Beckfield

One more thing Juliaoz01 if I may: what exactly is the west end? Do you mean areas to the west of the city, or is the western area of the city itself?? Thank you,

Hi Juliaoz01. This is fabulous info.. Thanks so much. I have noted the areas you mentioned and am about to google real estate there. Yes, I can tell you miss it... I feel for you. Homesickness comes in waves, in my experience. Sometimes it's a dull ache and other times it's full blown agony. I hope you can get home for a "Newcastle fix" soon. Thank you again for all the info.

Sounds like you enjoyed it Verystormy. I looked at Whitley Bay on images and it's really beautiful. We were going to go to Scarborough, which is more or less home for us, but we are concerned there mightn't be many employment options - especially for young daughter. I have a fear of the unknown, with Newcastle, as we are a quiet country family and it looks to be an enormous city. Fantastic for entertainment, uni, etc, but could be overwhelming for very "un-streetwise" girl! House is going back on market this coming week. Gave up last time after 9 months. Here's hoping! Thanks for your interesting reply.

Thank can1983. Might need to invest in some thermals then. Lol.

Thanks Toots, that's helpful. Whitely Bay looks lovely from the pictures online.

Hi everyone, are any of you familiar with Newcastle? If so, which areas are safe/unsafe, and which are pleasant environs. We have young adults who will be relying on public transport. Any info appreciated. We have looked online but the opinions are quite conflicting. Thank you!

Thanks Marisawright, I've done all the above and have someone who's good at this stuff looking at it for me. Haven't listed it for sale again yet. Appreciate your help, thank you. Here's hoping!!

@paulswin Great to hear you sold.. you know how it feels, so frustrating isn't it? Mine was on for almost a year. You must be so excited about going back. I think you were wise to not hang out for the highest price, but to take what was offered, so you can get on with your own plans. Hope it all goes really well and your children settle well into their new life. All the best.

Hi Everyone, lovely to read so many positive comments about returning to UK. I was trying to sell our house so we could go but it just wouldn't sell despite all our efforts and price reductions. As the hankering/homesickness is still there I am about to try again. We thought we'd be home by last Christmas but the best laid plans... If it doesn't sell this time we'll probably give up.

Hi Marisawright, Yes, we did discuss look at renting the house out but when we looked at others' properties that are currently rented out around here most of them are not looked after at all and the yards all let go - hate to think what the insides are like... It kind of scared us to be honest, that we would find our house in a poor condition afterwards. We are kind of resigned to being stuck here... over the tears and disappointment stage, and just hoping a miracle might happen. Have to keep smiling !

Yes, you have a good point bristolman. We're all different. Personally I would never have left our own country in the first place - but didn't have a lot of say in the matter, being just a little 'un at the time... I have always missed it... Left school, went to work, saved like mad to get a ticket home. Had been missing my grandfather so much it was almost unbearable.... Finally saved enough, and went home. My grandfather died just before I got there. No words to describe it really... Anyway, to me no matter what, England will always be home and I will always love it. I have dreamt of going now we have no commitments to keep us here anymore, for so long. Still trying to sell the blasted house! If anyone on this forum is a praying person, this might be a good time. I can see no means of selling this house other than with divine intervention. Best wishes to all.

Best of luck to you and your family Lady Tottington. Can imagine the mixed emotions. Please let us know how it goes and how you feel to be home.

Hi MissMissingEurope, I hear what you're saying about wanting to go but still feeling doubts due to others' opinions. Personally I don't think this country is any better than anywhere else as far as raising kids is concerned. The western world now seems to be blending into one and Australia is largely adopting American ways, values, morals and habits. There are good things about living here, for sure, but it's not paradise as it's often painted to be and the climate is becoming so hot that in the not too distant future large chunks of it will be uninhabitable. We now have regular blocks of summer when the temps stay in the mid 40's. When I was a kid 30 was considered a heatwave. Not any more. I too have lived in WA and felt cut off from not only the world but also from the rest of the country. I hope you arrive at the decision which is best for your family, despite others' views - including mine! Wish you all the very best.

That's so exciting Tricky. Wish you and your family all the very best. Lots of happy times ahead.