Sacha wrote:

The wage round here is not much different. The SW has never been a
high earning paradise. The chief concern round here is that young
people cannot afford to buy homes because the SW is so popular with
those who want second homes or who retire down here. When I hear what
it costs to do work on a house in London or even in Jersey, I feel
quite faint! But there is no comparison as to quality of life and
that is the choice the individual has to make.

Horses for courses - we live in SW London and spend time every summer with
friends in Cornwall. The qualities of each lifestyle are certainly very
different. but one better than the other?

Our friends in Cornwall moved from St John's Wood in central London - and
would not swap back for any amount of money.

We live in leafy suburban Wimbledon with Surrey fields and pubs 20 minute
away, 2 major airport 40 mins away, Central London 20 mins away and out of
my front door a cycle route that takes me on a 50 mile circuit with no more
than about 5 miles on road (Parks, towpaths and woodland tracks for the
rest). Hospitals and schools galore to choose from. Every nationality of
restaurant (and each from caff to ***) you can imagine.

We wouldn't swap with them either!

horses for courses!

pk