Introduction: life on the edge of England’s coastline
For many young people, the coast is more than scenery. It’s a way of life, a social and economic challenge, and a constant test of identity. In interviews across England’s coastal towns and islands, a familiar pattern emerges: the shoreline offers beauty, access to nature, and a close-knit community, but it can also feel limiting when opportunities pull in different directions.
The pull to leave: study, work, and the search for belonging
Take the story of Megan, a 24-year-old from the Isle of Wight who chose not to pursue university. She watched peers depart the island for courses and internships, often never returning. The decision wasn’t about a lack of ambition; it was about balance. “I was 18, working locally, and the options felt like they came in waves—some opportunities, but not a clear path back home,” Megan says. For many on the coast, the next step requires leaving the familiar for a time, then weighing whether the ties that bind them to home can survive the distance.
Academic routes and the geography of opportunity
Education sits at the heart of the coast-versus-country debate. Universities offer wider networks and specialised skills, but the cost, distance, and potential disconnection from local life can complicate the choice to stay. Some students escape to cities and discover a new sense of possibility, while others return with new skills ready to apply in local industries—tourism, fishing, maritime services, and creative sectors that value place-based know-how.
Staying: the social fabric that keeps communities together
Staying isn’t only about career prospects; it’s about community, family ties, and the rhythm of a coastal town. Local pride runs deep, from seaside fairs to small businesses that survive on seasonal streams of visitors. For many young residents, the coast isn’t a stepping-stone; it’s home, complete with the challenges of high living costs, housing shortages, and the weather that makes life outdoors a daily choice.
Housing and cost of living on the coast
Affordable housing is a common concern. A generation of coastal youths describes a market where entry-level homes are scarce and rental costs rise faster than wages in some areas. This financial squeeze doesn’t just affect where people live; it shapes decisions about family, long-term plans, and whether a future in the region feels secure enough to commit to.
<h2 Opportunities that anchor rather than pull away
Crucially, the story isn’t only about leaving or staying; it’s about creating opportunities that invite young people to build a life at the edge. Local councils, community groups, and employers are experimenting with apprenticeships, coastal-redevelopment projects, and digital-first roles that can be done near home. When these options align with young people’s ambitions, the coast becomes a place where a career and a local life can be mutually reinforcing.
Storytelling, culture, and the value of place
Coastal life often sparks creativity. Photographers, writers, and musicians find inspiration in sea spray, dramatic skies, and the rhythm of harbor towns. The sense of place—where everyone knows your name, where a small business can become a community hub—can be a powerful counterweight to the urge to relocate for a “bigger city” job.
<h2 Looking to the future: what would help young people stay?
Successful retention will likely hinge on a combination of affordable living, clear local career pathways, and investment in amenities that improve quality of life. Improving transport links, expanding broadband in remote areas, and supporting local startups can transform the coast from a temporary stop into a viable long-term home for young people with diverse ambitions.
Conclusion: life on the coast is a choice, not a compromise
England’s coastline is a mosaic of potential. For some, it’s a place to grow up, start a family, and build a career while staying close to the sea. For others, leaving is an act of self-preservation, a necessary step to discover larger horizons. The common thread is clear: coastal life is real, rewarding, and worth investing in—so long as communities and policymakers listen to what young people say they need to thrive where the land meets the water.
