London zone 2 vs stroud vs hometown

[goteam]

Have any London leavers decided not to move back near family but to take a punt on an area that seems, on paper, like a great place to bring up a family? Love where we live, great parks etc but outgrowing flat and can't afford a house. Options will be to move near my family in Northern city where I grew up (mixed feelings but essentially to be near 70 something parent and afford a nice house, lots of friends there too) to stay put and make do (think a London upbringing could be great for kids in many ways) or to move to somewhere like stroud. We have some family and a few friends there, didn't pick it randomly. Can anyone talk me through their own decision making if you were in a similar quandary?

We love London but like the idea of an idyllic country upbringing for kids (1 and 3) but realistically feel we should be near elderly family. Hometown is 3.5 hours from Stroud...will need to decide in next few years.

I had to leave London due to work. I absolutely hated living rurally, so we made every effort to move back to another major city. (not in UK) I am much happier now.

Thanks for reply. That's my worry. The rural idyll not living up to expectations. It's a well connected market town with a train station and a lot going on but I think I would miss the buzz of a big city and things like major publically funded museums and art galleries, eating out options, theatre,gigs etc. I'm trying to think what would be best for my kids. Rural or city upbringing. I guess both are good in different ways.

Well, thats quite a wide choice of places to live. TBH (and I say this as the person who cares from a distance for two very frail parents), I'd live near your hometown.

The PIL live in Stroud, and there is a lot going on there, plus its not that long a drive to Bristol for more city things, but if you live in the town its not exactly rural idyll - though there are two excellent secondary schools. Have you spent much time there?

Yes, we have family there too and a few friends. The schools look great, surrounding countryside is lovely, and we are both artists (hobbies not jobs) and vegan so that side of it appeals. Plus the fact that it's easy to get to Bristol etc. In llaws very nearby in Wilshire but yeah, my mum lives alone up North ( lots of other family around though) and is in her 70 's so I hear what you're saying.

I just feel a bit flat about moving back to hometown as I couldn't wait to leave. Objectively speaking, it's a great city but, well, who wants to live where they few up?!

*grew up

CMO sorry about stress caring for parents btw. My mum is an older mum and has various ailments (heavy smoker) so I feel that I need to start worrying about her already (I'm only early 30's).

If your mum has a lot of family around her, then that is a bit different, and you'd be close to the ILs. Mine don't have anyone locally who will help out.

Theres certainly lots of arts stuff going on locally, and of course Cheltenham has loads - currently its the jazz festival for instance. And if you ventured to Worcester, I know a cafe that does brilliant vegan fry ups .

For balance, I grew up in a small town, lived in a major city for some years, and now we live in a teeny Worcestershire town. I loved city living in my 20's, but now the small town where ds can be fairly independant but we can be in two major cities in under an hour, and in 3 small cities in under 30 mins is fabulous

You've sold stroud to me! Yes lots of extended family in hometown who are very close by but I would feel bad not 'doing my bit'. Well, we don't have to decide just yet. Thanks for tips!