Sorry - this might be a bit long.
DH and I moved to my “home” area between lockdowns. We live in a lovely village, pubs, train station, coffee shop etc. it’s really nice but it’s not a huge area. Also, the house prices are ridiculously overpriced (4 bed detached is £950K+).
Although this is my home area, none of my friends from school live here. I have made a couple of friends through a baby group and they have become good friends of mine. My husband has met a few other people but no one he would call a good friend.
My mum is in her mid 70s and lives nearby, with the intention that in a few years she might move to our village.
DC1 is at an amazing nursery, and will start at the local, within walking distance and rated outstanding primary school next September with his best friends. DC2 is about to start at the same nursery. The education system in our county offers various options for the future.
DH is from another county. He has a core group of friends from school that are/have moved back to where they all went to school. He has always wanted to move back but understood my reasons not to - these include, if anything were to go tits up between us, he would have a ready made support group and my friends would essentially be all the WAGs. Also, my mum is getting on a bit and ultimately it will/is down to me to be available to help.
However, she recently had a fall which means she hasn’t been staying at home. She’s been with her partner who lives in the next door county to the one DH wants to move to. Although, there is no chance of them moving in together. But her not being around means, we’ve had no additional help with childcare/her coming by for supper etc. It’s made me think, should we move back to DH’s home town.
It would be a town we’d be moving to (a small one but bigger than here), there would be ready made friends there. But I just can’t bring myself to actively make a decision. I love the school and friendships DC1 has made, my mum is improving so will be home soon and independent again.
I just don’t know how to make this decision.