Alternatives to living in Dublin/commute to Dublin options

Pedroso

Registered User
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Hi,

The current environment has got me thinking that the appeal of living in Dublin is beginning to lose its lustre. I really enjoy what the city has to offer but in the future is that even going to be an option? Will my favourite bars and restaurants be operating at a new normal or operating at all? Or will I be living in a city packed with people and no discernible benefit to be derived from same.

The constant hassle of finding new apartments or worrying about changes to our current living arrangements gets exhausting. I have significant savings behind me but had a plan to buy a house outright when/if a significant dip comes about. I am prepared to monitor until late 2021. I am of the opinion that if the drop is to happen it would be time enough for expectations of current sellers to become more reasonable. I am not expecting to get a bargain basement price. I am hoping that houses currently in the 450k range become ones in the 400 range, or 400k ones become 365k or thereabouts and that they don't start a bidding war every time you express an interest. Areas I like would include Glasnevin, parts of Whitehall, Drumcondra, Phibsborough, Navan Road to give an indication of the standard I seek.

Meanwhile I can choose to live anywhere. I am on a career break for at least another year. I have family in Dublin so being close enough to be able to visit weekly is important. My job will also be in Dublin city centre so a reasonable commute would be required. I don't drive so any area would have to be bicycle accessible at the very least.

Does such a place exist? We will likely have kids in the near future so would have to consider areas with decent schools and activities for them growing up.

I am happy enough with access to supermarkets (I'm thinking if there is at least a Lidl in the area there is enough of a population to sustain it!), some green areas for walking and exercise, a doable distance to north side of Dublin (to visit family) and city centre (whether by train, bus, bicycle) and not a commute that is going to become a living nightmare with packed trains etc.

I have flexibility usually in the job re. starting/finishing time so when I go back to work this is a consideration. I also want the option of a few decent old man pubs and eating options that aren't all fast food joints. A good chipper is always essential though.

My wife is happy to pick up any regular office work so if that is an option locally that would be a bonus. I would look to get a transfer in the civil service to the area if it was going well.

Appreciate any suggestions. I lived abroad for about 8 months last year with a view to finding an alternative to Ireland that never materialised but now I'm back!

Some people suggested Maynooth to me. Ballycullen was also given as an option but I believe that there are some right headers out that direction.

Does anybody have feedback on an area in Ireland that sounds like it fits the bill. I would be looking to rent first to scope it out and if we liked, then presumably buy if my first choice of Dublin does not look feasible.

Thanks in advance. I have read other threads but they are from years ago and areas change.
 
I am hoping that houses currently in the 450k range become ones in the 400 range, or 400k ones become 365k or thereabouts

They might or they might go up. Trying to second guess the market like that is not sensible.

If your circumstances are right and you can afford it, buy now.

Given the Covid situation waiting 6 months might seem like an idea, but it might go wrong as well.
 
I don't think a bank will give me mortgage approval given that I am on a career break so waiting a year is a necessity. Given what is coming down the line, I see upsides to waiting with a view to closing before year end 2021. Prices at the moment are set at unrealistic levels bar the high end where there are some bargains in the 640-860 range. I never panic when it comes to spending money so I choose to adopt a wait and see approach. Worst case scenario is they stay static or increase by a marginal amount (at which point I decide Dublin is not for me)
 
Maynooth is a lovely town with ever improving facilities and nice homes both new build and secondhand. Skerries north of Dublin is another good bet ..good train service into Dublin along with very good schools. Nearer to Dublin malahide and Portmarnock are two nice areas again with good schools and an excellent DART service. Lots of choice without having to travel too far outsiðe the capital
 
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