What would you do?

[lilaloves]

Ok,not sure if I should post this in property bit or here,but would really like some advice.

At the moment we live in a flat in the middle of a city with 2ds,aged 7 and 2.

We have been looking to move now within this area for a while but as with most cities there is a huge demand so everything is v overpriced etc,ds1 school is bursting at the seams with classes of 30plus kids.

Had a chat with dh last night and he says he thinks we should move out of the city and dowm to the village my parents live in and moved to 5years ago.

The positives being,Its a lovely conservation village,we would be mortgage free,the local school i a new "eco" school with smaller class sizes,quite good community spirit etc,more family help with kids etc if needed

The down side for me is that It feels isolated,I dont drive,but agree this would be excellent incentive to learn.

I love city life in that we can jump on bus or walk to cafes,museums,cinema,lovely parks.

Help,what would you do?

I had a similar problem a few months ago. DH wanted to move out to the countryside close to where we are now. I wasn't so keen because I thought I would get isolated. In the end we've put off moving.

I would research the village to find out what goes on there and in any bigger towns/cities nearby. Also - are there are essential friends/family near you now who you would find it difficult to see if you moved?

A pros/cons list might help.

Well first of all I would decide that I really really wanted to learn to drive - because otherwise it will be very restricting and you will rely heavily on others for lifts.

I would also be asking my parents for their unbiased opinion of the place they live in.

And then - why not? Sounds lovely.

Yes Im learning to drive regardless of where we move,but if we move to this village it is essential.

My parents LOVE the village.
They have lived there 5 years but are still considered newcomers!
They socialise with neighbours,go to summer fete etc,but they are not heavily involved with the circles we would be in.

These can be slightly cliquey as far as my parents have heard.But i suppose any school/community has that element.

My parents we love us to live there but they know how much I enjoy living in a city,being close to everything.I dont even like going to the country on holiday

Also,thinking into future wont my ds be bored living in the counrty as teenagers? and will wish I hadnt moved them.

My DH grew up in a country town/village and he always found something to do. I think teenagers can be bored no matter where they grow up.

Would you be able to do a trial run? Spend a week there and get a proper feel for it?

I love city life in that we can jump on bus or walk to cafes,museums,cinema,lovely parks

I dont even like going to the country on holiday

Based on those two comments alone I would suggest you don't do it.

Small villages are pretty...

.... and pretty isolating
....(often) cliquey
.... turn parents of teens into a taxi service
.... and are not the idyl they are portrayed to be...

i agree with chipping in.
I grew up in a village- I think it teaches children good lessons in making their own entertainment- up until the age of about 10 or 11. In the summers, we spent day after day outside on our bikes and in the woods, unsupervised, until it got dark or cold - lots of happy memories

but those are innocent years wherever you are. After that it is a complete misconception that a village is a 'healthier place' to race kids (ignoring pollution!) We got bored and took lots of drugs. Many of our school friends developed drug/alcohol addictions and I have been to too many funerals

Yes we could do a trial run,have often stayed for long weekends.
The kids have a great time but not so sure once novelty weras off.

They are used to LOTS of activities,always donig something.

I know that living in the country wont ever be "me"
but i'm willing to do it if it means better school,closer to parents(they are only 60 but thinking to future it may be better to be close,only child].

Also being mortgage free would take pressure of dh,he could reduce hours.

This move is all about everyone else,Dont know if I'm selfless enough but would like to try for them.

Also I think in some way its what my mum wishes they had done as parents,she really sees it as an ideal place to raise children.