Not so nice area but good sized house and MASSIVE garden or smaller house, small garden but in nice area

[Lauriefairycake]

We have our house on the market but am getting worried about where to move to - this has to be our last move (we can't afford where we live - we bought it to do up so we could sell and pay debt off)

I have moved 26 times in my whole life so want to stay somewhere for a long time. I'm nervous about moving into a not-so-nice area but I really want to grow lots of veg. (have had my name down for an allotment for 2 and a half years)

I'm just terrified of making a mistake and not being able to sort it because we won't be able to afford to move again.

Given the state of the market I don't think i can get somewhere to do up for our money.

what are the schools like? Would be first thing I'd worry about. Dunstable to Luton Road does sound a bit, um, less than desirable (but I live just over the border in Herts so may be seeing this through the opposite of rose-tinted spectacles).

Where will you be happier - what are the schools like, what is your school run/commute like from each location - , which house suits your family lifestyle better? What about proximity to friends/family/shops - these are key questions for me. Both areas sound good to me, and with a village or A road location, resale should be ok on either.

just keep looking until you see the one you really want is my advise. yours might be on market for some time yet. doesn;t sound like either are really grabbing you tbh...

ime, it's the actual house that feels right, then you consider the rest - within reason of course. i.e. you have to be looking in roughly the right area to start with, even if that includes slightly nicer and not so nice parts in that area iyswim?

My ds is 13 and in teh best school there is so not really a cinsideration.He can still walk to school in 10 mins but is not so close to his friends but not majorly far either.Going for another look tomorrow can't believe we can get such a lovely house 2 streets away from the ones we can't afford.Also viewed a flat in lovely road but the 2 bedrooms used to be one!Downsizing is v hard but we wanted to be financially free so can't complain.BTW laurie 30s house has lots of light big rooms high ceilings and plenty of character!