How do I let my friend down gently?

[ChompChompPuppy]

New poster here with a dilemma and I'd appreciate some advice.

The background is that I've just left university and had agreed with a friend that we would both find jobs in our uni town where we have a large group of friends and move in together. We're both in our early 20s both had to go back to our respective family homes to build up savings before committing to a lease.

I've now found a job in my home town and over the last month things have happened with our former friendship group that have made me realise there are few who I actually actually want to be friends with.

The friend who I'm due to get a house share with wants us to look for somewhere in January but I'm working and rebuilding a social life and am enjoying being back in my home town.

With no job and very few friends there, the only reason I'd have for moving back to our uni town would be to move in with my friend and the truth is I've changed my mind.

So my dilemma is how do I tell my friend, without hurting her and risking our friendship, that with all the reasons I don't want to move, wanting to live with her doesn't make it seem worth it?

You do it sooner rather than later. Tell her you've settled better than you thought and enjoying the new experiences and have decided you no longer want to go back any time soon. Don't drag it out though, she deserves to know ASAP.

Well, Gamerchick has it sorted in the first reply!

Anything different to this just doesn't make as much sense!

Yes tell her ASAP. Don't go into too much detail, just say you're really enjoying your new job and living in your home town again, so you're sorry but you don't want to move.

Exactly what Gamerchick said.

No need to feel guilt. Jobs aren't easy to come by. But you do need to tell your friend asap.

Thanks everyone. I took your advice and called her last week. She's sad and disappointed but I'm pleased to say she's still my friend.