would you move somewhere that you don't particularly want to, to be mortgage free?

[MarmaladeFatkins]

just that really. I love where I live, have lived here for 20 years. but I will be paying my mortgage until I'm 70. I could move 20 miles away and be mortgage free. but it's a very different area. not horrid, just different. from city to countryside

would you do it?

this is how I am reassuring myself that it will be ok 😊

there is a place where I really want to move to, but it is much further away...2 hour drive. I suppose it depends where kids go. but I don't think I want to be 2 hours from them, if they stay in this area

This seems silly to me.
2 hours is nothing and you have no idea where your adult children will end up living.
If this other place is somewhere you'd truly love to, and can afford to, live, then you'd be better off being somewhere you love rather than just somewhere cheaper.

I going to have to do this, I need to get rid of my mortgage and it's the only way (long and complicated story). So yes I would, financial freedom is more important to me currently.

100% I would do this. Financial freedom is the ultimate goal!

My mortgage will finish when I’m 71 - my current plan is to change to a better paying job and pay the mortgage off a bit sooner, combined with downsizing at some point… but I definitely want to be in a town or city when I’m retired.

Also quite importantly - to make sure I enjoy my job! It’s lovely being occupied, working with nice people, and having purpose. All the better if you swap those years of effort for a house.

In hindsight, yes. Absolutely. I was totally married to the idea of buying in a certain area and did, but had I not been so short-sighted and looked at some other areas I'd be much better off and those other areas are now quite established and sought-after.

I am thinking that you can make the best of any place you live, really. it's definitely not a bad place just feels a bit meh. where I am I feel very comfortable, but there are some cons also. plus I'm not sure that I don't want to have a bit more change/adventure before I can't anymore 🤷🏼‍♀️

I moved from a 3 bed to a 2 bed in a different area when my sons were older teenagers and became mortgage free.
It was the best thing I've ever done. I was then able to work part time as I had a health problem at the time.

BUT, I liked the area I moved to and just enjoyed exploring and living there. It was a cheaper area initially than the one I moved from but then became very desirable. Property prices went up and I was able to move back up to a 3 bed after a couple of years.

You mention a disability, is it something potentially progressive? Could it stop you from driving one day? I'd make this a really practical decision, your living costs could be a lot higher trying to cope with an unsuitable area.

I am not in that position fortunately. If I was, it would be to somewhere on the basis it was for a long time, at least until retirement.

Is it likely the kids will be working soon? Or working if they return to you? If so, they could contribute to the mortgage/household costs which might buy you a bit more time where you are (and reduce your mortgage outgoings to a more manageable level). Also are you claiming PIP - I don't think it's means tested.

I've done this- moved from somewhere that I loved and was very close to my mum and brother (walking distance) and quite central to somewhere only 7 miles away and a smaller house and am now mortgage free. I'm nearly 50 and work very part time and i love it, after losing my mum suddenly and a couple of friends I was seized by a sense that life was too short to spend it all working! I'm very happy with the decision- it's a bit less convenient and I drive more to get places, but the freedom is bliss!