Would living here be better?! Anyone older and wiser tell me if I’m making a mistake for some silly nostalgia?

[Staffstopeaks]

I’m single and have an 8 year old. This feels like the best time to move if I am going to, so dd can settle into a new school.

We live in a village near Stafford and she currently goes to a private primary school.

I have always wanted to live nearer to the Peak District, maybe Buxton, Bakewell, outskirts of Sheffield etc. That sort of area. I also love North Yorkshire but don’t want to be too far away from family.

I love it round there as it reminds me of a happier time in my life, I lived in Sheffield in my twenties. I also feel quite suffocated being this close to family, they are all around ten minute drive and I often see them in supermarket etc. Am I having a mid life crisis wanting to move? Would it actually be silly to move 45 mins away from family? I don’t know what independent schools are round there so if also feels selfish from that perspective as dd is happy at school.

I feel really lost and like life has stagnated, maybe this is just what 45 feels like?!

My ExH grew up around there.

It was very rural. He got the bus to school and other than that his parents had to drive him everywhere.

Nearest private school was about 20 miles away. Nearest primary was in the local village three miles across fields. Nearest secondary was the local small town.

If she's in a private primary and is 8, you'd be looking for good schools. You'd need to choose the area carefully.

Sheffield always seems to well thought of on Mumsnet. I'm gonna assume there's a reason for that ..... 😍

I love having family close, they really help me with childcare.

However if you didn't need that, then what's stopping you?

The flip side is that if your parents see getting older and need your support, you're further away (which can be a good thing!).

I live four and a half hours from my family, 45 mins seem very close to me 😄

Do it. Life is for adventure and experiences. If it doesn't work out you can move somewhere else - you're not set in stone!

I live in Yorkshire, absolutely adore it and have no plans to ever move closer to family. Everyone I know who has lived in Sheffield or surrounding areas has loved it.

What's the situation with your family? Do you get on? Do you need them for support or do they help you with your DD? Seems unusual to actively want to move further away from family especially if you're a single parent...or is there a bigger backstory here?

I live on the western edge of Sheffield and love it. I can drive to the Peak District in about 5 minutes, Hathersage is about 15 minutes but equally there supermarkets and shops within 5-10 minutes and there are reasonably good bus services into Sheffield. Maybe look at Bents Green, Dore, Fulwood and Lodge Moor.

I’m not familiar with independent schools but there are a few to choose from. The state schools in those areas are all ok AFIK.

I don’t know about living in the Peak District but I get the impression the towns and villages get very busy with tourists and I think house prices reflect their popularity. And you will get snowed in several times a year!

South West Sheffield is lovely, leafy, family oriented and green. It is also quite expensive. Some good state secondaries and a couple of private schools, ten minutes drive to the Peak District. Sadly the City Centre has lost its John Lewis and Debenhams. However, it has a great indie cinema in the Showroom.

Bakewell has good schools and isn't too bad, but the Peak District is expensive to buy. Also when she's 15 will she want to go into Sheffield? Think public transport for her to meet her friends etc. I would suggest Sheffield western suburbs rather than the Peak District itself.

I live in north west sheffield and I love it where we are. We’re out in the peaks within 5 mins and it’s a great location. Happy to help with any questions if needed!

We live in the Peak District after moving from the city. I pinch myself so many days when I stop to take in the beauty of the Peak District. We have been so happy with the move and the lifestyle is brilliant. The location means you are not far from anywhere, yet feel a million miles away.

Depending on the age of your child, take a look at S Anselms which is from 3-13 years and is the most fantastic place.

All children truly thrive there. Location and facilities are brilliant, teachers first class and the community as a whole is nurturing, kind and inclusive.

There is an Open Day this Friday 27th if you can make it:

www.sanselms.co.uk/step-into-sa/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLGq3VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhupe2aD7SRcCCUsvQpiw2JZm-J6pfzAhwhRPFdY3DAhc3pZMgR5n6CUKxBW_aem_CRm7DLzbaUv85wbKUyecRQ