Are Grandparents Moving to Be Near Their Grandchildren?

Many people withdrew from their loved ones for health concerns during the pandemic. Grandparents were advised to avoid their grandchildren, especially when schools began to open. It would have been unsafe to visit with their grandkids, who may have gotten sick at school.

Now that the pandemic has passed, many grandparents want to be with their grandchildren more than ever to make up for missed time. But how are they going to fulfill their "Grandparent Wish?" According to the research, many people are relocating to ensure that they have 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 (see graph below):

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):

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

According to the research, grandparents are relocating to be closer to their grandchildren. Perhaps you can relate if you have grandkids of your own. Let's connect when you decide it's time to be closer to your loved ones.