I never imagined that parking would influence my biggest life decision, but the idea of skipping daily parallel parking on the street made me realize I was moving back to the town where I grew up.
My partner and I were searching for our first home together and hoped to stay in Oxford, the city we’d called home for five years.
I was talking to a real estate agent about what we were looking for, and he raised an eyebrow when I mentioned our budget. He said that if we wanted an off-street parking space within our budget, we’d need to look at smaller towns outside the city.
One town stood out — it was the place I’d lived as a child, just 25 minutes away. My parents still lived there, and we visited often, so it felt like the natural choice for our move.
At first, I pushed back on the idea of moving back home. I’d spent my youth feeling restless, eager to leave my hometown behind. But when the agent showed us what we could afford — a house with a garden and parking space instead of a cramped flat with no outdoor area — the practicalities made sense.
We were planning to start a family soon, and having my parents nearby appealed to to both of us. We went for it, and 12 years later, I’m now raising my own children in the same town where I grew up.
People recognize me from my childhood
Raising kids in your hometown is a strange experience. Many people know you from your younger days, and it can feel like stepping back in time.
It’s odd dropping my kids off at clubs in my old school, and even more surreal when I see classmates dropping off their own children during the school run. I still feel like the kids, not the parents. Sometimes I cringe knowing others remember my teenage missteps or awkward phases.
When my children were little, I worried I’d made a mistake. I thought it was unadventurous, and I lacked access to cultural events, job opportunities, and city life. My town is small and quiet, and I missed the energy of city living — the architecture, services, and vibrant atmosphere.
For a while, I considered moving to the coast or back to the city. But as we’ve all grown older — my kids are now 7 and 9 — I’ve come to appreciate how fortunate we are.
Being close to my parents has been a game-changer
As my kids have grown, having my parents nearby has made a huge difference. My son is autistic, and finding childcare has been challenging — but grandparents step in frequently. Being near family means we can all support each other with caregiving, making life so much easier.
I’m grateful my kids and I get to spend time with my parents so readily, and I’m thankful for the family support system around us.
Hometown living offers other perks too. I stay close with old friends who never left, and I enjoy catching up with them. Plus, I know the best local spots — great restaurants, fun activities, and favorite places to explore.
I’ve grown to love where I live and planted roots as an adult, not just a child. I’ve made new friends and feel connected to my community in the neighborhood where I now live.
Of course, there are downsides, like limited cultural options, but it’s easy to hop on a bus or train for events and trips. I’m happy to travel for experiences in exchange for the benefits of hometown living.
I’ve realized there’s no perfect living situation, but it’s about balancing where you are physically with where you are in life. Right now, the advantages of living in my hometown outweigh the drawbacks — and the fact that I rarely have to parallel park is just the cherry on top.