I've been with my partner for over a year - we used to work together before our department locations were changed. Gone from seeing each other every day at work to maybe twice a week is difficult as we live 1.45hr apart.
We've been discussing moving in together for a while but as it's such a big move we're both somewhat committed to each area we currently live in.
I was inclining moving closer to him by moving to a nearby city but he wasn't too keen in renting a flat where traffic would be a nightmare etc. I wanted to live somewhere where things would be 'going on'.
I live somewhere in the middle of a town with 'lots going on'. It's great but moreso a family member is moving in with me where I'll be the kindship carer. The area is great as she'll be able to walk to college, there's plenty of places for her to get work and it's a nice area. I've lived here for over a year and haven't been cat called or harrassed - people are friendly and generally it's nice families who live in the town - I have never met such amazing neighbours etc. The town will give her freedom but not too much.
My partner has encouraged her moving in as he knows what she's gone through and as he says 'he do the same'. They both get on and are happy to live together.
Right now I have a small two bed house which could be a squeeze for all three of us but before she moves in in September we could trial living together in the house and then think of moving somewhere bigger - if he wasn't to move in my current place would be perfect.
I never thought the current town would be the perfect place for a 20 something but it's the perfect place for a family. His arguement is that would could get somewhere much bigger for the money but it's in a declining area with a high crime rate etc. I also think he doesn't want to move into my current place as it's mine and he would prefer somewhere that we're both starting again (no bad history with my place).