Best place to live in the uk ?

That’s not something that has crossed my mind at all - but to be honest I think that’s an amazing and wonderful idea. Really thinking out the box. I don’t think we have the courage or the funds to do that - but it’s a wonderful idea and I’m sure it would be beautiful. My son has a real aversion to any form of foreign travel (verging on phobia really) - so he would definitely veto it! But it’s an enticing thought - and I love the idea! 

Thanks so much pinkchocoholic - these are all good questions to consider - very helpful. Being as we are all autistic the friends issue isn’t such a problem ……..the few friends we have (mostly old friends from when we were at uni)  live in different places to us already. My son (who is an adult now) hopes to try to make some friends when we move by trying to be a bit more outgoing and joining clubs or something etc. In fact we all intend to make progress in that respect - we live in a very quiet village at the moment with very few opportunities to do that. 
I really appreciate your suggestions - thank you :) 

I won't name a place but I think some key factors to consider are:

1. Work - is it an easy commute or can you get a job nearer where you move

2. Family - do you want to be close or do you prefer a little commute to them - likewise would you rather them be far away so when you visit them you can combine it with a holiday

3. Friends - are you happy to leave your current friends and not see them as regularly? - you can still arrange to meet them maybe a place in the middle you both live at, or by visiting both of the areas you live at

4. I read that you have a son - maybe try find a place where the schools are good (not sure what age he is), and is right for his needs - on top of this make sure he knows he can still contact old friends etc

5. Find somewhere that meets the needs of all your family - or as close as it can be - you can even be a short drive away from places you like to go to

Hope this helps and you find somewhere that is suitable for your needs and your families

Okay so I’m halfway kidding because it’s not in the UK, but I’m also halfway serious so…

What about Vermont?

I know immigrating to the US doesn’t sound appealing right now, but bear with me. Beautiful countryside, no fast food, and very friendly people. And if you don’t like the current American regime, neither does anyone in Vermont. No matter where you live in Vermont you’re at least close enough to either Burlington, Montpelier, or Rutland, so you can get rugged rural living while still being like an hour away from a sizable city.

And bonus, it’s a quick escape to Canada if you need to lol

North Wales? Lots of nice places around if you avoid the tourist traps of Llanberis and the Llyn Peninsula, although a bit further down the coast in Aberystwyth might suit you all, the town is lovely, thriving lots of stuff going on, trains to Birmingham, lots of nice shops and restaurants.

North Yorkshire is lovely - very varied scenery, good local food and straightforward people. Rural Lancashire, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are all well worth a look too.

This is brilliant - thank you so much for the link! Just what I needed! 

'More than 9,000 Which? members rated towns for their attractions, food and drink, peace and quiet and more'

Wells came top

www.which.co.uk/.../the-uks-best-towns-and-villages-aGr5B0m5L2qW

From the list I have visited Arundel and Lewes many times and love them both.

I also love Petersfield and Petworth. 

All in Hampshire and Sussex.

Scotland is lovely - we haven’t been for years though, partly because of our dislike of midges! 

Coincidentally my husband also has a stronger wish to be near the coast than me and my son (although we do love the coast too). 
Also I think myself and my husband might lean towards somewhere very rural, but because my son is younger he wants to be somewhere with a bit more going on. It’s tricky. It is fun to research it, but also I’m getting a bit worn out doing all the research! 

I think it helps if you figure out what you would love most?

Coat/ woodland /hills /rivers/lochs/ moors/ island 

Other things to think about is what the nearest town is that might suit your needs when you need something. Could be worth thinking of even if you don't plan to go too often?

Checking out which areas have good services health/mental health could also be a tipping factor in deciding, and how far away they are!

It's funny how a lot of people are drawn to things they new growing up, we moved around for jobs in our early working lives, then moved back to the rolling hills of the Borders when we had kids and could work remotely. (We are somewhere small and friendly, though I think it would have been better for me husband if we were more coastal as he grew up near the sea, though we were wanting to be within easy reach of my family).

I hope you have fun researching places!

Whilst i live in Lincolnshire and it’s fine, if i was able to just move anywhere with my family, it would most definitely be the Scottish coast. The more remote the better. Just away from loads of people and the sound of traffic. 

Thanks - I’ll take a look :)

This article might be of interest 

www.bbc.co.uk/.../cly0yypx426o

I meant LOVELY - not ‘lively’ !!! We are looking for peaceful more than ‘lively’!