Does it make sense to retire away from a big family with great grandkids? (pension, spouse)
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Also, there's a new thread on this very same thing every week or so.
Yup. With so many threads like this, it makes you really wonder how so many folks have managed to retire in other countries or states with low cost of living away from family.
Moving away from family so you can live cheaper, oh the horror. How will life go on?
There are lots of towns in WV, PA and VA that have a significantly lower cost of living. The kids could be just a few hours away, which means you'd still see them quite a bit. And they'll have a fun trip coming out to visit Grandma in a different town. We moved from Nova to Williamsburg, and I go back up to Nova 2-3 times a month. People come down to visit all the time. Maybe too much, maybe I should have moved farther away (LOL).
As others have pointed out, your kids may end up getting a job somewhere else and moving, anyway. DC metro area is a very transitional place, people end up coming and going all the time there.
As others have pointed out, your kids may end up getting a job somewhere else and moving, anyway. DC metro area is a very transitional place, people end up coming and going all the time there.
That's true for the people who move to the DC metro area for the job opportunities; not so much for the people who were born and raised there. Most of my friends and neighbors lived in the area all of their lives, and their extended families are there as well.
There are lots of towns in WV, PA and VA that have a significantly lower cost of living. The kids could be just a few hours away, which means you'd still see them quite a bit. And they'll have a fun trip coming out to visit Grandma in a different town. We moved from Nova to Williamsburg, and I go back up to Nova 2-3 times a month. People come down to visit all the time. Maybe too much, maybe I should have moved farther away (LOL). .
I love the Williamsburg area, I can see why you get a lot of visitors!
But yes, I agree. It's worth looking close to home if you are just looking for a lower COL (as opposed to climate, etc) I live in Northern NJ and I could move one hour west to PA and buy a much lower cost house and property taxes and still be within easy driving distance of everyone. I could even move 30 minutes northwest and get a less expensive home
That’s such a personal call it’s impossible to say it’s a good idea or not. Only you in your heart and soul can know what feels right.
We moved to be closer to our son and our grandchildren and it’s been worth it, and We love Arizona. However there may come a time when they move or the grandchildren get to an age where they are not interested in hanging around grandparents, so we keep this in mind.
As for the saying familiarity breeds contempt, that only applies if one is t a happy person or doesn’t respect boundaries and becomes overly enmeshed in the lives of others.
I'm at that crossroad too. Born and raised in the DMV and presently living in Southern MD. I'll be retiring in 8 months but more than likely won't make a decision on moving till after my wife retires 5 years later. Most of my family is here, and I have other family in NC and SC. Not to fond of rural NC. Thought of moving to FL or SC, but recent storms have changed my mind. Family is nice to be around but a few of them think We're a bank! Always asking or borrowing (never paying it back). Well I love my house and neighborhood, and the COL is high but I'm used to it and can manage it with my retirement from military and govt. family is everything and mine has it's faults, so I guess I'll hang around till something entices me to leave!
I'm at that crossroad too. Born and raised in the DMV and presently living in Southern MD. I'll be retiring in 8 months but more than likely won't make a decision on moving till after my wife retires 5 years later. Most of my family is here, and I have other family in NC and SC. Not to fond of rural NC. Thought of moving to FL or SC, but recent storms have changed my mind. Family is nice to be around but a few of them think We're a bank! Always asking or borrowing (never paying it back). Well I love my house and neighborhood, and the COL is high but I'm used to it and can manage it with my retirement from military and govt. family is everything and mine has it's faults, so I guess I'll hang around till something entices me to leave!
At least you got out of the DMV! I'd hate to spend any amount of time there....
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