I am originally from Essex a stones throw from lakeside and the QE2 bridge.
Living there was almost impossible due to the many senseless idiots that roamed the streets, shopped at lakeside or just those generally that continued to breathe.
Driving anywhere was a pain, doing anything was a pain so I headed north in 1998 (only got as far as Nottingham) and parked my butt there, the people are more friendly, the cost of living is cheaper and everything and everyone has a more relaxed attitude.
Ended up in Mansfield 2005 where I'm happy and I would never move back south, anywhere south. Long live the Midlands
Still learning the lingo though
and after 10 years I still got my lovable Essex accent
