To ask whether or not we should move back to London??

[K1092902]

Because DH wants to. I'm completely unsure.

We both own our own business which we can pretty easily relocate and DH is even confident that some of his employees will consider a move if he offers them the right package.

These are the pros and cons for us:

1. Pretty much everything we could ever want would be a 30 minute journey by public transport
2. DD will be able to go to the prep school that DSD2, DH and FIL went to.
3. DSD2s Mum is buried near by where we would look to live meaning she can visit her more often
4. DsD1s mum is a Londoner meaning that she can visit her more often or if she moves back in we can visit more easily
5. Our best friends have just 're located back from the USA and live in the area we would be looking in so that means we can see them more often

Cons:

1. We would have to get a mortgage- we don't have one currently
2. London is expensive- DSD2 is pregnant so it would probably mean she would live with us more long term, ditto DSD1
3. My parents are very local to us and we see them 3/4 times a week and we would all miss them terribly
4. Cost of a Nanny would be more expensive
5. The hassle of moving.

So has anyone moved out and moved back again? I do miss being in London but just not sure if I want to go back.

Where are you currently? Is there any guarantee DSD1 and 2 would want to come with you? Is it a good idea to move DSD 2 away from her support network given she's pregnant? What about the baby's father? Would he be okay with her moving away?

Depends where you are now. I can say with confidence that 0 of my workmates would go with the company if it moved to London because it's pretty much the opposite lifestyle.

One thing - quality of life.

We moved out, moved twice, then had to come back. It isn't like it used to be in London. It has changed a lot.

For me it seems noisier, less safe, smellier, things I loved have gone. I didn't want to move out of London.

Now I wish I hadn't come back. Take a good look at where you would be living and a good look at where you are before you decide.

We moved out, moved twice, then had to come back. It isn't like it used to be in London. It has changed a lot.

It's true, sadly.

I think you have a pretty even bag of pros and cons there. Sorry, that's not hugely helpful.
I would not count DSD2's mum's grave as a reason. People obv do visit graves but no a real pro as such. I would be engaging DSD2's opinion as she is pregnant so starting her own life. Would she want to move away from her life where you are now?
Good schools can be found almost places.
How does DSD1's mum's location affect you now? Does she live with you? Are your DSD's close to each other?
Also it sounds as though you are very close to your parents? That would be a very tough break. I would consider that a big part of your decision.

I lived in London for 12 years, lived abroad for 6 then came back to London last year. Very happy with my decision but in a way the transition from one big city to another, even if the cities are in different countries, is easier than say moving from a rural location to the city. So a lot depends on where you are at the moment and what type of lifestyle makes you happy. Eg if you miss shops open to 10pm every night, huge choice of theatre and an infinite variety of restaurants then of course come back as even the biggest other U.K. cities don't compare. But if it's just more generalised nostalgia motivating you, think hard about what really you need on a day to day basis.

Does your DD care about this prep school, or just you and your DH? Is she privately educated where you are currently or would the fees be extra expense that you don't have now?
How old are the DSDs and why would DSD 1 be living with you if an adult?

As for nannies I'd have thought that you'd get more choice in London if live-in as many young women want to work there in particular for the lifestyle. But if you want live-out there are probably fewer because of the astronomical cost of living. Is this nanny for your DD or the new baby?

Your DH will have to be prepared to offer a very serious incentive to any employee who wants to become or remain a property owner.

Also London is not a healthy place to leave any more. The air pollution is ridiculous.

Wasn't your marriage in real trouble recently after your step daughter's pregnancy? If so, I wouldn't be risking a move away from your current support network including your parents.

Just buy a house that's good enough for all of you and live in it.

There's so many people in London Town who are not privileged but serve those who are.

I could have bought a house on the ladder 30 years ago for £40k. Unfortunately I didn't because of a nasty, scounging man.

Ah well.

I've been in London for 11 years; seeing it evolve and gentrify in certain areas is amazing.

Mortgage - I assume you're only young, why not buy somewhere with a repayment mortgage, at the end of if it's yours and you will make money on it and then may be move out again?