I'm a Southerner born and bred. I've also lived for short periods in North Staffs, Yorks, Lincs and the West Midlands. I dont really feel an affiliation with the South per se, and loved every minute I spent up north.
Some things are better up there, some things are better down here. Hows that for a spot of fence sitting!
I have lived in the North and South. Quality of life was better up there...in terms of the sea and countryside...but no jobs in my area of work.
I can not believe that people up north are more friendly than southerners. It depends where you are...I met quite a few people up north that judged me on my fairly well spoken southern accent! I found that level of sterotyping quite frustrating...wasn't used to it having grown up in London!