The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends

Dated: April 18 2025

Views: 27

The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends




Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):

a screen shot of a graphThat’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with their cousins, or just knowing someone’s there when you need them, living near loved ones changes everything.

Let’s dive into why so many people are making this move and how it could be the best decision for you, too.

Why Family Comes First

Living near family and friends is a universal motivator that cuts across all types of buyers, whether you’re buying your first home or making a big lifestyle change.

But it’s especially important to repeat buyers. Unlike first-time homebuyers, who may be more focused on looking in more affordable areas, repeat buyers often have more flexibility on where they live. Many Baby Boomers, for example, have built significant equity in their homes, giving them the freedom to prioritize what matters most – like retiring near their grandkids. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says:

“25% of Baby Boomer households plan to retire near their children and grandchildren . . .”

Making a move to be closer to friends and family is all about creating a meaningful next chapter in your life where loved ones are just around the corner.

The Benefits of Living Near Loved Ones

But moving closer isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it’s a decision that offers real benefits:

  1. Spending More Time Together Whether it’s joining family dinners, going to weekend activities, or simply having someone nearby to talk to, these moments strengthen relationships and make life more fulfilling.
  2. Sharing Resources Living close to family can provide practical advantages, too – like sharing childcare, tools, or household items.
  3. Cutting Down on Travel Instead of spending hours on the road to spend time together, you can enjoy more spontaneous visits. This not only enhances your quality of life, but it also provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.
  4. Being There for Big Moments It also offers both emotional and practical support during life’s milestones. From graduations to tough times, being close to loved ones helps you feel connected and cared for.

Ready To Make Your Move?

At the end of the day, home isn’t just a place you live – it’s where your people are. Whether you’re looking to spend more quality time with family or enjoy the practical benefits of being closer to loved ones, the decision to move closer to those you care about is a deeply personal one.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about making a change, let’s connect. Together, we can explore neighborhoods that bring you closer to the people and places you love most.

Blog author image

LILLY RIVES

As a Licensed Real Estate Professional, I am deeply committed to serving the families of Central and Southwest Florida. With extensive experience in the industry, we understand that every transaction ....

Latest Blog Posts

The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year

The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This YearHave you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real

Read More

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate AgentsPutting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know

Read More

The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends

The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and FriendsHave you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long

Read More

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down

Read More