"Empty-Nesters" who've moved to smaller home-right decision?

[Simba's Mom]

Like some others, we're empty nesters now faced with a much larger house than we either need or want. We have an entire second floor we never use. Also, we rarely use our swimming pool any more. Any other people who've chosen to move to a smaller house. Was it the right move? Do you have any idea of the financial advantages (saving monthly mortgage, etc. vs. equity). We just don't know-it's such a big decision. So I'd really like any experiences from others who've faced a similar dilema.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Hi... I am in the process of putting the family house on the market... took an apartment in Boston till my husband retires... approximately a year and half and buying a house on Cape Cod... it is what we have been planning for.. I am not looking back.. just going forward.. I will let you know how it turns out..

 

[mum4jenn]

Well... we are not empty nesters but we did move into a smaller house and it was a good decision. We have a five year old but we are both 42 years old (well I will be tomorrow). We wanted something smaller because we feel we will not be able to take care of a bigger house when we are older. The house we did live in was bought by FEMA due to us getting flooded a couple of times but it and the yard were quite a bit larger than what we have now. We moved to a more desirable county and we also have a smaller house payment while geting a brand new home.

 

[minniecarousel]

Well - we did the opposite. When younger DS was a senior in HS, we moved to a bigger house. We needed a bedroom & bathroom on the ground floor for my Mom, who came to live with us. We also host all of the family holiday dinners, so needed the room to accomodate 20 - 25 people (only Thanksgiving is a "sit-down" meal!)
But - when the time comes & Mom is no longer with us, we will def move to a smaller house. I thought it would be hard leaving the house that our boys grew up in, but it's been easier to NOT be in the house where everywhere I look, I can picture them as little boys. (does that make sense?!)
Good luck - I'm sure it won't be an easy decision, but weigh the pros & cons.

 

[Kitty 34]

We already live in a small house. What we're interested in is.......warmer weather!!! So we definely are planning a move south when we retire!