Bristol, UK. Vibrant city, lots of tech and a good aviation engineering scene (Airbus), lovely countryside around. Reasonably affordable (compared to London).

Bristol, UK. Vibrant city, lots of tech and a good aviation engineering scene (Airbus), lovely countryside around. Reasonably affordable (compared to London). Good communication links to the rest of the UK and Europe (International Airport - London under 2 hrs by trains every 30 mins). Downside - traffic is hideous.