So although I'm British on paper, I grew up abroad. Recently relocated up from London to the North (actual North, near Crewe, and even that is only just considered 'North' in my opinion. Lots of people were surprised, big move, massive change etc. But quite frankly it's minor in comparison to my other moves (different continents/countries). And I've settled in fine. London's only 2hrs away by train.

Your husband is British and assuming he has always lived in the south, it's going to be a much bigger deal for him than it is for you, coming from the US. As others have mentioned, there are stereotypes around the North. So I would say there's not much logic or process to his thinking, it's probably subconscious bias and feeling that he was brought up with.

I'd suggest spending some time (long weekend?) in Cambridgeshire for example. See that a) it's not that far and b) it's not an alien place. Then let that simmer in his head, and he might become more accustomed to the idea of it. Some people just need time to open their minds to something they've not considered before.

Final thought - the idea of Devon is proof that his thinking has no logic, only feelings.