we faced a similar question a few years ago (with anticipated, rather than actual kids!) and we decided further out.

personally, I find that once you're on the train you're on the train - an extra 15 minutes doesn't really make any difference on a day to day basis. and you're more likely to get a seat!

but the difference of having a bigger yard, more space in the house, 4 bedrooms instead of 2 or 3, having it that little bit quieter and darker at night, more parks, etc - those things do make a difference for us on a day to day level.

and there's still good schools out here.

those things were what made our decision for us.

we would have loved to have bought in closer, but we wouldn't have been happy, long term, with the size of the house or land.