Unreasonable to want to move back to the city, dilemma

[Villagevstown]

3 years ago I moved to a tiny village (less than 1000 people). I live alone and I am disabled, currently cannot work, so I am on a budget. Since the cost of living I have found it really expensive living here. The nearest shops are 12 miles away.

Am I being unreasonable to want to move back to the city? My family is in the city, I won't need to spend as much on fuel etc. But the crime is much higher in the city.

I'm currently looking to swap with another social housing tenant. Am I over thinking this? I haven't really been happy since moving to the village, I do feel isolated and my electricity bill is sky high in the winter. But I can also see the positive things, like I have a huge plot of land here. I just don't know what to do!

I moved to a small, isolated seaside town in 2018. I found it very hard to settle and for many reasons moved back to the city in Autumn 2022 and have been renting near the city centre.

It's a relief to be somewhere that feels more like home and I'm happier back somewhere that is meaningful to me - where I have history. I'm nearer my old friends and all the city has to offer.

But, and it's a big but, either the city has changed or I have. Perhaps it's covid/lockdown, perhaps it's because I'm older (60ish now) but now it seems so fast and busy to me, the traffic is horrendous and the noise and pollution bother me in a way they didn't before. Everywhere seems crowded and businesses are short staffed and expensive.

After a year here I'm moving to a small town about 10 miles from the city where I can have a bit of both worlds.

My advice would be to spend a good week in the city. Do all the things you would if you were living there and see how you feel. I wouldn't be surprised if you were ready for a bit of space, peace and fresh air after a very short time.

Whatever you do I wish you very good luck and hope things work out for you.

Oh, sorry, should have mentioned crime. I feel much less safe back here in the city, especially when I'm out after dark. That might be because I'm very central here and as I say, it could be my age.