Staying in naff area with friends or moving to lovely area without? WWYD?

[ilovepinecones]

Hello
So currently live in an area where we know a few friends within a 40 min - hour drive, and a few actually in the town, though not close, close friends. But are not happy in the area - nothing to do, schools okay, not really 'us'.
We could move back to an area we love as our financial situation is very different. However we don't know anyone there now. But would be much better for commute, schools and lifestyle.
WWYD? We are mid 30s with young children so expect would make friends if we made the effort as at preschool age. But is a bit scary as would be an upheaval in the short term and a bit unknown.
The friends we have nearby - I made most when we originally moved so didn't actually know them prior to moving. The ones we did know live 40-60 mins away. I do see them fairly regularly but if we move back they will be 1.5 hours away.

[ThoughtlessMess]

Move. It sounds like it would improve your overall situation very much. And don't worry about friends, you will make them!
(We did it & survived!!)

[CityDweller]

If you made friends when you moved to your current area then odds are you'll make new ones in your new area!

[Pigeonpost]

Move. We moved 320 miles last year, knew no-one. Now know more people than we did before and have a much better social life. You do have to put the effort in and this can be hard if you aren't a natural networker (like me) but friends within a 40 min drive is NOT a reason to stay somewhere that otherwise makes you miserable.

[LMGTFY]

Move, family first, friends come after. You'll soon find people to socialise with through the kids and some may become friends. The friends in your current area can come to visit and vice versa.

[wickedwaterwitch]

Move back to the area you like, I would.
You'll make friends.

[ilovepinecones]

thanks - scary! But making a leap often is x

[MiniCooperLover]

Move. What if you don't and then your friends all move away anyway ?!? Do what's best for your family.

[EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard]

much better for commute, schools and lifestyle

Affordable, so it's a no brainer. Move.

[neolara]

Move. It's easy to meet people through kids.