During the pandemic, many people distanced themselves from their loved ones for health reasons. Grandparents were told to stay away from their grandkids, especially as schools started to open. That’s because it would have been risky to visit with their grandchildren who may have gotten sick from school.
Now that the pandemic has passed, many grandparents want more than ever to be near their grandchildren again to make up for that lost time. But how are they getting that “Grandparent Wish?” The data tells us many are moving to make sure they’re getting more quality time.
Grandparents Are Moving To Be Near Loved Ones
Recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows people between the ages of 55 and 74 are moving farther (more than 100 miles) than any other age group.
Grandparents Are Moving Father Away: Percent of Sellers Who Moved at Least 100 Miles by Years of Age
- Age 18 to 34 - 40%
- Age 34 to 44 - 22%
- Age 45 to 54 - 41%
- Age 55 to 64 - 58%
- Age 65 to 74 - 56%
- Age 75 or Older - 40%
The average age of grandparents in the U.S. is 67 years. The logical leap is that at least some of the people who are moving the furthest are grandparents. But what’s causing them to move so far?
The same report from NAR shows the top reason people move is to be closer to loved ones (see graph below):
Sellers Want To Be Near Loved Ones
Top 5 Reasons Why Sellers Sold:
- Want to Move Closer to Friends or Family
- Moving Due to Retirement
- Neighborhood Became Less Desirable
- Home is Too Small
- Change in Family Situation (marriage, divorce)
Based on this data, it’s fair to say many grandparents are getting their wish of more quality time with their grandchildren by moving to be closer to them. And after experiencing isolation and loneliness during the COVID pandemic, that’s an especially good thing.
If you’re a grandparent, you know how important your grandchildren are. And you may be willing to sell and move just to be closer by. As Vance Cariaga, a journalist at Go Bank Rates, explains:
“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.”
Bottom Line
The data shows grandparents are moving further to be near their grandchildren. If you have grandchildren of your own, maybe you can relate. When you decide it’s time to be closer to your loved ones, let's connect.