Where to live?

I'll be moving to the UK some time in the next couple of months (European citizen, so no visa to be concerned about). My husband is already there and living in London, but we've decided that we'd like to move elsewhere so that some day we might actually have a chance to buy a house 

I really like the area around Newcastle, but there are just no jobs there. I've been seeing jobs in my field (web stuff, but not a programmer) around Manchester and Leeds, so that's mainly where we've been thinking of going. However, we are open to anywhere - just not the south.

Once I move, he'll start looking for a job where I am and then move up himself.

Does anyone have suggestions or advice about where to live in the north, best prospects for jobs, etc. I'll be taking advantage of the portability of unemployment benefits within Europe, so even if I don't have a job on day one, we'll be fine as far as me getting my feet on the ground, but that only lasts for three months, so a job quickly will be necessary.

Thanks! 

Hi there,

You've hit the proverbial nail on the head with regards to your evaluations.

'Generally' speaking, jobs in the more northern areas are in less supply and also pay proportionally less than an equivelent job in the south east. In IT related circles (my background too) this is quite apparent and has been documented. That then puts you in the conundrum of looking for higher paying jobs in the south east, with respects to increasing your chances of buying a property, but the asking prices are much higher - or looking for other areas of the UK with cheaper property prices but with the caveat that jobs don't pay as well and are harder to come by.

The above is a 'overall' view - I'm not saying this is the case each and every time.

To help you evaluate - do as much research as possible, evaluate your personal wants and requirements and 'dreams'! and match them up as best as possible with realistic income levels and job opportunities you find.

I would type a little more except I'm being shouted at to leave for a family function!!

Good luck !  cheers DtM! West London & Slough UK!