We are currently in an outer Eastern suburb of Melbourne. I grew up around here, my parents are 10 mins away and it is a comfort zone, plus we get a lot of support from my mum and dad.

DH grew up in South Gippsland, his parents are still there and we are considering a move down there. It would mean zero to minimal mortgage, an investment property as well, slower pace of life for all of us (something I think my anxiety would love!) and a country upbringing for the kids.

I am just very unsure - I know work for me would be fine being a teacher and having a choice of 4 schools in the town we would be in plus another 4 in surrounding towns so plenty of CRT work if nothing else. DH on the other hand would be taking a huge drop in pay. He is a chippy working as a Site Manager for a wonderful builder, he would basically have to start from scratch and work his way up again - our cost of living wouldn't be as high though, hardly any mortgage plus he wouldn't be travelling nearly 2 hours a day to work.

I don't even know what I am asking! It's all just a bit scary, so just wanting to know if you moved away from friends and family how did you cope? I don't have a huge amount of friends but the ones I do have are awesome. I will still see them as I would have to come back regularly for the kids to see my family.

How easily did you make new friends? I am hoping the kinder and work links will be enough that we won't be too lonely plus DH has some friends from school who still live down there.

Any advice would be appreciated!