I've come to realise I'm not a city girl unless I'm free of encumberances such as domesticity and small children. An opportunity has arisen to leave seeedney and its sparkling harbours which I have not managed to enjoy in almost four years of living here. I felt attached to this city the moment I first stepped into it. It reminded me of the place I grew up. It was familiar. Homeless people, career climbers, distracted by the dollar would be movers and shakers, dispossessed and glittery friendliness which extends only so far. HOME. But just this morning, I realised how much I actually was stressed and pressured in my home city. I moved away had my kids got badly burned by people but also made great friends and had opportunities I didn't know what to do with. I know now! Lol. We've made friends at last here, isn't that always the way? But not anywhere near the capacity of what young kids need in my view where people pop around make coffee to not drink it as you support each other through young kids who grow up together. That's what my first family had, in spite of the fear inducing family court stress and stalking that went on for seven long years. We still had friends and play dates and stuff swapping lol. This little family of mine has been sheltered from life. We don't go to the park across the street, because its a rough neighbourhood. We attend a few community playgroups and with the special needs one away for 6 hours a week, it's been possible to make friends. And they're lovely. So the move that's coming up has better schools and is like a big country town although it calls itself a city. But I'm very attracted to the thought of active community opportunities, including special needs respite, the option of transferring special needs child into full time school next term, and public preschool for the girls, something that isn't available here and which is reflected in the substandard numeracy and literacy rates I believe. But I also have itchy feet as an almost terminal condition; nothing PEPs me up as much as travel. It would also mean attempting to live with my ah again. A sideline detail which is possibly bound to become a scene stealer. His personality has developed but his addiction is and will always be there. I keep thinking selfishly though.....like I can go for a run in the morning leaving the kids at home because someone --their actual father even-- will be there since it only takes 20 mins not 2 hours to get to work. I want to share this load of parenting while its an option. But I'm being cautious. The location I like. The fantasy enthusiasm I need to check. Thanks for being here.

(((A41)) I am a City Person and love it Positive thoughts and prayers on the way

I know you are Hotrod, and I should add, there's a love and gratitude I have for cities as well. People see more. Live more. Have hard won experience. I'm glad I was raised in one, but completely lack faith when it comes to my own. I do also have this feeling I'm about to throw the baby out with the bathwater, because son starts full time school next year anyway, which will free me up considerably and we have made friends now. Plus there are jobs here and fun insightful people with a humour I adore. More food for thought.

I think I need to make an objective list.

Making that list and praying about it will be helpful I will also pray for HP's will to be revealed.
City living is not easy and as you noted you have now developed a community and see job opportunities so it will take inspiration from HP to make the final choice. I am happy for you A 41