Would you buy a house near a river

[TheLurkingOne]

..if you had small children?
And there was a decent fence /hedge between the property and the river ?

I'm very anxious and catastrophising about the kids getting into it and into trouble. In my mind it wouldn't be while they were little, it would be when they were teens and independent. ...would it be asking for trouble to live very near a very attractive splashy but quite deep fast river?

There is access to the river in the village a few houses away anyway. Just wondering if tempting fate or is my Anxiety with a capital A getting away with me?

It's not exactly the same but I live opposite a marina, that is on a creek leading to the sea, bought last year and have 2 babies.

I think once they are teens they wander further afield independently anyway so maybe close proximity isn't an issue? You can't monitor what they are doing when they reach a certain age. Just teach them water safety and how to swim.

I’d be more concerned about flooding.

I did, with a 7 year old. Then we sold it to a family with a 3 year old and an 18 month old.

The thought of the children falling in became the least of our worries. Does the river flood? Will your home be at risk? Can you get reasonably priced insurance?

No, but because I'd worry about it being susceptible to flooding though rather than safety!

Older kids/teens - no, it wouldn't put me off. Very near or a few streets away wouldn't make any difference if they were seeking out mischief once they're independent and going out on about on their own.

Thank you for your replies. I feel reassured on that point but yes you are right I'd need to check out flooding and insurance issues further. I tend to think in calamities and utter heart wrenching disaster when I'm letting my mind run on. The practicalities don't intrude on my thoughts so much.

Yes I know I should seek help for my Anxiety!

Garden led down to a large river - we even had an iron ladder leading down to it. You teach your children about the danger from year dot. Had a very happy 22 years there.
except for the rats

I'd be more worried about the flooding and higher insurance.

Flooding and rats would out me off more.

Another who would be more put off by flooding/insurance and rats

No. Flooding would be a higher concern.

Rats would put me off. There are som beautiful houses along our local canal but the place is riddled with rats

Mosquitoes could also be a big problem in the summer.

My kids school backs onto a river, the fence stops them from coming to harm.

Nope. Flooding risk is too high.