Why Boomers Are Moving Closer to Their Grandkids — And What It Means for Today’s Housing Market 👨‍👩‍👦🏡

If you’ve been watching real estate trends lately, you may have noticed a growing wave of Baby Boomers packing up and moving—not to the beach, not to golf communities, and not to 55+ condos in Florida… but closer to family and grandkids. This shift is reshaping neighborhoods, demand patterns, multi-generational housing, and even new-construction trends.

In fact, a recent study from the National Association of Realtors® found that family proximity is now the #1 reason Boomers relocate, beating out weather, downsizing, and affordability (External sourcing placeholder—adjust citation after publishing source links).

Families aren’t just reconnecting; they’re redefining how and where they live. Let’s unpack what’s driving it, why it matters, and how Boomers can make the move with strategy and confidence.

---

Why This Trend Matters So Much Right Now 🚀

The housing market is shifting in major ways. While Millennials dominate first-time purchases, Boomers still control more than 40% of all U.S. homes owned outright and have the strongest cash-buying power in the market. When they move, they move intentionally—and the ripple effects are huge.

This trend matters because:

• It affects inventory levels—Boomers holding paid-off homes reduces supply.

• It increases demand in suburban school-district communities.

• It expands demand for multi-gen and in-law suite designs.

• It shifts wealth through inter-family support and caregiving roles.

The market isn’t just changing in sales volume; it’s changing in lifestyle expectations.

---

Key Trends & Data Shaping Boomer Moves 📊

A few major statistics are driving this trend:

• Over 70% of Boomers prefer to live within driving distance of family (AARP).

• 1 in 5 homes now house multiple generations, the highest rate in modern history (Pew Research Center).

• Boomers made up the largest share of repeat homebuyers last year, according to NAR.

• Many Boomers are selling larger homes and buying smaller, newer builds closer to where grandkids attend school.

Meanwhile, rising childcare costs for Millennial and Gen-X parents mean grandparents often step in. Many families see the move as mutually beneficial—less daycare expense, more family support, more time together.

---

Understanding Boomer Motivations ❤️

While everyone’s story is different, a few motivations keep showing up:

1️⃣ More Time With Grandkids (The #1 Emotional Driver)

Forget retirement clichés—we’re entering an era where family closeness outweighs beachfront sunsets. Grandparents want front-row seats at soccer games, school plays, and weekend sleepovers.

2️⃣ A Support Circle for Aging

As Boomers get older, being closer to adult children means more support, safety, and shared responsibilities.

3️⃣ Helping Adult Children With Costs

Boomers often provide:

• School pick-ups

• Babysitting

• Financial help with housing

• Shared living costs

It’s not just sentimental—it’s strategic.

4️⃣ Downsizing Without Feeling “Far Away”

Boomers may downsize to newer, more efficient homes while staying anchored to family ties.

---

What Home Features Boomers Want Now 🏡✨

They’re not just buying smaller—they’re buying smarter. Popular features include:

Even builders are responding. Many new-construction floor plans now include multi-gen layouts, dual-kitchens, or private entrances — proof this trend isn’t slowing.

---

Local & Regional Insights (Cincinnati + Suburbs Focus) 🗺️

Here in the Cincinnati and East-side suburbs, this movement is especially strong. Communities like:

• Loveland

• Milford

• Anderson Township

• Batavia

• Union Township

• Williamsburg

• Mason

• West Clermont pockets

…are popular because they offer a blend of good schools, suburban amenities, and quick access between generations.

Nearby neighborhoods often chosen by relocating Boomers include:

• Walkable communities near schools

• Newer ranch-style developments

• 55+ maintenance-free communities

• Homes near bike trails, parks, and grandchild activities

Thinking about a move? Start browsing here 👇
🔗 Search Cincinnati-Area Homes
https://tinyurl.com/SearchCincyHomes

---

Financial & Lending Considerations 💰

Here’s where Boomers really stand out: many buy with cash after selling a larger home.

However, cash isn’t the only strategic choice. Some choose to finance intentionally to:

• Preserve retirement liquidity

• Invest sale proceeds

• Transfer wealth via gifting or shared housing costs

• Reduce tax burden

Other financial considerations:

• Ask about portability of property tax exemptions (varies by state)

• Compare traditional mortgages to HELOCs or reverse purchase loans

• Consult a financial advisor regarding capital gains & downsizing strategies

When selling your current home, start here:
🔗 Check Your Home Value Estimate
https://tinyurl.com/CincyHomeValue

---

Tips for Boomers Starting Their Home Search 🔍

Here’s a smart path to approach the move:

✨ Step 1: Clarify lifestyle needs first

Do you want to be 2 miles away or living under the same roof?

✨ Step 2: Map driving distances

Time to kids’ schools, sports facilities, medical providers, airports.

✨ Step 3: Prioritize future-proof features

Think grab bars, wide hallways, low/no-step entries.

✨ Step 4: Evaluate HOAs & maintenance plans

They may help minimize yard and exterior obligations.

✨ Step 5: Work with a local agent who understands multi-gen trends

This move is personal AND strategic—guidance matters.

---

Professional Realtor® Strategy Advice 🎯

Here’s what I recommend to Boomers relocating to be near family:

• Sell before you feel rushed — timing the market matters.

• Tour a variety of neighborhood types, not just age-restricted communities.

• Think from a resale perspective—choose a home that other future buyers will want too.

• Plan for long-term accessibility needs, even if you don’t need them now.

• Keep emotions in balance—moving closer to family is exciting, but the home must still fit your life.

As a local agent who works with many relocating grandparents, I help clients evaluate both emotional and strategic factors so the move feels right on all fronts.

---

Final Thoughts + Why This Trend Isn’t Slowing 📌

Boomers aren’t retiring away from family—they’re retiring toward them. The new American dream is connection:

• More sleepovers

• More support

• More shared milestones

• More time with the people who matter most ❤️

As living costs rise and family structures evolve, this trend will only continue gaining momentum.

---

Ready to Explore a Move Closer to Family? Let’s Talk. 📲

If you’re considering relocating to be closer to the grandkids, I’d love to help you map out a smart plan — financially, emotionally, and strategically.

👇 Schedule a 30-minute consultation
https://tinyurl.com/Schedulea30MinuteCall

👇 Browse Cincinnati-area homes for sale
https://tinyurl.com/SearchCincyHomes

👇 Read more market insights on the blog
https://mikemcentush.sites.cbmoxi.com/my-blog

Whether you’re downsizing, buying new construction, or exploring multi-gen living, I’m here to help you make a move that feels right and pays off long-term.

📞 Contact: Mike McEntush, REALTOR® — Coldwell Banker Realty
📍 Cincinnati, OH
💼 Local | Data-Driven | Results That Move U

#realestate, #homebuying, #homesforsale, #downsizing, #multigenerationalliving, #realestateexpert, #cincinnatihomes, #lovelandohiohomes, #milfordohiohomes, #retirementhousing, #moveclosertofamily, #realestatetips, #relocation, #realestatemarket, #coldwellbanker, #mikesellscincyhomes