Family moving closer

[Ifonly86]

I moved to a different area 5 years ago, roughly an hour from my family to be closer to my husbands family and his workplace. I’m not close to my family at all and mainly wanted a bit more distance between us. We’ve made a new life here and enjoy the clean slate away from bad memories.
However...
My sister has just bought a house 5 minutes from me. My mother and step-dad are looking on exchange websites to find a new home nearby. My brother and his partner are planning to move this way next year to be closer to ‘us’.
It’s all very sudden and confusing, as they told me constantly to not move here as it’s an awful area. Whenever we visit they put it down and talk about how much nicer it is where they live and my children will have a terrible childhood here. So, for them to all be moving here is strange. I know I can’t control what they do or where they choose to live but I’m feeling disappointed they’ll be close to me again. I’ve told my husband I want to move to put a distance between us again but he thinks I’m over reacting and that my family either won’t actually move here or they’ll move back quite quickly.
My friend said it’s a great thing as they’ll be close to help out, babysit and spend time with us. But, they never did this when we lived close and I certainly wouldn’t allow it now. I feel suffocated and claustrophobic at the thought of them being here although I know it sounds dramatic.
Any advice?

Are they really all moving closer? Is it because housing is cheaper? Why is your sister moving? It all sounds really odd. Let them all move then move to the other side of town, maybe? I’d be devastated if my family all moved nearby! I’m 5 hours away for a reason.

Thanks for replying. It’s more expensive here so I don’t think that is the reason. I know my sister had been looking to move but I didn’t expect it to be here as her son goes to school where her old house is, I had no idea she’d found a house never mind bought one as she private rents. I think if I start asking questions it will cause a lot of problems so I dread to ask to be honest, I think acting as if it isn’t happening is the best way to go right now as they might expect me to be excited. I had a text from my mother this morning showing me a list of houses she plans to view, ‘but none on your estate as it’s an awful place to live’! I could scream. (It’s a lovely area and estate btw)

I know it’s difficult to not take it personally but just distance yourself from it. Even if they do move close by, it doesn’t mean you need to spend time with them.

Just don’t get engaged into discussions anf distance yourself from everyone.

Thanks I will be, I think I’m just worried they will turn up unannounced a lot or try and be the ‘doting grandparents and auntie’ and want to be involved in everything. I would happily not see them again, but it’s likely I’d bump into them often and knowing they are just minutes away will irritate me.

.

Bump

Make sure your house is impenetrable.. Fence around, video door bell, blinds.
Be unavailable and not up for visitors.
Soon get the hint.
Yanbu to keep the nasty buggars away.

Thank you for replying. I’m now considering that we move too, in the same area but a different house so they don’t know our address. Madness

Are they quite controlling? I agree definitely have a video doorbell and set up some strict boundaries quickly. If they show up unannounced then simply say right now doesnt work for us, we will arrange something later don't give excuses and don't elaborate and make them leave every single time and they will soon stop.
Tbh i think moving wouldn't work as unless you go full NC they will find out where you went eventually if they really want to.
I feel for you though. My MIL keeps saying how when she retires she wants to move up here and if she does I will be moving as far away as possible.