to ask which town you’d pick to relocate to?

[Newstart2021]

2020 has shown us that family is so important so we’ve decided next year we’ll relocate to be closer to them.
We have a dd who will be starting school in Sep 2022 so we need to consider school catchment areas and a 3 month old ds who hasn’t met anyone yet!
Which town would you pick?
Town 1
Larger with lots of amenities like train station, a variety of shops/restaurants/hairdressers/a monthly market etc.
One outstanding primary school and several good ones but no outstanding secondary schools.
Some good areas but some to avoid.
I grew up there so likely to bump into people I went to school with (not necessarily a negative just could be awkward!)
A slightly bigger house for your money.
Likely to have more job opportunities.

Town 2
5 miles down the road from Town 1 but smaller and regarded ‘posher’ and has a villagey feel.
Small high street with butcher, hairdresser, small supermarket etc.
One good primary school and one outstanding secondary.
Slightly less house for your money.
Lower crime rate.

Town 2 without a doubt based on the info. But it would be useful to know where you mean exactly.

Town 2 without a doubt

Depends on what you can afford housing wise. If the only house you can afford in Town 2 is realistically too small for your needs, or is going to leave you with no spare money for other things, the shine of living somewhere 'posh' will wear off quickly.

Providing that Town 1 is perfectly satisfactory, I'd choose that, even if it isn't the prime naice neighbourhood.

@TinselToedElf

Or Crawley and Dorking

That's more than 5 miles.

And both are towns. Dorking has some gorgeous surrounding villages, however.

Sorry! Just seen that the OP refers to Town 2, a 'villagey' feel, not a village.

Town 2 without a shadow of a doubt

Town 2, no question

Definitely Town 2. Bus or drive into Town 1 when you need the bright lights.

Town 2

Town 2, 5 miles to get to amenities is nothing.

Town 2. But I hate towns and would want a village!

I would choose Town 2 but I haven't got small dc.

Where are the nearest chemist's shop and doctor's surgery? Is everything within walking distance, and are there any extra-curricular activities for older children, such as football & other sports, dance classes, music teachers, cubs etc? If not, you might find yourself doing a lot of driving when they get older.

I live in town 1 (Tamworth) I love it - no outstanding secondary schools but all good - lots going on vibrant area especially when you have young kids - also good transport so no ferrying teenagers around

Town 2, definitely.

Town 2.

Town 2

None of these responses mean anything.

Either is fine, it's what really suits your family and what you want - do you prefer quieter/busier, quiet 'posh' village/more varied community, etc.

What WOULD really help is if you posted the towns. Then you will probably get a really useful set of comments by people living or have lived in both, as well as probably inside information on what the schools and community are like.

Friggin Nora just tell us the damn towns

Town 2 five miles isn't really that far if you drive. Where I live to get to any decent shops we have to drive 20-40 miles every time. Obviously we have supermarkets just no decent shop shops

@YoniAndGuy

None of these responses mean anything.

Either is fine, it's what really suits your family and what you want - do you prefer quieter/busier, quiet 'posh' village/more varied community, etc.

What WOULD really help is if you posted the towns. Then you will probably get a really useful set of comments by people living or have lived in both, as well as probably inside information on what the schools and community are like.

OP grew up in Town 1, so I would wager she/he is best placed to judge on both towns!! What an odd thread.

Town 2.

A safe, idyllic childhood for your children, a good start in life. They can do further education in a city.

@grassisjeweled

Friggin Nora just tell us the damn towns

Town 2 all day long

Where do your family live? Does either of the towns make a difference in east of seeing them? I assume town 1 since that's where you grew up

Town 2, unquestionably.