A nearly perfect home or location close to family

[flutterby101]

Looking for some advice please.

We are currently living within walking distance of our families (org mine and OH family). We’ve been looking at buying a bigger house for a while but nothing in this area coming up.... the sort of house we want next is out of our price range in this area.
We have found a house that ticks all boxes however it’s furher away (approx half hour drive). This may not sound far but we have always been very close to family. We have a 1 year old who is very close to them and we spend a lot of time together. I have always pictured bringing my children up in this area (we are very familiar with it all) and always thought I’d know what nursery/school shed be going to.
So... do we take the plunge and go for the perfect house? 30 mins isn’t too far, however further away from our work, unfamiliar area (still has good schools) and not as close to family.... or stick to the area we love and wait in the hope something comes up?
I should add, family are a big help with childcare. Parents getting older and said they wouldn’t be comfortable driving 30 mins down the motorway and would much rather we stay close so they can help out as and when needed.
But.. the house is the only one we have seen that ticks all of our boxes and is in price range!

We compromised on house to be near family. I generally don't regret it.

It's smaller than I'd like but it means we have people who can meet the DC from school, do sickness runs for us when we're caught out, wonder round and babysit whilst we go to a parents evening or pop out for a meal without it being a big upheaval.

Not to mention the lovely family get togethers we have where we open one more bottle of wine than intended and there are no drivers.

We have slowly extended. Nothing grand. A lean too shed that's been fitted out as a utility, a new room linking the conservatory to the new utility, lined the conservatory roof to make it a year round room, brought furniture to fit the space we have.

If there's no pressure to move right now why not hold out for a bit and see what else comes up.

We moved half an hour away from our family. Everything is a longer drive now. Schools friends work gym family childcare. Our life is still based in the old area (although I guess this may slowly change?). We spend much more time driving. However I have no regrets as the house is absolutely perfect :)

Never underestimate being close to family if they are hands on with childcare. You have years of school holidays, illness and inset days where they can step in and help. Also the pleasure of being able to spend time together easily and being close to hand as your parents age. A half hour drive becomes an hour round trip.

I would try to find a house that could be extended in your current area.

Just to echo what others have said I'd stay and extend.

Stay close to family. Think of all the times Mam might wait in for a delivery for you, or Dad pops in with veg from garden for you, or as kids are older they'll get off school bus at Nans to have their tea and walk home when you're in from work (or a million other scenarios). You can't underestimate the value of being close to family - if they are lovely of course!

Thanks for your replies everyone. I think it makes sense to stay close. Even if we could make it work now, as our parents get older I guess we would regret not being so close! Such a shame as the property is amazing... but I guess if I have these reservations now then it’s not right!