To go for a house with a garden or a house with no commute?

My daughter has just turned 1 and both my partner and I are enrolled at a University in one of the most expensive cities in the country. We have been living in a tiny apartment for the last few years but that is just becoming impossible with a toddler so we're looking to move into a bigger house. The issue we're coming up against is that we would not be able to afford to rent a property with any kind of garden in the city centre, which is important to us because my daughter is a very active toddler and loves being outdoors. We could afford a place with a garden outside of the city, but, as neither of us drive, that would mean 1 1/2 hour bus or 30 minute taxi ride in order to get us to university 3 times a week each. Ensuring that we are able to spend enough time with my daughter is super important, as well as the fact she's only ever napped with me (her mum) putting her down, so in a perfect world I'd be able to pop home between lectures in order to see her and put her to sleep. I want to do the best thing for my daughter, so wondered how much either having a garden or having a short commute affected your families quality of life, and what you would go with if you were in my position. Thanks so much! via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/3z6i8gQ