I have a possible job opportunity in Chester, England. I've been to the UK, but never to Chester--any opinions. Remember, I'm not talking about someplace to visit, but as a place to live for a few years. We're Americans, currently on the East Coast, but have lived pretty much all over the U.S. and have lived in Europe (Germany and Belgium) before. The nuts and bolts of the move don't bother us. Nor will the weather--the colder and rainier, the more we like it! We don't have kids, FYI, so the quality of the schools isn't a factor. The company also will pay for private health care, so we don't have to worry too much about endless NHS waits, etc. <BR>What we are interested in is decent housing, good restaurants, friendly people, places to visit on the week-ends. Any thoughts? <BR>Thanks!

Possable job opportunity at MBNA??? <BR> <BR>Chester is a great place to live. North Wales, Manchester & Liverpool are right on your door step. Plenty of Americans living in Chester that are working at MBNA. Chester is full of friendly people, lots of coffee shops although the night clubs are not to be desired. <BR> <BR>Really depends on what you like doing in your spare time. <BR> <BR>Overall I Like living in Chester...the River Dee is spectacular first thing in the morning... <BR> <BR>Upto you...

I've never been there, but I'd like to read the comments about Chester. When I was in England, English people kep telling me that if I liked York and Bath--and I did-- I should visit Chester on my next trip because those were the three most beautiful cities.

I spent 5 weeks in Chester last summer and loved it. It did rain a lot, but the people were all friendly, and there was a lot to see and do. It seems to be a very international town - lots of tourists from all over the world - at least in the summer. There is a lot of shopping and restaurants, as well.

Chester is rather a nice city. There's good shopping including a designer outlet centre at Ellesmere Port. It's handy for Liverpool, Manchester, the Lake District and North Wales. There's a good variety of restaurants. London is only about 3 hours away by train. <BR>Have a look at the UpMyStreet website at http://www.upmystreet.com/ <BR>It gives information on Property Prices, Best Schools, Council Tax, Crime and Health.

Lucky you! I'm really, really jealous. Does your company need any more employees? I'm looking for a good job overseas, and this may be as close to perfect as it gets!

Curious= we spent a nite in Chester this past May and fell in love with it--we were on our way to the Lakes District-The city is a Walled pedestrian town and if chock full of shops--if you are interested in Antiquing-there are lots in town and in the surrounding areas...the river runs around the town and they have tours on the boats==town also has largest zoo in England---it seems like a fabulous place to be posted for a couple of years-I would jump at the chance to live there! The Chestert Grosvener Inn is Fabulous-they have a 2 star Michelin Rest.inside plus a "budget" rest.which is open on Sundays(when the Michelin Rest.is closed)-food comes out of the same kitchen! We had a pre fix dinner for 21 lb pp=-3 courses and it was terrific--the rooms in this hotel are to die for--canopy 4 poster beds-hotel in CENTER of town--and a GREAT high TEA--(Have your company put you up there for a couple of nites-you'll think you've died and gone to heaven!)

No, it's not MBNA. <BR>Nightclubs are definitely not our scene! I'm more interested in good coffee and wine bars, maybe some jazz bars, and some good restaurants (my spouse likes pub grub, I'm not so enthusiastic about it). In spare time, we like walking, reading, bike riding, canoeing, etc. <BR>Thanks for the input.

Hello Curious: My home is in Chester (although I rarely live there as I too work overseas). If you have any questions please feel free to ask. There are good restaurants, wine bars, pubs (not sure about jazz clubs),excellent walking/woodland trails and tons of history plus you have north Wales practically on your doorstep and Blackpool an hour away (an acquired taste!) As long as you're not expecting a "great metropolis" you'll probably like the place. <BR> <BR>If you want to see what kind of rental accommodation available check out <BR> <BR>www.robertjordan.co.uk <BR> <BR>thomascadams, humphreysofchester and beresfordadams also do decent rentals. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hello from Chester! <BR>I'm not sure if my post will come too late, but just to mention that Chester really is a great place to live - it's a small, clean, friendly city - very very well served and with every sort of cuisine offered. We also have a superlative jazz bar - Alexander's - and lots of lovely city and country pubs within a few minutes walk / drive. there are countless places of interest to visit at weekends in all directions within an hour's drive. If you would like to ask any more specific questions (eg about which areas are nicer than others to live in or Good Eateries), feel free to email me. <BR>Best Regards <BR>J. <BR>

If you like walking have a look at the Cheshire Walks website at http://www.losgreen.freeserve.co.uk/ <BR> <BR>Chester is also close to the Sandstone Trail <BR> <BR>http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/country/explore/sand.htm

Thank you for all your input and suggestions. I turned down the job as the money simply wasn't adequate based on my level of experience, job market (my field is still in demand, for the moment anyway) and cost of living. However, I've been contacted about another job elsewhere in the UK at a more realistic salary and will see what happens with that. Thanks again to everyone and we'll have to fit a visit to Chester into our plans someday.