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Original poster

City Suburb v Semi Rural

13 replies

FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 16:22

So hit me with the pros and cons...

We currently live in a suburb of a major city (rent). We've lived here for 20 years. We've been given the option to rent (much cheaper) a house semi rurally a couple of hours away. It's a small town with a train station (about 40 mins from a mainline), a Co-op (with bigger supermarkets about 30 mins away). It also has a couple of tea/coffee shops and a pub.

Flexible workers who may need to go into the city 2 days a week for work, going forward but we would have more family support in the semi rural place.

We don't use the city much anymore. We are far past bars and clubs. If there was an event of some kind (friends birthday etc) we could get a train and stay in a hotel. If we fancy a museum day, likewise.

COVID has made us rethink our priorities. Being given this option from a family member has made us seriously consider our options. We are renting but looking to buy. We are seriously considering moving as a 6 month trial.

Anyone else made a similar move? What were the good and bad things?

OP posts:
Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 16:39

A concern is how easy is it to rebuild social circles. I've had a look and 2 nearby hotels have gyms/pools with classes. There is also a local park run.

OP posts:
SoloISland · 18/09/2021 16:44

You are already decided and of course you are right... How can you refuse this change that has so many pluses?

APurpleSquirrel · 18/09/2021 16:45

I live in a semi-rural town in the SW.
Building social circles will be mostly down to you, to integrate into the local community. Do you have DC?
Things to consider would be - transport; you will need a car if you don't already. & all associated costs with it.
Are you able to commute when needed?
You are renting atm but want to buy in the future - what are house prices like? Can you afford to buy in that area?
If you have or will be having DC - what are local schools like? Are there spaces? Wraparound care if needed? Transport?

Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 16:49

@SoloISland

You are already decided and of course you are right... How can you refuse this change that has so many pluses?
It does sound too good to be true. We will be paying rent but a lot less than we currently do, so will be able to save more to put towards a deposit.

I think because we have rented in the city and could rent semi rurally then it will give us the chance to decide where we want to buy.

A lot depends on work. We could both cope with a 4 hour round trip twice a week but not 5 days per week.

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Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 16:51

We have 1DC at nursery age. We already have a car. We have more family support in the semi rural place, plus we would try and do our 2 days in the city in different days, so 1 of us is WFH.

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Seeline · 18/09/2021 16:52

I am assuming no kids?

Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 16:54

House prices are fairly similar. We have a decent deposit and are able to get a mortgage.

The thing that has made us hold off buying is we didn't know where to buy. This option seems like a good trial.

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Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 19:11

Any cons? Anything you really missed from living in a city?

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EwwSprouts · 18/09/2021 19:21

While not saying they are the same thing! A small child or a dog are the easiest passports to get to know people. You have a toddler and you have local family. Why wouldn't you try it?

Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 19:38

@EwwSprouts

While not saying they are the same thing! A small child or a dog are the easiest passports to get to know people. You have a toddler and you have local family. Why wouldn't you try it?
Yes, it's a trial run. If we really hate it we could move back.
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Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 19:39

I was just wondering if there was anything I hadn't thought of that I may miss.

Just Eat and Deliveroo weekly fir the variety I guess 😁

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APurpleSquirrel · 18/09/2021 20:09

Cons are:
Needing to drive everywhere or pay for a taxi (expensive) or walk as public transport either is infrequent/rubbish/nonexistent
Lack of variety of takeout/restaurants/shops etc
Bad weather can mean being stuck at home
No shops open late
Needing to drive DC everywhere
Mobile signal/internet connection could be bad
Access to cultural activities (theatre, cinema, art etc) may be limited/a long way away

Original poster
FanGirlX · 18/09/2021 20:12

@EwwSprouts

While not saying they are the same thing! A small child or a dog are the easiest passports to get to know people. You have a toddler and you have local family. Why wouldn't you try it?
DD (and I would love a dog). DM says she will dogs sit as she wants a dog without the hassle! We wouldn't get one until we had bought though.
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