Would you move out?

[RugbyWidow7]

We are currently renting in a lovely area we moved to 18 months ago and have built a great set of friends. We have an 11 month old.

We are really starting to feel like we won't be able to buy anything here that we really like for a very long time. We are in a rental house that is fine but we are currently looking to move out of it for more space / bigger garden etc but not seen anything. We're keen to feel settled within a year or two because of schooling.

The point is we've just seen a house we really like to rent but it's 30 mins away from our friends / life here. I think if we're going to ship out we should prob do it sooner rather than later to give us chance to settle elsewhere. The other area is more affordable (slightly) so we could aim get to know the area with a view to buying within a couple of years.

I'm so torn. Would you move?

We are considering a move to the other end of the country for a better quality of life. 30 minutes doesn't sound too bad to me! You will be able to move house without moving jobs and in time you will make new friends in your new area. In the meantime you have the buffer of being able to pop back to see old friends. I feel rather envious!

Thanks tricot that's given me a different perspective which is really useful. Most of our friends are in London so we're an hour from them already and then will be a further 30 mins out and away from the new people we've met. I guess it's the idea of starting all over again, AGAIN! Nothing compared to your dilemma though

The thing is that you have done it once and you can do it again and having a child does make it easier.

I know this makes me sound harsh, but you are admitting that where you currently live is becoming unsuitable. It is good to have the support of friends, but really what would they do if they had the opportunity for a better std of living?

Your child is also young enough for you to make the move, get to know the new area and (if it is anything like the area we live in) have enough time to get his/her name down for the better preschools.

Good luck

I would.

We lived overseas for a very long time too. Whilst at times it was hard with the children it was also a great opportunity.

You are not moving far, and you will have a better quality of life. No-brainer for me.

I take the opposite view I'm afraid. To me quality of life is hugely dependent on relationships. It is the thing that stops us moving further from where we are. We have great friends and family in the immediate vicinity and not being able to just "pop" over to see a friend for a coffee or meeting at the park is something that would really impact on our life.
That said, if your friendships are not that evolved yet, and because your dc is still so young take the opportunity now as it will only get harder later on.
Good luck!

Interesting. Op doesn't mention family. I'm moving closer to family but further from friends and I think that makes quite a difference.

We are about to move out of London to the country for all the usual reasons. Leaving my friends will be a huge wrench and I have had a few wobbles over it, so I understand where you are at. BUT, same as you, I want to be settled before the kids start school, so we are going for it. Plus the fact that most of my friends are planning to leave London within the next couple of years for the same reasons. Might as well get on with it, and little kids do make it easy to make new friends.

Its a worry because on one hand you are leaving certainity behind. You know your family enjoys where they are and it suits you all. However you are not too tied down with renting and not having school age children so if worse comes to worst you can always move back!

Which area has a better chance of a good school?

You also have to consider if you really like the area now, if it grows in popularity you might find you cannot afford to get back in later.

Personally I would have a very good look into schools and spend as much time as possible in the potential area first.

One thing I have learnt in life recently is that things that look perfect on paper arent always so in reality!