In reply to mike123:
Doug's right, I lived in Vallorcine for 23 years until two years ago. It's got a lot to offer but has its drawbacks, so here goes:
For:
* Quiet - well away from the circus on the other side of the col des Montets, especially for very young families.
* Cheaper accommodation. ( but not much of it - contact the office de tourisme).
* Access to the Balme/le Tour ski area direct via the lift from Vallorcine station.
* A tiny but ideal real beginners ski slope.
* Easier access to Swiss ski areas
* Vallorcine > Chamonix centre by car is only 20 minutes (except at the end of the skiing day when the Grands Montets and le tour is closing).
Against:
*After big storms or during thaws the col des Montets is often closed for a few days due to avalanche danger. In principle it's possible to drive cars through the rail tunnel at certain times of the day in between trains. However this year the SNCF are supposed to be doubling their train services to two per hour, so I can't see this really working out. Of course this does mean that you can even more easily get to the Chamonix valley by train, if you want.
* You aren't ideally placed even in good weather to ski in the Chamonix ski areas.
* There are very limited shops in Vallorcine - a grocers... and that's about it food-wise. A ski hire shop.
* No night life... good or bad?
Personally I loved the place (and even more so when the col was closed - it was like going back 50 years!) and in your place I'd go for it. So much better than the other side...!