Hey, I really enjoyed reading your comment. I'm also expecting a baby soon and am in the UK.
I'm also reluctant to send my kid to school as I just don't think it's very effective for learning for most children. The only concern I have is making sure they have enough time with other kids but I'm sure we'll figure something out!
Job opportunities are much better in the big cities but there is still a lot of demand for housing and inflated prices in the countryside and smaller towns. I'm not an expert but I think the biggest cause is the fact that house prices continue to rise and therefore are an seen as an investment rather than a home, even if they are empty.