What is more important?

[harplowski]

I grew up in a small town and my wife grew up in a middle sized town and our families mean a lot to us both. We now live in a very large city about 3-4 hours away from where we grew up. I have a job opportunity back in my wife's hometown where our average disposable income every month would be less than what we would have here in the big city despite the cheaper cost of living. My question is, what is more important when it comes to my daughter, the family having more disposable income and being reasonably close to extended family, or being close to the extended family and having them be a bigger part of her life? I'm also uncomfortable with her growing up in the big city and all of the extra dangers that living in the city presents over living in a small town.

[bluecollardad]

I grew up surronded by family. both of my parents parents lived within a half mile of me. I could walk to their houses. I enjoyed all the time I got to spend with them. I basically had 3 moms and 3 dads. my father worked 12-14 hr days and was always tired. he was a weekend dad due to his work. we where close but his time was limited. My moms dad and I would go fishing, and on camping trips together. my dad's dad and I would go to sporting events and do puzzles together. My mother and my grandmothers would go swimming and they taught me how to cook and clean. Now my wife and I live within 15 miles of our parents and my boys love the time they get to spend with them. my parents live across the street from us and my oldest walks over and hangs out with grandma.. I could of moved to arizona and made 5 times the money I make now. I choose to stay close to home and allow my children to know and spend time with their grandparents. also my sister and my wifes brother live close by as well as her aunts and uncles.... so i would say family before money

[lewjeffrey]

I would agree with family before money. All of the extra money is meaningless compared to relationships with relatives. With relatives close by, there is less of a worry about finding a babysitter.