To think I should move to countryside for children

[greywoollyjumper]

Pregnant with 2nd child and constantly thinking we should move to the countryside for better quality of life for children. Currently live in suburb of big city next to a busy road and worried about air pollution, crime etc. Not sure if I have a totally romanticised view of countryside living though - is it really as friendly, healthy and wholesome as I picture in my daydreams?? Anyone moved to countryside for their kids and regretted it / loved it?

There is definitely a half way house.

We moved from outskirts of city to green and small market town surrounded by green space but excellent bus service, sports centre etc. Just felt the kids would struggle when they were older

I would love to be more remote but there is a lot to be said for being able to walk everywhere!

I think towns are a good compromise, as there's stuff to do and transport options for teenagers but you get better housing options than a city usually.

I couldn't live anywhere where everywhere is a drive and agree with point about what do teens do.

My village is quite pretty. I can see the mountains and the sea (well, the estuary) from my window. Feels pretty rural. It's pretty quiet, lovely village school. Public transport isn't great in terms of buses, but there's a train station 5 mins drive or 20 mins walk away. Village shop and post office here, plus doctor's, dentist, small supermarket, multiple hairdressers, butcher's etc 5 mins drive away. Big supermarkets, lovely market town, cinema etc 15 mins away.

I have an 11 yo and a 14 yo. They don't seem to mind living here! They don't go into town much, but I don't find it a problem driving them to places when they want to go somewhere tbh. 14yo likes visiting cities, but says she wouldn't want to live in one.

I grew up in London and loathed it. The dirt, the noise, the crowds, the air, - yuk.

We are semi-rural now and it is lovely. I like that the local shop owners all greet my son by name. I love the silence at night. And I like that if someone leaves something on a park bench, facebook mums groups track them down to give it back.

You won’t regret it. Just make sure that you can walk to public transport so your kids aren’t asking for lifts all the time when older.

Different areas have very different characters though. I used to live near an arty town and I do miss being able to access that. Where I am now is mostly country walks / stately homes / pizza and coffee shops. Not many jazz bars / arty things. So pick your nearest town with care! Still, I can drive to the beach in 45 min and get to central london by train in 30 min so lots to go to when can be bothered.

@hazelnutlatte sorry to hear you're having a tough time of it. Hopefully the spring (if it ever comes!) and summer will be idyllic and make up for crummy winters... The village where you grew up sounds like it could be perfect for us so that'd be great if you could PM me ☺️

@greywoolyjumper I've just googled the train stations and no direct trains to Manchester now sorry I was mistaken! Think my dad commuted to Liverpool when we lived there, Manchester was later when we lived in St Helens (which I would not recommend!)

@hazelnutlatte ahh not to worry! Thanks anyway ☺️

I grew up in small villages and I think it's true that for young children it is a bit magical but for anyone 11 or over it can be extremely boring.

I don't get on with big with cities either and have found my perfect place in what could be considered quite an ugly town by some but I love it. DC can walk to school with friends, easily meet up with friends outside school, go bowling, cinema, swimming etc without me driving miles. We have a cycle path all the way around our town and some lovely parks, so it is perfect for us.

Live in the countryside if you like the lifestyle, not for any other reason. My 4 were happy as small children and bored as teenagers and had to be ferried everywhere, everything involves driving. I love it but you should not assume you will

The people who like it are people who moved their families there as adults / parents

The people who hated it are those who grew up as kids living in the countryside

So, no, in my opinion it doesn't benefit the kids

My children were 11,9 & 6 when we moved to an old farmhouse with lots of outbuildings and space/land. They had a great time. They rarely wanted to go to see friends as their friends were always coming to us. Far more things for them to do than in the town.

In that environment I'd say 100% do it.

In a regular house/garden in a village. NO!