Ah see, that's propaganda.
The north is generally no more grim than the south, but as it's a lot more industrialised, both the mean income per head and the living expenses are lower (at least, outside the major cities.) So you may not have so many tapas bars and other signs of affluence to hand, but your wages generally go further; and, outside the major cities, people tend to be more easy-going and good-humoured. Except in Dewsbury, they're a miserable bunch of bastards there.

There are some beautiful places in the north and the south, and there are some total shitholes in both. You really have to sample both to get a good perspective.
( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Sat 16 May 2009, 2:33, archived)

well
am planning on doing a fair bit of travelling for a bit so hopefully will get to see both!

Everybody says to avoid Cardiff for some reason but I want to go there! Torchwood is Ace.
(Poppet some assembly required., Sat 16 May 2009, 2:36, archived)

you do know its just a TV show
right?
( Azra3l Lubrication Persuasion and Brute Force ™, Sat 16 May 2009, 2:37, archived)

aye
but I have an odd fascination with it.
(Poppet some assembly required., Sat 16 May 2009, 2:41, archived)