Transitions, such as re-locating for your career, can often seem overwhelming, but with the right information upfront decisions become much more manageable and ultimately exciting. If you’re considering a move to the South West region, keep reading. Chadwick Nott has actively assisted candidates with moves either within the region and those who are looking to relocate for the first time for over a decade.
Below we look at some of the reasons why candidates would wish to the relocate to the South West:
- Career—Home to more than 20 top 100 Law Firms, the South West is an attractive place to progress your career. Working in the regions certainly doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of client work. In fact, host to large national firms, specialised boutique practices, and smaller high street firms, the South West offers many exciting prospects for solicitors of all levels and disciplines. The firms pay top market rates with excellent benefits and flexible working arrangements.
- Schools—There are numerous well regarded private and state primary and secondary schools throughout the region. In addition, there are around 30 colleges and 12 universities in the region. So too, many students who attend universities in the South West either choose to remain in the area on graduation, or look to return to the South West (often after training and qualifying in London).
- House Prices—As of June 2018 the average house price in the South West is £299,434. This allows many candidates relocating to the region to get on the property ladder, or to significantly upgrade their family home. The most expensive area within South West is currently Dorset, while the cheapest is Devon.
- Infrastructure—The region lies on several main line railways. The Great Western Main Line runs from London to Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance keeping you well connected. With regular trains, you can be in London in under two hours, on the beach, or in the mountains in neighbouring Wales very quickly and easily. Passenger airports in the region include Bristol, Exeter, Newquay and Bournemouth.
- Eating Out & Shopping—Moving to the South West doesn’t mean the end of finding nice places to eat and drink, or places to shop! 19 South West restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in 2015, there are a number of vineyards throughout the region, and no shortage of good pubs and bars. For those who are partial to a spot of retail therapy, you will not be disappointed with the diversity of shops and outlets that the South West has to offer.
- City & Countryside–The region is the perfect balance of city and countryside, boasting the best of both worlds! It has 8 cities: Salisbury, Bath, Wells, Bristol, Gloucester, Exeter, Plymouth, and Truro; and is also home to 12 areas of outstanding natural beauty. This includes two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor; four World Heritage Sites, including Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast; and more than 100 national trust properties. The region has by far the longest coastline in England, and is well known for its traditional charming seaside fishing towns.
