Location or house?

[applesandbanoonoos]

Would you rather have a large detached house further out of town but would need to drive to everything (including convenience store), or a smaller semi detached house that is walkable (less than 10 mins) to everything including child’s school?

Always nice to be near a shop in case you need milk etc.

Yes, nobody wants to drive every single time they want a pint of milk or whatever.

Also, more driving means more money spent on petrol.

location location location
I couldn't live somewhere where i had to drive all the time

Especially as the OP doesn’t drive.
Location every time for me.

It would seem foolish to move to a house that you can only drive to places from if you are unable to drive. Are you thinking of learning?

We moved to a preferred location into a less preferred house. It’s a strange set up - I don’t like driving up the street where my house is because it’s a bit meh, but absolutely love the back street as it is on the edge of a nature reserve. Best decision we ever made!

I would like to learn how to drive but my vision is significantly impaired in one eye so safer for everyone if I don’t. Plus the cost of lessons and then petrol (and possibly) a second car.

I'm torn because I’m going for a smaller house than we have now so feels like we are going backwards house wise if we choose the semi but the location is so much better and will give independence to all family members.

i just always thought I would slowly progress up the housing ladder until I get to my dream house. Something big and detached.

Location for me is the one out of town. I dislike living inside a city with all the people.

Large detached. I don’t mind driving. I don’t drink. I don’t like people being too nearby.

If you can’t drive then you need to do the semi. You can’t cut yourself off from amenities as a non driver.

You are progressing as the location is so much better.
I sympathise about your vision problem but that makes it essential to be able to walk to things.
And a 45 minute school run is enough to rule that house out.
Like many of us you can only afford the ideal house if it’s in a far from ideal location.

Location is very important, for detached or semi. I'd always chose detached and get stuff/everything delivered. But in your circumstances I think you'd be better off in a semi with its good location - choose the right semi though.

Location location location

Location 100%. You can’t drive and there’s nothing in walking distance. As your kids get older they will be constantly looking lifts.

I have always lived rurally so the distances are just normal life to me and my family and you adapt and find ways round it. However the fact that you do not drive is a huge consideration that we do not have to deal with.
Are you legally allowed to drive? If so I would prioritise driving lessons and get this skill under your belt, as it opens up more choices.
Personally I would go for larger property.

2 all day long

Picking the first house would be nuts in your circumstances - you’d end up feeling trapped.

There is secret option C which is bigger house in good location (if it comes up) but this would mean MASSIVE mortgage…but not keen on “starting again” in my mid-40’s. I’d be tied to my job etc. I guess this is a thread of its own…

The fact that you don't drive means the town location is best . I do drive and as kids got older ended up driving them to a lot of social things as well as school . It was unfair on them not to . But I never minded it as I was a teenager in a rural location and knew how it felt to be isolated.

Smaller house in better location

I don't know why you'd even look at a house in that location given that you can't drive! You're putting yourself in a very isolated position and potentially limiting your work options, what activities your kids can do etc. Although at least you'd be stuck in your dream house!

Err… you plan ahead or go without it. You’ll spend less in groceries because you are planned rather than popping out spontaneously and then buying more/at a high price.

how do you think the millions of people living in small villages or rurally live?! And most of them love it and have no issue driving to a store.

For us, it depended on the ages of the DC. We chose a semi near to schools and other social activities when they were of school ages. It ment they were less dependent on being driven everywhere and learned to make their own way to friends, activities etc.
After school, they were at Uni and trying independence, driving, etc and so we felt able to choose the large detached house in the sticks without making them feel deprived.
They could come and stay, bring friends and come and go as they pleased.
We learnt to live without the convenience of nearby shops and soon began to feel that the amenities of the small market towns around us weren't actually that far away..

I've just gone for a better location and semi house. More free time is the biggest upgrade IMO.

As you don’t drive the choice is clear. It’s not fair on your DH to have to ferry everyone around

And what if he couldn’t drive for a bit? I injured my hand and couldn’t drive for a couple of months. Or in the event you split up?

Think of the DC. Good location means more freedom when they are a teenager, and spares parents from being a taxi service. (And from teenagers from having to blag lifts from new drivers.)

The fact that you don’t drive is massively relevant here and I think the people who are advocating for house 1 likely wouldn’t be if they’d read your update. That said, I have limited vision in one eye and am still allowed to drive. However I know it’s specific to the condition so just check with the dvla.