Why Retirees Who Follow Their Grandchildren Often Move Back
Some retirees sell their homes to live near grandchildren, then move back within five years, often because their adult children relocate for work. A round trip can cost $72,000 to $117,000 in commissions and closing costs and may reduce retirement income by as much as $4,680 per year. Couples who avoided the mistake often rented out their original home past the two-year mark and held $40,000 to $60,000 in cash before committing.
Labor data helps explain the pattern. In January 2026, median employer tenure was 4.1 years, per BLS. A Chandan Economics analysis of the 2026 Current Population Survey found jobs and commuting accounted for 24.1% of moves into rentals, common among young families. So grandparents may settle near relatives whose work can soon pull them elsewhere.
Costs compound across two purchases and two sales. Commissions often equal 5%–6%, seller closing costs 1%–3%, buyer costs 2%–4%. On a $400,000 sale and $500,000 purchase, reversing the move can total $72,000–$117,000; the return leg alone $38,000–$61,000. At a 4% withdrawal rate, that may cut annual retirement income by $2,880–$4,680.
This pattern may affect retirees who relocate for grandchildren, their adult children, and communities gaining or losing older residents. A costly move back could strain retirement budgets and reduce spending flexibility, while repeated turnover may influence local housing demand. It could also prompt more families to rent out homes or hold larger cash reserves before committing, though outcomes will vary by household and market.