Pros and cons and am I being selfish?

[Unmumsyme]

I hope this is the right place to post for some friendly opinions...

We currently live in a lovely part of a small city, our children are settled in good schools and it’s all very convenient. HOWEVER, I’m hankering after moving back to a much more rural life having grown up in a small village in the countryside. My partner is happy with the status quo as, although he likes the idea of more space etc, convenience is king as far as he is concerned.

We have seen the most amazing property which would be about 30mins away from our current location. I can’t decide whether it’s ridiculous to even consider the idea (children would stay in current schools) and whether I’m being very selfish. I guess I’m looking to hear the realities of commuting to get anywhere at all, long school runs, after school stuff etc, etc v. everything on your doorstep 🤷🏼‍♀️

I can't really help you but I'm in the same boat. Kids are not at school yet but otherwise same difficulty - somehow I feel I'm being silly / selfish when I talk to my partner about how much I want us to move to the countryside. I absolutely understand why you'd want to.

I've started making a list of all the things that I want out of a move to the countryside, to see if I can come up with ways of acheiving them without moving. Like getting a dog to force regular walks, an allotment to have the chance to grow and be in touch with the seasons, maybe doing workaway instead of holidays (like we used to pre-children) to learn new skills and get a fix of another kind of life. I'm not really convincing myself yet though :-(

I grew up in a market town and lots of my friends lived rurally.

Their parents were always complaining about driving them places, and as we got older they missed out on loads because they couldn’t Get places. Saturday nights were a particular issue, and they could only go out if they stayed over at one of our houses.

I live in a city now and my friend form those days still lives in a rural location (married a farmer). Kids are late primary school age and she spends her life driving them around - most things are at leat a 40 minute drive. Where I love there is a cinema, pool and park in walking distance. Also a primary school on the corner. Lots of safe bike lanes and greenways linking parks. I actually spend more time outdoors than she does because I can walk or cycle most places.

For me the pleasant views, larger house and garden doesn’t make up for the massive inconvenience and lack of amenities. But that’s just me😊