Which life would you pick?

[agreentowel]

Imagine you’re looking to start a family in 2025. You currently live in option 1, but you’re not sure whether to stay there.

Which option would you pick?

Option 1 (Scotland)

• 400 miles from family and friends
• Easy commute to work
• Mortgage £800 p/m
• 3 bedroom, lovely house with garden
• Catchment area for great school
• Nice area with lots going on for children
• Higher tax
• No funded childcare until age 3

Option 2 (London)

• Closer to family and friends
• Commute for roughly an hour a day
• £1500 p/m mortgage
• Smaller house, in a less desirable area
• Free childcare from 9 months

Option 1 probably.

Depends a little on when you're having to go back to work and what the child care costs will be but at first glance I'd say Option 1, make new friends and stay in the nicer area with more disposable income, more space and less commuting. Invite your friends and family to come and visit you.

Option 2 sounds like several aspects of your quality of life will take a hit, less time, less space, not so nice house / area and maybe less money (depending on the sums for rent Vs childcare)

Option 1. Without a doubt. Your quality of life will be so much better in that lovely big house, with a great school for your child, and a short commute. It makes such a big difference. If you haven’t already, you will make friends when you’re pregnant / have a young baby.

Option 1, without a doubt. Though you don't say where in Scotland, pretty much anywhere in Scotland would be preferable to London.

1. Every. Single. Time.

Option 1.

Just be careful about the 'free' childcare. It's funded hours but often there are still reasonable costs involved.

We made a move away from our home city and I cannot tell you how amazing it is to feel safe. Just walking to the shops or out to a cafe without that pervasive feeling of fear hanging over me.

Thank you all!! I should have mentioned that I’ll probably need 3 days childcare a week for option 1, but 0 childcare for option 2 as my parents will be able to help out.

Lots to think about and I appreciate your insights.

Personally I find family support really beneficial. Someone to help out when needed is invaluable. Although 3 days per week childcare from grandparents is quite s lot, so I would check they are really up for that.

Still option 1.

Option 1 definitely.

Presumably your partner is a good egg if you’re planning on having kids with him? He’ll be hands on etc? We’re hundreds of miles from family, 3 kids, all good.

Don't forget to take the weather into account.

The north is great in many ways, but rain cold and dark can get you down.

Do your parents really want to do 3 days?
Do you know anyone in Scotland? Where is it in Scotland?

Option 2 I wouldn't want to live in London but presumably you're from there if family there.

You can't put a price on family and friends when you have young children

Definitely better to be near family and friends. You can always move later when they’re older.

Option 1. I say this as someone who brought chldren up in London and then outside London. I'd be wary of depending on grandparents for chidcare as well, as they often find out they've over-promised and don;t have the energy levels for the commitment.

Option 2. I'd miss the buzz and facilities of a large city and having family nearby. I also hate, hate, hate the cold so Scotland wouldn't suit me. Yes, I know it's not always cold but it is generally colder! Even in a less than desirable area your house value will appreciate much more in London than in Scotland. But it depends of course whether you can afford the £1,500 monthly mortgage without really, really scrimping on your quality of life.

Option 1.

But I've lived in London for nine years and it made me ill.

Option 2. Living close to family and friends is the only thing which would sway me.

Option 2.
Family, friends, social life, so many free events for kids, lots to do

London.

Because I love living in London, was a great place to bring up my Dc, and to be near friends and family.

Lots can change in a short space of time. What happens if your parents can't help with childcare, does option 2 still work if you have to pay for childcare. Factor for being self sufficient in worst case scenario situation

Just bear in mind, 400
Miles is a long way to be from family.

I live about the same distance from my family, it's fine but it can be hard at times if you are used to a support network

Option 1 I think. But when you say 400 miles from family and friends...okay family, but do you not have friends locally? How long have you lived there? Are you both from London?

If you have only recently moved to where you are then I would be less inclined to stay and more inclined to move back near family.