Woodend for toddler and teenager?

[fionas]

Hopefully our latest plan will be our last plan.

We need more space and we'd like a big garden for DD to run around in.

So we're thinking of a tree change from inner-Melbourne to Woodend. One of the other reasons it appeals is that I don't currently drive in the city even though I have my licence. The idea of driving in Woodend, however, does not faze me in the slightest. Country traffic compared to city traffic is a whole different ball game. I think I will actually have more freedom and do more stuff there than I do here. DD would watch less DVDs too - we have a very child unfriendly garden here. I guess when I say we want a big garden - what I mean is that we want a big block where we can go on walks, where there's established trees, where there is a view from every room, where it just has that serene feel.

Have spoken to our 16-year-old DSD about this plan, expecting her to be very opposed. But she said "I need a new challenge". She makes friends very easily so I have no concerns about her settling in somewhere new, just how bored she might be going from the city to a very small country town.

So, give me the good and the bad.

Oh, and it would mean being mortgage free though I'd probably still like to keep a toehold in the Melbourne market by buying a small unit and renting it out.