You did the right thing. That sounds absolutely terrifying! Moving is always hard….we’ve been in our house almost 18 years old, basically raised our kids here, and now we are building a house which will be ready early next year. When we signed the contract for the new build, I was having those same jitters. Now, after over a year seeing the house go up, picking out beautiful new finishes, I’m more excited than nervous. Our new neighborhood suits our lifestyle better (we also picked a new city, not far from where we are, but closer to where we always hang out and closer to friends and family), our new house fits our lifestyle better, our kids are excited (one away at college and one still lives with us and goes to college locally), and everyone seems happier with the move. I’ll feel a little nostalgic actually moving but I know we will make amazing memories in the new house. Your home is where you are!

Change can always make one jittery. It's perfectly normal and you're perfectly in your right to feel that way. Especially since circumstances dictated that you make a move to be safer. And after all, it's a major change.

You will add your special touches. Have family get togethers. Have friends and neighbors over. You'll probably find that some of those neighbors wind up being your close friends too. We moved into our neighborhood 3 years ago where I bet houses are even closer together than your neighborhood and last night we all gathered (all vaccinated and boostered cause we're all seniors) to celebrate the Nov birthdays. New memories are being made.

Maybe it helps to remember that a house isn't what makes a home. It's the people you are with who make your house a home and it really doesn't matter where that place is.

remodleing1840 is spot on. Change is hard. Especially when it is thrust upon you in such an unexpected, shocking and dangerous manner. I can't urge you enough to get some counseling for this event. It's not a question of if, you WILL suffer from PTSD from this incident. You need the tools to properly deal with it. Half the battle of PTSD is recognizing it when it appears. Take action and get some help for both yourself and your family. They are involved with this, too. The sooner you get professional help, the sooner you can successfully move forward.

As far as how to deal with casual friends and distant family, you don't owe them much of an explanation. But developing a response in advance may prove helpful. I'd put some thought into that. I've found that a short truth is the easiest. "Blank showed up on my lawn and threatened my family. We decided that we would be safer in a less isolated neighborhood. I really don't want to discuss any of the details other than to say, this is the best decision for our family." If they press any further and some will, just tell them you don't want to discuss it any further." The more people that know about this, the more people who can provide you with a warning system. It's nothing to be kept hidden because you did nothing wrong. You just don't want to have to relive it.

I've sold and moved because of a neighbor stalker. I can sympathize. It happens more often that you may think. You just don't know what they would be capable of doing from moment to moment. That's no way to live your life. You did the right thing. You took action. What you are wrestling with right now is making the mental shift from the life that was to the life you are moving to. I've found that having something to move towards makes the moving so much easier. This will be a glass half full or empty decision on your part. While you loved your private hot tub, you need to find something else in your new home to provide you with pleasure and anticipation. How about a top of the line, jetted, heated tub for you new bath? Or, one of those fabulous shower towers? Heated floors, towel heaters. The list of pampering goodies is literally endless. Be kind to yourself. Just keep reminding yourself that you are moving forward and not away.

You don't own anyone an explanation of why you're moving, but if they ask, short and sweet is best. We wanted to be closer to schools for our kids. We can walk or bike to shops and library. Who could argue with that?

Actually all your reasoning is good, I bet you and your family will love your new home.

Moving from suburbia to a nearby town will hardly shake a determined stalker.

And certainly don't expect new closer neighbours to be any more help than previous ones if he shows up in town. Just more gawkers crowding in for better videos to post.

One of our sons moved to Texas this year, picked himself up a watch dog and a handgun.

My recommendation is to keep your eyes on the prize and looking forward, not comparing your new place to your old. You will miss some things, but you will find things that you love. Good luck in your new home.

And, as hard as it may be.... don't tell anyone in the neighborhood where you are moving. They can tell this undesirable person without even thinking about it.

It's all public information now. Like someone has already mentioned, get a watch dog & a security system.