Have you thought to yourself the grandkids live to far away?
- Gina Ewan
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Many grandparents find themselves facing a common challenge: the distance between them and their grandchildren feels too great. Whether it’s a few states away or across the country, the physical gap can make regular visits difficult and create a sense of missing out on important moments. If you’ve ever said to yourself or your spouse, “The grandkids live too far away,” it might be time to consider making a move closer to them. This post explores why relocating can be a meaningful choice, how to approach it, and what to consider before taking that step.
Why distance matters for grandparents and grandchildren
Distance can create emotional and practical challenges for families. Grandparents often want to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives, sharing milestones, helping with childcare, or simply spending quality time together. When the grandkids live too far away, these opportunities become rare and sometimes stressful to arrange.
Missed milestones: Birthdays, school events, and holidays can pass without grandparents present.
Limited support: Grandparents may want to help with babysitting or emergencies but can’t respond quickly.
Emotional strain: Both grandparents and grandchildren may feel sadness or frustration over the separation.
Moving closer can restore these connections and bring daily joy to both generations.
Signs it might be time to move closer
Deciding to relocate is a big step, especially later in life. Here are some signs that moving closer to your grandchildren could be the right choice:
You find yourself frequently traveling long distances just to visit.
Your health or mobility makes travel difficult or exhausting.
You want to be more involved in your grandchildren’s daily lives.
Your children (the parents) express a need for more family support.
You feel lonely or disconnected in your current location.
If several of these resonate, it’s worth exploring relocation options.
What to consider before making the move
Moving closer to family is exciting but requires careful planning. Here are key factors to weigh:
Housing options
Look for a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Consider:
Proximity to your grandchildren’s home or school.
Accessibility features if mobility is a concern.
Community amenities like parks, senior centers, or healthcare facilities.
Financial implications
Moving can be costly. Review your finances to cover:
Selling your current home.
Buying or renting a new place.
Moving expenses and potential renovations.
Social connections
Think about your current friendships and activities. Moving might mean:
Building new social networks.
Finding local clubs or groups to join.
Staying connected with old friends through visits or calls.
Impact on independence
Ensure the new location supports your independence with:
Access to transportation.
Nearby medical care.
Opportunities for hobbies and socializing.
How to make the transition smoother
Relocating is a major life change. These tips can help ease the process:
Visit the area multiple times before deciding to move.
Talk openly with your family about expectations and support.
Downsize gradually to avoid overwhelming packing.
Hire professional movers if needed to reduce stress.
Stay involved in your current community until the move is complete.
Real-life example
Mary and John, retired grandparents, lived 500 miles from their grandchildren. They missed birthdays and school plays, and travel became tiring. After discussing with their children, they decided to sell their home and buy a smaller house just 10 minutes from their grandchildren’s school. The move allowed them to attend events regularly, help with after-school care, and enjoy spontaneous visits. Their relationship with their grandchildren grew stronger, and they felt more connected and fulfilled.
Staying connected if moving is not an option
Sometimes moving isn’t feasible due to health, finances, or other reasons. In that case, consider these ways to maintain strong bonds:
Schedule regular video calls or phone chats.
Send letters, photos, or small gifts.
Plan visits during school breaks or holidays.
Encourage your grandchildren to share their daily experiences with you.
These efforts can keep relationships vibrant despite the distance.
Life is to short to miss out on those soccer games, dance recitals, and impromptu Sunday dinners that make these years so special!
If you're thinking about finding a home that puts you right in the center of their world, I would love to help you make that transition seamless. Let's find a home where the guest room is always ready and the "Commute" to see family is just a few minutes away.
Let's Get You Closer to Home
Gina Ewan Licensed RealEstateProfessional in Coastal North Carolina and South West Florida
(631) 245-3507
Website:
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