[malyk]

This is possible in second tier cities in the states. My wife and I bought a house in oakland at the end of 2012 and do exactly what you say. We're building a permaculture garden in our yard (which is only 40'x50' in back, 50'x20' in front), we can bike to almost anything we need or want, public transit is good, and the area is filled with people in the 25-45 age range (I'm 35). We bought so it was pretty expensive up front (though our mortgage payment is only $1900 a month + $650 in taxes), but there are plenty of rental opportunities as well. Total commute time to my job in SF is 35 minutes (10 bike, 25 bart).

Most second tier cities aren't as close to a major city as oakland is to SF, but you can find what you are looking for if you are willing to live the slightly less cosmopolitan life of SF/LA/Chi/NYC/DC/etc.

Of course, I have no idea how this translate to the UK!