The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids in El Paso
The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids in El Paso
Family is important, and when you live apart it's hard to visit each other regularly. While telephones and video calls have dimished that distance, it is never quite the same as being able to actually be with your loved ones. If you might be thinking about moving closer to your family, you should carefully ponder every part of that decision. While it's simple to see only the advantages, without truly thinking about the negatives. And for every up there is a down, which is why it's a good idea to compare and contrast what you'll be getting if you decide to make that move to El Paso.
The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids
Pro: You Get More Family Time
Even on-the-go families can make time to grab lunch or catch a weekend show, assuming they live relatively close together. It also means you won't miss out on holidays, birthdays, and other important events like recitals, school field trips, etc. that grandkids tend to have at times. That is a compelling reason for many older parents to try to close the physical distance between themselves, and the rest of their families.
Con: You Have Limited Options
If the rest of your family previously lives in a particular city, then you will be required to take that city on its own terms. That means you have limited choices when it comes to budgets, locations, and other options that are frequently available for you when considering relocating. Depending on your resources and your personal needs, you might not find a new home that gives you all the things you want.
Pro: You Have a Support Network in El Paso
Even if you are unaccustomed to your new area, you'll have a support system with your family. They can help acclimatize you, show you around, and get you up-to-speed on what your new location is all about. That's a huge plus, especially for seniors who may have hesitations about asking for help, or starting a new social network in El Paso from scratch.
Con: It Can Be Hard to Balance Life
Just because you're a parent or a grandparent doesn't mean you don't have a life to attend to. You have interests and hobbies, and you may even still be working on your career. Just because your kids have grown up (and in some instances had kids of their own) doesn’t mean you don't have things to do, still. If you live close by your family, though, you might feel pressure to put that aside so that you can spend more time with your loved ones.
Pro: New Opportunities
If the location you're moving to has things your current area doesn't, then that can be a huge advantage for you. Whether it's better social services to help you with your needs, a more lively social scene, or just an economy where your money goes further than it does where you currently live. You need to carefully gauge where you are moving to, and try to uncover positive aspects of it that will allow you to feel like part of the community.
Con: The Cost
Even if you have a modest house of belongings, and you're moving a relatively short distance, it's going to cost you time, money and energy to move. Those costs must be calculated and their impact evaluated, before you commit to move. Because even if you can afford your final destination; you want to be closer to your family; and there are opportunities there, the cost of moving might be enough to shackle you in place.