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What I might do, alternatively, is set up a mobile internet cafe - on the back of a caravan - see the world whilst providing a service..;-) The only problem with that is I'd need a horse (but at least I'd be in what you might call a 'stable relationship').
It was interesting to note that one of the most affordable places in the UK was Lochgelly [observer.guardian.co.uk]. The link is from an article published in The Guardian a year ago.
I know someone who visits Lochgelly regulary (and my grandparents used to live in near by Cowdenbeath, so I know it's all true!).
Syzygy
Guess what this means?
It means that there are affordable houses available to first-time buyers, because they're not being bought up by people who have ten properties already.
Amazing.
I'm moving back up North - Brett banish this one....
My parents moved back up to Scotland a few years ago (my mother is Scottish), then my older brother followed suit, and just last year my younger brother made the move, too.
It could be time for me to do the same before I get too old. I can't see the local authorities 'down here', looking after me when I'm retired, and I certainly won't be able to rent privately then.
Mind you, it would be way too cold up there for that tent-on-a-roundabout idea, and clip-clopping through all that rain and snow with my mobile internet cafe (the horse & cart) just wouldn't do..;-)
Syzygy
Sheesh. I'm aware the US isn't the place of choice for many to live, but it does have some good points.... one of them being that here where I live (with only 40 full time families and plenty of nice property to choose from) the most expensive place on the market right now is $320k US - and it's 4000 sq. feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, on 2 acres, horse property, 3 car garage.... of course the county doesn't always get the road done very well in the winter, but the taxes are only $1k a year....
Here in Thailand I bought a 3 bed 3 bathroom detached house for 85k last year.
[prices in UK pounds]
$320k US - and it's 4000 sq. feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, on 2 acres, horse property, 3 car garage- wow - with the current $:£ exchange rate that's about the same price as my 3 bed terrace house, 1 bath, postage stamp sized garden, no outbuildings, and on the road parking...UK prices (especially SE England) are a bit ridiculous at the moment.