sub 300k. Same house in cockermouth would have been £500k plus.

OP, if you want a chat on Friday when you are up for interview, happy to do so. I am out at Dovenby Hall (but not at msport).

Jobs outside of the tourism industry are centred in the larger towns- Penrith, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Workington.

Great place to live if you like the outdoors. From my perspective I live in the middle of the country! I would second most of the opinions above although I don't think the area is a cultural wasteland. If you're coming up here for a job you already know the salaries - not all jobs are poorly paid. The energy coast initiative is creating highly paid and skilled jobs (although mainly in the nuclear industry...). Depending on where you end up living and your child's interests you might want to look up the UTC sixth form in Workington.
I work in Cockermouth but live in a nearby village.

I lived and worked in Cumbria for six years. Loved it.

I did however move back to the middle of the country because I found I was too far from family and work opportunitues were limited.

But, I guess my perspective is whilst moving is a ballache its not impossible. So the move is never going to be forever if it doesn't work out. Is it better to try or always wonder what could have been?

I moved up to Cockermouth for the biking and the climbing and so on, managed to sort a job and love it up here. On the culture side of it, it isn't that bad, I occasionally think I would rather live in a city, but a week long training course in London or somewhere reminds me that I don't, not really.

The big difference for me is the total lack of public transport, so to see bands playing or to head through to a particular pub or club that's showing something you would like to see, there is some nominated driver action. People around here seem really good at sharing lifts to stuff though, we saw a metal band in Whitehaven last Friday night, and Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra in Penrith on Sunday night, was good fun. Like Mike mentions further up, Cockermouth is very different to towns closer to the coast, which seem a bit more inward facing. It seems to have a lot of people who have moved to the area, and has been very welcoming.

The village's that surround Cockermouth are mostly nice, but as you head out west things do dip a bit. I'm far from stuck up (Wigton lad) but there's a lot of villages out west I wouldn't bother with.

Thanks guys. This is all really useful info and much appreciated.

The financial side isn't really the issue as new job would be similar money and Mrs Z is a teacher so when she gets a job things will be comparable. House prices are also similar to where we currently live ( although environment might be a lot nicer up there... )

For me I'm worried about what happens beyond the outdoors stuff. A musician and involved in lots of projects locally. Might not be similar opportunities around there.

Also for the kids it might be amazing, but on the other had my 2 are 14 and 16 now, so they might have missed out on some of the benefits of growing up round there... Although plenty of time still to make the most if it in important years.

Thanks for the warnings about the west coast. I had got an inkling of this. But there are other areas that would be beautiful and not too painful a commute.

The real pain is having to think all this through whilst the job is still only a possibility....

We live about 1.5 miles out of cockermouth. Got a great view of skiddaw from the front window, love living here. Can ride great road a CX routes from the door. Great MTB riding everywhere, swim in crummock thru warmer months. Kids enjoy going to play in the lake riding bikes about. Most folk very friendly. Public transport rubbish. Lots of local sports clubs for adults and kids if that's your thing. 2hrs to Edinburgh Glasgow and Newcastle about 2.15 to Manchester. Fantastic place to live.

When you can be jumping in the car and half an hour later doing a lap of Derwen****er on the bike on a spring morning thats when I personally love living around here 😀

Good luck and I hope you get the job 😀

I'm from West Cumbria . I left to escape the social deprivation in my 20's.
My family are still trapped and I send them food parcels when I can.

It rains .LOADS.
People drive 15 mph slower than the speed limit on main roads.
There is "culture", but you have to look for it. There's a thriving live band scene in West Cumbria, rock and blues being the most popular genres. Not many grime duo's.
When I/we go home the one thing we miss are the eating out options.
First world issue I know...but there's only so much Cumberland sausage and chips a man can eat....or Scampi.
However ,I would gadly swim through $hite to see the sunset on the coast and the majesty of Skiddaw on a lovely spring/summer /autumn/winter day. 😀
Best of luck with your interview.
@breadcrumb - "stuck up wigton"!? last time I was in wigton it was like the piggy scene in deliverance! 😉

Personally* I think I'd prefer to live outside the lakes if your job allows - penrith or the eden valley. There's still lots of outdoors stuff around, access to the lakes is very easy when you want it but it's quieter, cheaper and much quicker if you're heading away from Cumbria. Plenty of fantastic villages along the Eden or further north out along the Gelt if you're working in Carlisle.

*and I'm biased because I grew up there.

For me I'm worried about what happens beyond the outdoors stuff. A musician and involved in lots of projects locally. Might not be similar opportunities around there.

There's actually a fairly thriving arts scene in cumbria but you would have to work harder to find it. My parents have more or less built their lives around a network of local artists, musicians, potters, bakers and so on but you have to be prepared to put in the legwork.

Thanks for all your input on this guys. Went up for the interview on Friday and was still full of doubts.... But interview went well. Spending the weekend in the area though really sold it to me and reminded me of the what a beautiful area it is and the real reasons why I wanted to be up there!

Anyhow I got offered the job this morning and I've accepted!!! In a slight state of shock at the moment, but it looks like we'll be moving up to Cockermouth. Starting to look at places to buy now. Its all very exciting and its going to be a really tricky couple of months but I hope its all going to be worth it!

