Lived in London for almost twenty years from after uni through to marrying and having kids. We moved for space, a house and an easier life. The kids swapped Victorian schools with metal detectors to schools with huge playing fields and fresh air.
We bought our first, and probably last, house. I don't worry about them walking to school (primary and secondary) and going to the park round the corner by themselves. Their friends are within walking distance and because we live on the edge of a market town, we can stroll into the market, shops, restaurants and open air pool when we like. My son has discovered cricket which has given him a brilliant outlet and focus. I doubt he would have found it if we were still in London.
I discovered the joys of gardening and I've been able to take on freelance jobs locally. My husband has kept his London job but wfh 50%. Yes, the commute is expensive but house prices are lower.
The month after we left, one morning there was a drive-by shooting outside their school breakfast club, twenty minutes before the kids would have been arriving. My London friends were just quite blase about it, but for me it just reinforced the feeling that our move was a great one.