06/01/2026
It’s been 3 years since we moved to Norfolk. The dog and I still very much enjoy the beach, although perhaps this level of joy has been replaced by a deeper love and calmer reception!
Relocating is often seen as courageous decision. I have friends who have settled in parts of Europe and the Far East and that seemed like a brave decision to me at the time. Perhaps it’s all the same, especially when there isn’t an easy way back to your old life.
It’s a risk I suppose. For me and my children we left behind everything we knew, friends, family, and a home that we were deeply attached to for many reasons, but moving here didn’t feel brave, it felt necessary. I don’t regret it for a second.
Norfolk is wonderful in all ways but it’s not better than anywhere else. I miss so much about life in Berkshire, and of course some parts of the world are safer and more desirable than others, but like anywhere, Norfolk has its pros and its cons. It is not perfect, but there is so much here to be grateful for. Life is for living after all, and if we don’t try and make a change, we’ll never know what’s on the other side.
Our lives are unrecognisable from 3 years ago, but honestly we are still trying to figure out what life looks like living here. People say it takes 12 months to settle somewhere new, I’d say that’s more like 3-5 years if you have younger children for which life can be complex. We continue to find our way with finding a home, with education, friendships and a working balance.
Have you made a big change in your life? How did it work out for you?
