Never lived there, but have friends who did/do still; so even though I have done "touristy" stuff, I've also been fortunate enough to see and do what only the locals know about.
You were there when England was STILL ENGLAND, writ large!
In the end, you did make the right choice; all things considered.
Yes, it was, which is why I almost didn't come back. Glad I did, though.
I would probably cry, if I were to see my old haunts today. I'm sure much of it is unrecognizable.