AIBU to move back to hometown

[Tomoveornottomove789]

Feeling conflicted about whether to move back to my hometown, a seaside town which has had a lot of regeneration money poured into it in recent years. Currently living in a ‘naice’ town in Surrey about 2 hours away.

Pros of moving:
My parents and sisters both living in hometown, I am very close to them all.
Could afford a bigger, better house ie 4 bed detached instead of 3 bed semi.
Grandparents available for childcare (this is an offer already made)
Generally lower cost of living.
Arguably better quality of life - by the sea etc.
DH very keen on move.
Have good, old friends still living there that I would hopefully see more, haven’t made the same type of friendships here.

Cons:
Much longer commute for DH - about 1h45 mins 3 days a week as opposed to 50 mins. He may eventually move role.
More limited career prospects for me (teacher) in Kent schools vs London schools where I am now. Would also lose London weighting so lower salary, although should balance out.
Harder/more expensive to get to London.
’Small town’ feel - in a small town now but closer to London and surrounded by lots of other things to do close by.

YABU - make the move
YANBU - stay put

I would literally relationships 1st and move for those reasons. If you can afford less money…

We moved from London to the sea- best decision ever made and London is still commutable though we go less and less…

I moved from London to the seaside town and probably went to London once or twice in 5 years. There is life outside of London and your interests and priorities shift. I would much rather go on a long walk on the beach at low tide than spend any time on London tube. Your first item on the CON list isn't really valid as Dh already said he is happy to move so it's not a concern for him.

I wonder if you are from my hometown. I have a couple of friends who have moved back recently and are loving it. It has changed a lot since I left and was desperate to get away. I live in another home county and we are also pondering moving back - the childcare/ babysitting would be a huge bonus, but the commute is the thing really putting me off (it would be me commuting). I've done it before and it was a killer.

Go for it. Don't underestimate the joy and feeling of security that comes from living near family. I'm a teacher and also moved from London back up north. Best thing we ever did. Way more space, an actual house rather than a flat, garden, family nearby. I love it. Work wise, yes it was hard and I did supply for a long time, but doing supply helped me to check out different schools and eventually led to my permanent part-time job in a school I love. If your DH is keen I would go for it. Good luck!!