Z.

Congratulations! If you can start practicing adding "eh" onto the end of every sentence, then you'll hit the ground running when it comes to learning the local dialect eh.

Don't forget to buy full waterproofs for the whole family before you go... for everyday wear 🙂

Like, marra, like, eh.

Starting to look at places to buy now

I was born and lived most of my life in the North Lakes (near lake coniston) the closest town was ulverston but its really arty and there is quite a lot going on with a very friendly quite hippy community. It's a quiet market town but theres enough people doing things to get stuck into. Easy to get to the motorway, easy to get to the mountains and lakes and probably a bit cheaper than the Northern lakes.

I moved to Morzine for 4 years and now live just North of Carlisle (work is in Carlisle) and it's quite a nice area. I don't think I'd be living up here if it wasn't for the opportunity I'd probably still be in France.

Get good waterproofs 😉

Was sunny all the time I was out at the weekend... I saw this as a fateful sign eh 😀

But yes have our waterproofs at the ready!

Yes would make sense to rent for 6 months, but with finances and mortgages it just might not be practical! Looking at around Cockermouth, for a semi-rural place. There are a few around in our budget so its all looking good at the moment!

Much lols at the "out west" jokes, I resemble that remark!

Of course, house prices drop off quickly away from the national park boundary, and like any part of the country, you could be all of a mile from a "rough" bit and be non the wiser in your nice house looking at the sea/fells.

Certainly if you've been spoiled for culture in your current location you'd be better off in somewhere like Gob-a-nob or Keswick, but there is stuff about if you look for it.

You will need a car (each) though!

We've been looking at moving closer to Cockermouth, but would like a garage and some outside space, so are going to end up in a nearby village. Prices in Cockers were just too high for us, especially in a desired period property.

As a Cockermouth (nearly) resident, mail me if you'd like any info, eh. Email in profile.

Good Luck with the move, firstly, flog the car & get a 4x4 and remember there's no such thing as bad weather In the lakes just not the right clothing.... Hope all goes well it's a beautiful area & we intend to move to Keswick or Portinscale in a few years.

I've never owned a 4x4.... Lived in Cumbria most of my life.

Good Luck with the move, firstly, flog the car & get a 4x4

Ulverston has culture - nowhere else in Cumbria does really I don't think? 🙂

Does CockRock still happen in Cockermouth? Wiley wasn't too keen.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-23395752

Culture or "A" Culture?

I'm mainly basing this on a guy I know called Dave Crossley who runs a well-regarded night in Ulverston called Monster Monster, also puts on good comedy nights, festivals, bands etc. Sometimes does stuff in Barrow too I think. Never seen much else that would appeal to me going on in Cumbria apart from Kendal and Keswick Mountain Festivals, maybe the odd exhibition at Rheged.

This is probably pretty cool - Bill is a great guy:

http://www.georgelloyd.com/index.php/wildwood-full-moon-club

For up north (just a couple)
http://www.thekirkgate.com/
http://www.theatrebythelake.com/whats-on
plus a lot of other smaller things going on.. It's not all bad up North - at least when I was last there

lots of arts going on /decent scene of artists, arthouse cinemas
Odd secret club type rave event

Not so sure about North lakes area [ not a dig]

Do they still have raves on Coniston Old Man? Used to sometimes get surprised by mountain bikers in the morning coming down Walna Scar road. 😀

Been to one in the cavern that was fun

If you want any advice, I live just outside keswick, email in profile. Good luck with the move!

boxelder mikewsmith maybe you should try a 4x4 .... gets us across the 66 no worries in shitty make that snowy weather with cars some times abandoned by the road side, only my opinion chaps, never been stuck yet but I suppose there's always a first time.

I was there through the last hard winter, didn't bother getting out past Penrith on the 66 but never got the transit stuck. Considering most of the population manage just fine without one i'd not really say it's up on the essential list....

grum - Member

Ulverston has culture - nowhere else in Cumbria does really I don't think?

It's superb; "the small town with the big heart"

You won't need a 4x4 either, as you'll never have to travel. Ulverston has everything (apart from an Aldi) you'll ever need.

Oh i think you'll find that it's the '[b]l'al[/b] town with the big heart' a sign which makes me vomit in my mouth every time I pass it. That said it's not a bad old place.

[i]Yes would make sense to rent for 6 months, but with finances and mortgages it just might not be practical! Looking at around Cockermouth, for a semi-rural place. There are a few around in our budget so its all looking good at the moment! [/i]

You may get lucky and get the right house in the right place, but if you don't you'll look back and remember this post...

I'm a bit confused though of why it [b]wouldn't be practical[/b], if you haven't sold yet then you will be paying additional bridging costs and if you have sold you've money in the back and no interest payments to service.

Congratulations on the new job.

I've lived in Cumbria all my life and a 4*4 isn't essential at all. Fair enough if you were properly in the sticks.

Moved to Keswick last September and don't regret it for a minute. Took early retirement from the NHS, so it "cost" me a few quid and a 3 bed semi cost more than a 4 bed detached in leafy North Leeds but it's the best decision we've ever made - see lifestyle choice.
🙂