Stay in smaller house in nice area OR buy large fixer upper in remote woods

It's a matter of personal preference. I suggest a list of pros and cons to help your decision making.

I'm often mixed on a decision to move to a more rural area. I hate the idiots on the road in most urban settings yet I like that fact I can take a short drive to most retail businesses. Yet, I think I could never live in a rural area due to the required driving to retail businesses yet could enjoy the serenity of the area and part of me thinks it would be great to have a larger home with more space to build a shop and hold all my toys along with cheaper taxes, mortgage, etc.

Is there a question in there? You know this ain't facebook.

Aw, come on Oren, I know you care as much as I do -- maybe more.

Damn , nearly gagged on that one . And I care less than either of you .

LOL!

Both have good and bad points. Your house is, IMO, bare minimum for a small family but it can be done and had been done,

Bigger house is nice, but how far is deep in the woods? I don't mind a drive to get a loaf of bread, when i worked it was 24 miles. For me not a big deal but not everyone can handle it.

Bigger house = bigger heating bills too so be sure to factor all of that. If I found it affordable, I'd go for it.

Blizzards??

There is nothing more important than your child's education. Because I took an active role in making sure my daughter was enrolled in good school systems my kid got a good education and a good job and has been quite independent . Heck, she earns way more than I ever did. You will not regret any sacrifice your make for your kids education.

I suggest staying where you are for now but let your husband fix up the second home. When it's all fixed up, sell it and the small place you have now and buy another home in the same area where the schools are good.

Chances are you will make money on the deal.

I agree that a 1000 square ft house is a bit too small but a 3000 sq ft. house might be larger than you need and certainly cost more to heat.

Somewhere around 2000 sq ft may be ideal.

On Mon, 24 Apr 2017 17:44:03 GMT, Lindsey wrote in

Go for the bigger house in the rural area. It's a better way to raise kids. We did the same thing 30 years ago and never regretted it.

Don't worry about the schools. If your kids are smart and you are diligent about their learning, the school won't matter.

She should move to South side Chicago. Many opportunities there. She could become a community organizer, which is really tough in a rural area.