Moving from country to city - what should we prioritise?

[onthemoveagainmyfriends]

Hi all,

We are considering a big move once our youngest DD leaves home in a couple of years. We had always planned to go back to my OH’s country in a few years but a combination of Covid and Brexit have settled us on doing this sooner rather than later. Mainly because we miss family but also because the quality of life (and weather!) is so much better where they are.

We are visiting them soon and planning to do a bit of initial house hunting while we are there. However, we are a bit undecided about where to look. All our family live in the same biggish city. Most of them live in Area A, which is very nice, central and feels like home from home for us. We had assumed that we would move there. However, here in the UK we live very rurally and will be taking our dog with us when we move. So, we’re wondering whether we should move to Area B, which is lovely and central also, but has a big park where we could walk the dog and just enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. However, it is about 45 minutes walk from family as they would be the other side of the city centre IYSWIM.

Obviously, this is a huge move for us as we have lived in the UK/countryside for so long. But we are getting older and like the idea of having family nearby, entertainment, museums etc. It would be a great place for the kids (grandkids?) to visit rather than the back of beyond where we are now. We also like the idea of not having to drive anywhere - or even have a car after so many years of school runs etc. hence not really considering outside the city itself. Work isn’t really a consideration re. location as we will be mainly freelance/WFH.

Like I say, we are going for a visit and also plan to stay for a few weeks over the summer to get a better feel for how this might work. But just wondered if any of you had made such a big change in lifestyle like this?

Maybe the overseas bit is a red herring as it is really the rural/urban thing that is the biggest change. So I guess it’s really a question of whether we should prioritise amenities (park/space) versus being where we always planned/family! Any thoughts would be well received - thank you. :)

Can you afford the type of housing you'd like in both areas? That might make the decision a bit easier.

Are all of the amenities you'd like in area B as well? It's so much more pleasant to walk to restaurants and cinemas etc rather than getting public transport.

Are you considering area B because of the park and the noise level? If so, I'm not sure that's enough reason to change areas - a quieter street in area A is probably much more peaceful than a busier street in area B. And regarding the park, I'd recommend somewhere with a bit of a garden if possible - it's much easier to just open the door to let the dog out, rather than getting fully dressed every time the dog needs to go out.

I moved from rural to urban, some considerations for when you're visiting the city:

• think about the noise, and how much it bothers you (or not!). Spend at least a few hours in the area you're considering in the middle of the day, listening for plane noise, street noise, ambulances, church bells, etc - these things aren't very noticeable as a tourist, but as a resident can drive you mad!
• think about the things you'll actually do day-to-day - the types of restaurants or coffee shops you'll like 'in real life' rather than on holiday, libraries, supermarkets, etc, rather than novelty attractions like museums - which are lovely, but unlikely to be somewhere you visit weekly.

Can you get an Airbnb in each area and see which you prefer?

Thanks @sarahb083 - really helpful the idea of imagining what our "real" life is likely to look like, rather than my aspirational idea of museums and whatnot! I suppose that's where the park thing kicked in - is that something that is going to be really important for us day to day or could we just potter round the streets?

Yes, very much a first-world problem as both areas have good shops, cafes etc. so nothing to choose between them on that front. And prices similar so we could get something nice in either so a good dilemma to have definitely.

Unfortunately no possibility of a garden, we will be getting a flat. And oh yes, the pain factor of having to put proper footwear and go downstairs before bed! We lived in a flat a long long time ago and I still get a thrill from just opening the door and sending the little chap (a new little chap of course) out into the night by himself!

Did you manage to get used to the noise? It's very quiet where we are now so I can't imagine going back to having people all around me!

I am now used to the noise, but I think living in a city causes some low-level stress for me - the constant hum of people and traffic and building works etc. Though the benefits of the city definitely outweigh the negative.

I love being near green space, so for me the park would be a benefit, though personally I'd probably prioritise being near family and friends, especially just after an international move. Is there a small park in area A that might work for your dog?

Some distance from inlaws could be handy...

you talk about being 'older' - makes me think access to amenities matters more than access to parks