Maru and I have prioritised living close to Central London. We have a rule that if invited to something in town, we don’t want to turn it down because we live far away.
This decision has made a big difference. We live in a neighbourhood that has a bustling high street and is 20 mins in the tube from town. It’s filled with cafes and restaurants, and we have wonderful food and grocery options within 5-8 mins walk from our flat.
Prioritising proximity is an investment, but the intangible dividends pay out regularly.