For decades, retirees followed the sun – downsizing to warmer climates for fewer chores and lower costs. Today’s 55+ buyers are making a different move: they’re following family.
As you approach retirement or plan your next chapter, one question matters more than ever: Should you move closer to your children and grandchildren?
Real-Life Example: Why One Couple Followed Their Family
For Ken Garvey and his wife, leaving their longtime Chicago home was an easy decision.
“We found that as our children started getting married and growing their families, we were spending more and more time out in the suburbs,” he says.
Between childcare, sports, and school events:
“My wife often helps watch our grandkids while their parents work and we head out to the suburbs at least two times a week, if not more.”
So they moved closer – without giving up access to the city.
Downsizing Without Disconnecting
The Garveys bought a condo about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Why it worked:
Walkable downtown location
Dining, entertainment, and culture nearby
Easy Metra access back to the city
“It provides us with the ability to still enjoy a walkable location that is closer to our grandchildren,” Garvey says. “Being close to the train gives us an easy opportunity to get back to the city whenever we want.”
The Data Is Clear: Family Comes First
The Del Webb Boomer Survey confirms it.
“Thirty-three percent indicated that it is extremely or very important to have grandchildren within walking distance of their next home,” says Valerie Dolenga of PulteGroup. “When we asked them to rank all the considerations, grandchildren ranked No. 1.”
What 55+ Buyers Want in New Homes
Today’s active adults want:
Maintenance-free living
Walkable neighborhoods
Proximity to health care and shopping
Dining, culture, and social connection
Modern 55+ communities support independence and engagement.
“We wanted to stay active and find a community that would let us still do the things we enjoy beyond spending time with our family,” Garvey says.
| Quick Decision Checklist - Ask Yourself: | |
|---|---|
| How often do I visit my children now? | Would I rather drive hours or walk minutes? |
| Do I want to help with grandchildren? | Would walkability replace constant car trips? |
| Am I ready to maintain less and live more? |
Added Bonus: Health & Aging-in-Place Advantages
New construction near family often includes:
Single-level or elevator living
Zero-maintenance exteriors
Safer floor plans
Nearby hospitals and specialists
Universal design for long-term comfort
This isn’t just a lifestyle move – it’s a future-proofing move.
Ready to Explore a Move?
Use NewHomeSource to search for 55+ communities near your children.
Take a tour and ask builders about accessibility features and aging-in-place design.
Try a short stay in their city before committing.
The Bottom Line
Downsizing no longer means choosing between:
Family and freedom
Lifestyle and location
Independence and connection
Today’s 55+ buyers are choosing it all – a right-sized, low-maintenance home near the people who matter most.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.