Should You Move Closer to the Grandkids in Retirement? A Santa Barbara Perspective
By Deborah Samuel, Senior Specialist Realtor – Montecito & Santa Barbara, CA
With Kelsey Samuel, Senior Downsizing Expert, SB SOS
Retirement often stirs up dreams of sun-drenched afternoons with the grandkids, picking them up from school, or attending weekend soccer games. It's a beautiful vision—one many of our clients consider when deciding whether to sell their long-held homes in Santa Barbara or Montecito and relocate closer to family.
At SB SOS and in my real estate practice, Kelsey and I regularly guide seniors through major life transitions. On this topic, we see both sides of the street—literally. Half of our clients sell to move closer to their children, while the other half sell to reclaim independence and remain in a community that supports their lifestyle at one of the amazing senior communities here in Santa Barbara & Montecito.
Here’s what we’ve learned from walking both paths with hundreds of families.
1. Community vs. Proximity
Moving near the grandkids can seem like a heartwarming decision, but it often means leaving behind decades of friends, healthcare providers, volunteer roles, and beloved routines.
Deborah's take: Many of my clients underestimate the emotional and logistical toll of leaving a deeply rooted community in Santa Barbara. Familiarity with your local grocery store, doctor, and coffee group offers more daily comfort than one might think.
Kelsey's insight: Starting over in a new city—especially one driven by your adult child’s needs—can feel isolating, especially when the grandkids are tied up with school and extracurriculars. We've seen this lead to unexpected loneliness.
2. Health and Lifestyle Realities
Access to quality healthcare is vital in retirement. In some cases, moving to a rural or less accessible area to be near family can mean sacrificing proximity to top-tier medical providers.
What we’ve seen: Clients who move away from Santa Barbara's high-quality medical network sometimes face complications managing chronic conditions. These are issues they didn't fully anticipate when they first made their decision based on emotional pull.
3. The Financial Equation
Relocating is not always cost-effective. Higher property taxes, income taxes, and healthcare costs in other states can strain retirement savings.
Deborah's tip: Before making a move, we walk our clients through a full financial scenario, comparing cost of living, tax implications, and property values. It's about making a smart, sustainable decision—not just an emotional one.
4. Family Dynamics Can Shift
More time with family can be a gift—but it can also lead to blurred boundaries. Clients who move closer to their children sometimes feel taken for granted or unexpectedly recruited as full-time babysitters.
Kelsey's experience: We've helped seniors move back to Santa Barbara after discovering that what they imagined (daily family time) wasn’t the reality. Grandkids grow up fast, and family schedules are often packed.
5. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
We support clients no matter which direction they choose. If you're moving closer to family, SB SOS can help you prepare and streamline your downsize. If you're staying in place, we can help reimagine your current home to fit your new lifestyle.
Deborah's advice: It's okay to put your own needs first. Your retirement is yours. Whether that means staying in Montecito with your book club or moving to Austin to be closer to grandkids, the key is making a conscious, well-planned choice.
Final Thoughts
Before you sell the home you've loved for decades, ask yourself:
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Do I want to build a new life in a new city at this stage of life?
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Am I prepared for changes in family dynamics?
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What does my ideal day-to-day look like in retirement?
We're here to help you answer those questions with clarity and compassion.
Contact Deborah Samuel at 805-570-6680 or [email protected]
Visit www.sbsos.com to learn how Kelsey and the SB SOS team can support your transition.
