During the height of the pandemic period, families all over the world made the heart-wrenching choice to keep some distance away from other family members to safeguard and protect their health. Many grandparents sadly had to temporarily press the pause button on those long-awaited cherished visits with their grandchildren, particularly when schools started to reopen. The concern was extraordinarily real – nobody wanted to risk exposing our older loved ones to potential illnesses brought home from school.
As we transition away from the pandemic’s peak and the health risks have greatly dwindled down, most grandparents’ heartfelt desire to recapture the times they have missed and rekindle those precious moments with their grandchildren suddenly became an ongoing trend. So, currently, what steps are they taking to make those dreams into a reality?
The latest buzz in the San Diego real estate scene offers you quite a clue: an uptick in grandparents making a move for their loved ones, all to make sure they’re present for every cherished moment with their grandchildren and remind their parents that they are just a simple phone call away.
Relocating for Family: A Growing Trend Among Grandparents
Fresh insights from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveal that individuals aged 55 to 74 are more likely to move longer distances (over 100 miles) compared to other age brackets.
Let’s check out the detailed graph below for a closer look. shall we?
At around 67 years old, which is the average age for grandparents in the U.S. to date, many might picture them finally settling in for the long haul. Yet, it’s actually quite fascinating to see a good chunk of folks in this age group taking on bold, long-distance moves. So, what’s prompting our beloved grandparents to pack up and venture out to look for new homes during these golden years? A deep dive into the respected NAR study shows that, more often than not, it’s the pull of family ties. Their longing to be in closer proximity to their children and adorable grandkids is the top reason (as the graph below highlights) for them to take these steps.
Understanding the Data
Taking a closer look at the numbers and the data we already have, it’s evident that a good number of grandparents are turning their dreams into reality right now, seniors to savor those precious moments with their grandkids. The solitude and seclusion many have felt during the COVID era probably intensified this desire to start making these changes. Being isolated from loved ones not only highlighted the significance of close family bonds but also made many reevaluate their priorities.
For those who wear the proud title of ‘grandparent’, the bond with their grandkids isn’t just felt; it’s lived. Some might even be mulling over the idea and going the distance of selling their current place just to bridge that distance and gap. As Vance Cariaga from Go Bank Rates puts it:
“Never underestimate the power of grandchildren – especially when it comes to lifestyle and financial decisions. Recent data shows that many baby boomers are relocating further away from home than they used to so they can be closer to their grandbabies.”
In Conclusion
There’s definitely a clear real estate trend emerging right now: grandparents are covering more miles just to be closer to their little ones. Trust us when we tell you that you’re not alone, If you’re a grandparent, this might stand to resonate with you. When that desire to live nearer to your family tugs and pulls at your heartstrings, it’s not just about geographical distance anymore. It’s about those spontaneous Sunday dinners, being there for the school recitals, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the park with them.
When the call of these precious moments grows stronger, feel free to reach out to the McT Real Estate Group Team. We understand the emotional significance behind such decisions, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your move is smooth and stress-free.
“In the vast tapestry of life, a grandparent’s love for their grandchild is a golden thread that shines brilliantly, unwavering in its strength. It’s a love so profound that mountains would be moved, horizons crossed, and homes uprooted, just to bask in the joy of a shared moment, a loving hug, or a cherished memory. For in the heart of a grandparent, distance is but a small price to pay for the boundless love they feel for their little ones.”