Living near school vs living further away

[Misssd]

Hi! We currently live a 5-10 minute walk from school but we are looking to move. Ideally I'd like to live in a better area/nearer my parents (I'm getting divorced) but that means moving across town (10/15 minute drive, so not major but no direct bus to school). I'm concerned that by doing this I'm taking away my kids independence - my daughter is starting secondary school - and we are close to their/my friends. She will walk to school with friends but I dont want her hanging around the local area. There is the option of staying closer to school in a better area than I'm in, but not near my parents.
I know lots of kids that dont live near school, but just wondering if anyone can share their experiences?
Also, I have a thing about not living too far out of town and both options mean doing this. Ive always been central and like that I can walk to town (not that I do very often). Tell me it's ok not to be so central!!

[berksandbeyond]

Surely staying where you are, which is a 10/15 min drive to your parents, is close enough?
I'd prioritise being near the school, for your kids sake.

[BendingSpoons]

Realistically you are talking about fairly small distances here! I think you would be better off near school as traveling in rush hour on buses for a teenager is far more awkward than you driving 10/15 minutes to your parents. How often do you see them? Do you care for them?

[PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister]

You only live a 10 minute drive away from your parents and you feel it’s too far and want to move closer?!

stay close to school.

[yonce]

I'd stay where you are - why move to somewhere you don't want your daughter hanging around the local area? She'll soon be a teenager, and those sorts of rules aren't going to stand for very long, how will she manage friendships if she's not allowed out?

[maranella]

Stay where you are! Don't make a short walk a short drive. If your DPs are only 10-15 mins drive away that's hardly a long distance.

[LionessesRules]

Our catchment school is a 20 min drive away, in the next town over - we don't qualify for the school in our (old) town.
We've just moved to a 15 min walk.

Hw long would it take on a bus to get to school? Or would you drive every day?

Could you move close to your parents, and then transfer to a school on that side of town?

[MrsJamin]

100% don't move your children further away, they will thrive being near their school and friends with more independence.

[InChocolateWeTrust]

I would 100% prioritise being nearer the school your daughter needs to attend every single day, vs making a 15-20min drive to parents a few mins shorter!

Is there a particular reason you need to be on your parents doorstep? Caring responsibilities etc?

[AchillesLastStand]

Agree, live near the school. I love walkIng DS 8 to school through the village (10 minute walk) and high school is just around the corner. He will have so much independence and freedom walking himself to school when he’s older and also have all his friends living nearby. It’s the main reason we chose this house.