Ten years ago we moved to the south east, away from our families and hometowns so that DH wouldn't have to commute to work. I lost my friends and my roots and started over.
We've had children and DH earns a decent wage, and now drives, so I'm thinking that now is the time to move back, not to where we came from, but somewhere nearer to our families. It would only be an hour's commute on the road, or half an hour on the train.
We rent so we could afford a much nicer property for far less than we're paying here (not London but nearby, so £££ rent), and we might be in a better position to save for a deposit.
But now we have children, I have built a really great network of friends here, probably the best friends I've had in my life, the sort of people I can see myself being friends with for the rest of our lives. We would only be a few towns over, but far enough away that I can see our friendships fizzling out. I'd have to start over again.
So:
Pros of moving
- cheaper rent, nicer property
- family support
- more possibility of buying a property
Pros of staying
- DH would be home from work sooner in the evenings
- already have friends and networks, routine of activities etc
- I really like my health visitor
- moving to a new town is hassle
- it's easier to get into London
I feel like it would be better for our family unit to move, but better for me to stay.
What would you do?