During the pandemic, we all made some sacrifices to keep our loved ones safe. For grandparents, that often meant trading their typical grandkid chaos for an eerie silence, all in the name of health. As schools slowly open their doors, we finally begin to emerge from the pandemic fog, grandparents went on the move with one mission in mind: making up for all that lost playtime with those pint-sized bundles of energy. So, what's pushing this grand migration, you ask? Well, hang on to your orthopedic socks, because we're about to dive into some data.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the recent data is more entertaining than an episode of "Grandparent Diaries." It shows that folks aged 55 to 74 are moving greater distances than any other age group, often surpassing the 100-mile mark. Isn't it curious that the average age of grandparents in the U.S. is 67? This practically begs the question: are these long-haul movers the ever-energetic grandparents, hell-bent on being in the same ZIP code as their grandkids? It sure seems like it.
The NAR report doesn't just stop there – it unveils the golden ticket to these grandparent relocations: the desire to be closer to loved ones. And if we're honest, for many grandparents, their beloved grandkids top the list of "loved ones." It's safe to say that grandparents are zooming into the future, dreaming of more quality time with their sprightly little ones, even if it means turning their lives upside down by relocating. After all, the pandemic taught us a lesson or two about isolation and the vacuum of loneliness. The longing for family connections became more potent than ever.
So, if you're a grandparent, you get it – that special bond you share with your grandkids is more precious than a vintage bottle of cabernet. You might be willing to pack your bags, sign the deed of your home away, and hit the road just to be a stone's throw away from those cheeky rascals. "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."
To sum it up, the data tells us that grandparents are on a mission to close the gap and give their beloved grandchildren the biggest bear hug possible. So, if you're reading this and thinking, "That's me!" – don't wait. When you decide it's time to trade your snowbird status for grandparent proximity, whether your loved ones are grandkids or not, consider reaching out to me, your Royal realtor, so I can help you navigate this relocation real estate journey.
In this story of post-pandemic grandparent relocations, it's clear that love knows no bounds – not even the boundaries between generations. So, here's to a future filled with more quality time, cherished moments, and the delightful chaos of grandchildren echoing through the hallways. Welcome home, grandparents! Your grandkids have been eagerly waiting for you to arrive and sprinkle their lives with love and laughter.
Signed,
Sherri Myers
The Royal Realtor