Identify the fixed anchors.
Start with the places and times that cannot move easily: workplace, school, regular treatment, transport connections and any dependants’ care. Everything else should be compared around those anchors.
Draw the actual week.
Work: Map on-site days, working hours, office location, client travel and airport connections.
School: Confirm arrival time, campus, transport, admissions status and after-school schedule.
Home: Define essential space, budget, lease terms, current supply and neighbourhood services.
Care and daily life: Connect insurance networks, appointments, groceries, transport and recurring household support.
Score friction, not prestige.
A desirable district may create long school travel, dependence on a car or poor access to the workplace. Compare door-to-door time at realistic hours and include the return journey.
Test the difficult day.
Model the day when both adults have commitments, school ends early and a family member needs care—not only the ideal weekend.
Build a two-stage shortlist.
First shortlist: Select two or three city areas that satisfy the fixed anchors, then check current housing and school feasibility.
Practical test: Run sample weekday journeys and use temporary accommodation as a bridge where useful.
Commitment: Delay long commitments until work, school, healthcare, transport, weekend needs and a contingency day have been tested.
Editorial review: July 2026. Housing, school and transport conditions change. Validate current availability and local requirements before making commitments.