Anyone bought a house you loved in an area you weren't sure about...?

[CityDweller]

... if so, were you happy with your decision?

There's a house that DH and I can't stop thinking about (first viewed 3 months ago), but it would mean a complete lifestyle change by moving to an area 1.5hrs away. There's nothing 'wrong' with the area per se (in fact, it seems nice), it's just completely different from where we live now - and while we love the house, can picture our family there, already know where we'd put up the Christmas tree (), I'm not sure whether it's 'too big' a move.

Anyone moved to an area that was very different or that they weren't sure they'd like, and it all worked out well? (or not?)

We live in a nice area (semi rural, decent schools and facilities) but we bought in the one village that all the snobby estate agents told us to avoid!! We think this was simply because there is a large council estate here.

Well how wrong they were.

20years down the line, the 'nicer' villages have seen houses go up on every bit of spare land and the roads are totally snared up at rush hour and school run times. It would add 40 mins each way to our daily commutes if we lived there and the dog walk would be along paved roads rather than across fields and river banks!

Meanwhile our little village is the same as it ever was, the kids had space to go out and play safely and there is still tons of wildlife around (we have had Countryfile film here!) We are friends with the local shopkeepers and the folk from the posher villages are queuing up to get into our school.

We have never seen any trouble here, there was a Police helicopter hovering over the estate once, no doubt the estate agents would have that down as a drugs raid but it was actually an old man who had gone missing.

I would say go and visit the area, get out of your car and walk all around it, visit what ever community facilities there are and really get a feel for it.

Then go with your heart.

Thanks serin, and everyone else.

Just to clarify, it's not a 'rough' area we're thinking of moving to (not that I have anything against 'rough' areas per se). Rather it's just very different from the type of environment we live in now.

Yes we knew the road as our friends live on it too and have lived here for years. But wasn't familiar with the area. As we got to know the area we realised it was loads better than our old area.

It was so different to our old area but in lots of good ways- wider roads, everyone with off street parking, nicer neighbours, quieter in general-nicely tucked away, bigger houses and better looked after, lots of countryside nearby and facilities within easy walking distance. Best thing we ever did.

We moved just over a hour away to a beautiful house over looking the sea, beautiful.
I would have stayed there in a heart beat but the children didn't want to move schools as they were settled so decided that I would drive them.
It ended up costing me £300 in fuel a week, as the traffic on the commute plus working from home meant I had to make 4 x 90 mile per day.
We moved but I would go back today if I could!

Please help me to find best area to live with outstanding schools around London especially grammar schools?? Looking for three bedrooms. .

I identify so much with havemercys post.

We moved to an area we didn't know. Only 5 miles down the road from the city we were priced out of. Our house was a state and we did it up. It's a 3 bed semi but we've made it into our dream home, I love it. So much space and opportunity. The area is so American, it's like you can't get anywhere unless you drive and there is nothing immediately here. But you know what, the area is attracting more people like us and changing quickly

MandyKaur - Petts Wood is lovely, good commute to London, access to three Grammar school areas and lovely community. Lots of open spaces but still the convenience of the suburbs with shops and restaurants. 3 bed semis go for about £500k. Cheaper areas on the border include Crofton where you can get a 4 bed Townhouse for under £400k.

Mandy maybe start your own thread with your question rather than hijacking this one? You'll probably get more responses that way.

I always choose location first (even if its a forced move and its a limited choice).

But then Im a SAHM with 2 children and need to be out and about in the area alot (entertainment for kids, banks, shops, walking dog, post office etc etc).

Perhaps if I was working and then just returned each night to a house I loved, it wouldnt matter what the area was like as Id never see it.

We've just moved from a city to a small town 10 miles away. Not the 1.5 hours of the OP but a definite change of lifestyle, at least outside of work. So far, we really like it. Delighted with house (extra space, garden, view, off street parking, nicer road etc..). Town is small and friendly but big enough that there are independent shops, a supermarket, a couple of cafes and a few eating out options at the weekend. Although we know a few people here (through work), we've yet to make friends. Our daugther starts in local school in September which, I hope, will help with this and I hope to get involved with local activities.

I guess we also moved at a good time of year (Spring) to enjoy the outside space and I'm not sure yet what it will feel like in the winter. But so far so good!