Moving back to London

[kentwife]

Hi Everyone,
We moved out of London 15-years ago and have enjoyed our country life. But we are now considering a move back to London - in fact to the same area of south London from whence we came. I have a son at university and a daughter who will go in September all being well. While we have both enjoyed the country we haven't enjoyed the winters - our garden is virtually a no go area from November until mid April because of the mud. We have a lovely home with a large garden and a pool which is fab in the Summer but it will feel very large and empty without the children around. We have also missed the lack of culture and diversity which London offers, and although London is only an hour away on the train - it seems much further. The prospect of growing old in the country doesn't fill me with joy at all. Has anyone else made the move back?
Thanks.

We are ten years behind you! However, my husband thinks he won't want to leave the countryside and go back but I am not so sure. There is so much I still miss after a few years out of London. I think it's a brilliant plan. Where would you go? Would you still be able to keep a bolthole in the countryside?

Hi, I didn't think we would move back either but it's the realisation of being in the countryside on our own which has made us consider this. We are not a big family and my children will probably be working in London, given their career choices so we would like to be close to them as well. We'd probably move back to the same area in Wandsworth/Merton borders. I don't think we'd be able to afford to have two homes so it will be London alone. I grew up in London and went to university there as well so its very much part of me. Our lives have been very busy with two active children but that will come to a shuddering halt very soon and the reality is that although we live in a very, very peaceful area it's actually a bit dull.

In the same boat OP.
Currently living semi rural, one child off to university in September and the other going into year 11 this year.

I absolutely do not want to spend my years in the countyside either. I fear however, we are priced out of the market down south now.

Will think more what to do, once DS completes his GCSE's next year.

This will be us. Currently stuck (long story) in a commuter area/home county so not really countryside but am not keen on the lack of public local transport, facilities, lack of culture and how people seem in a bubble with same interests and outlook etc . I spend a fortune escaping back into London. We can’t really move for another 5 years but Interested to hear how you manage everything .

Similar situation. Moved out with children 12 years ago. Husband left almost immediately. I have longed to return ever since, but had to consider DDs, now 21 and in London and 17 and off to uni in two years. There are things I love about being here, an hour outside. I have a life here now too of course, but the longing has never left. Rose tinted maybe, but the variety, the opportunities, the ambition of the place. I could afford a flat, not the space the DDs have here for the years ahead of university holidays. Following with interest and would love to hear from those who have done this...