Which would you choose?

[Lottie2shoes]

Posting on here due to more traffic.
I am torn in 2 wondering what I should do? I live in a fairly lovely house, rented. I have finally decided to buy a house with what amount of funds I have. The house I currently live in is generally decorated to a good standard by myself. The rooms are all generally nice sized, on the bigger side bar 1. Which if I was to buy then I would try to extend.
The thing is the area seems to be getting more and more run down. Also while I like most people that live here, more and more people are moving here that I cannot see myself integrating with. (Without trying to sound mean).
Both our neighbours on either side, while are not bad neighbours, are a nosy lot which bugs me too. One is a rented house but the other side have bought their house.
I have a chance to buy in a better area, cleaner and quieter. But for my money, the house I think will be considerably smaller. I may even have to downsize, the rooms will definitely be smaller. The houses themselves are newer looking.
I am worried that I am used to my bigger house so might have trouble settling there. Commute would also be slightly more.
At the same time, I am up for a change. So anyone done this? How was it for you?
If you have not, would you?
Voting, YABU stay put and YANBU just move, will you.

Hi @Lottie2shoes
Our previous house had a beautiful loft, extension, back room, it was lovely but our neighbours were a nightmare and the area was not the same anymore. We bought a house in a lovely area but no loft and no extension. It's taken us years to finally get our loft and extension which we love but it's the area too, leafy, quiet, people that come round often say nice area.
Hope the above helps, all the best in your decision xx

Better area for me

@Summer2424 Thank you, that is really helpful. Will take into consideration.

@buckeejit Thanks

Anyone else?

I downsized massively to live in a tiny house in my dream location, seven minutes walk from the beach. I love it here and would never move.

I found decluttering therapeutic and have easily adapted to my new little home.

It isn’t Location Location Location for nothing!

@Skybluecoat thanks

One thing I would like to add is that the new area is still kind of part of the old, just on the outskirts.
So just a step up really, not complete contrast.
But it is definitely quieter and cleaner.

I would go for the location but look for a house that has potential to extend in the future. I don’t think I’d worry so much about size of rooms but I’d want the potential for good storage.

Is the landlord happy to sell it to you?

If he is, then think of it as a stepping stone towards your dream property.

You could also look at the edge of the less desirable part but closer to a nice part.

Location is the most important part for me.

Yes I agree there’s a reason for location, location, location. Most other things in the house can be changed eg decoration, layout, extended.

You don’t say who you live with, so it’s hard to say if smaller house would be a problem.

My personal opinion is that noisy neighbours is a deal breaker. But I’m not sure how you check for noisy neighbours if you move.

Can you check with local estate agents that your current area really is going down market?

Having just been in this position, we are in the middle of buying a 2 bed flat in a naice area with excellent schools but no parking rather than a 3/4 bed house with big garden and parking in a run down area 15 mins drive away from here. We viewed loads of places before making our final decision but ultimately it came down to the fact we want our children to grow up feeling safe and not in an area where they might be tempted to get into selling drugs/gang stuff. We might have chosen differently if we didn't have kids/plan to have them.

Just to answer PP. We are a family. I am not too concerned with the children mixing with the wrong crowds too much as they are more homebodies. More likely to stay closer to home etc.
I have a car so can drive them other places too. They do not really play out now as they are older.
The new place would have parking which is one of the pros as the one we live in is on street parking on a road that has lots of cars parked.

Also the neighbours are nosey as in curtain twitching type. Not noisy. I think I misspelled.

Thanks for all the replies. Anyone else been in this situation?