The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids in Tulsa

The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids in Tulsa

Family is important, and when you live in different states it's almost impossible to visit each other very often. While telephones and video calls have shrunk that distance, it's never quite the same as being able to physically see your loved ones. If you are contemplating moving closer to your children, or to your grandchildren, you should carefully scrutinize every part of that decision. Because it is easy to see only the positives, without truly considering the downside. And for every up there is a down, which is why it is a good idea to compare and contrast what you'll be getting if you choose to make that move to Tulsa.

The Pros and Cons of Moving Closer to Kids or Grandkids

Pro: You Get More Family Time

Even busy families can make time to catch brunch or go to a weekend show, given they live fairly close together. It also means you won't miss holidays, birthdays, and other important events like recitals, sporting events, etc. that grandkids seem to have on a regular basis. 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 has taken up residence in a particular city, then you must take that city on its own terms. That means you have limited alternatives when it comes to budgets, locations, and other factors that are usually available for you when pondering relocating. Depending on your resources and your personal needs, you might not be able to find a new residence that gives you everything you need.

Pro: You Have a Support Network in Tulsa

Even if you are unfamiliar with your new location, you'll have a support system in the form of your family. They can help assimilate you, show you around, and get you up-to-speed on what your new city offers. That's a big plus, particularly for senior citizens who may have hesitations about reaching out to others, or starting a new social network in Tulsa 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 your own life to attend to. You have interests and hobbies, and you might 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 near your family, though, you might feel obligated to put that by the wayside in order to spend more time with your loved ones.

Pro: New Opportunities

If the location you're moving to has things your current hometown doesn't, then that can be a huge win for you. Whether it is more robust 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 deliberately assess where you're going, and try to uncover positive aspects of it that will allow you to branch out.

Con: The Cost

Even if you have a humble house full of stuff, and you're moving a fairly short distance, it's going to cost you time, money and energy to move. Those costs should be calculated and their impact pondered, before you decide 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.