Change is hard! Moving after 27 years?

[W2R]

Don't let your memories make this decision for you. Every place in the world changes with time. The happy times you had there will always remain in your memories but they just might not be duplicated if/when you move there.

I would suggest either of two approaches:

(1) Using logic to make this decision, instead of the heart (write down criteria for your location search, and then determine what other communities might meet these criteria, then visit the top ones on your list, and so on), or

(2) Moving there and renting for a while (sell the house) until you find out if this town still even resembles the place you lived in, 27 years ago. Make it easy on yourself in case you discover that you don't like it any more.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2R Don't let your memories make this decision for you. Every place in the world changes with time. The happy times you had there will always remain in your memories but they just might not be duplicated if/when you move there. I would suggest either of two approaches: (1) Using logic to make this decision, instead of the heart (write down criteria for your location search, and then determine what other communities might meet these criteria, then visit the top ones on your list, and so on), or (2) Moving there and renting for a while (sell the house) until you find out if this town still even resembles the place you lived in, 27 years ago. Make it easy on yourself in case you discover that you don't like it any more.

+1

Very well put, W2R. There is an old saying about "you can never go home". Right now you have an emotional tug, but the good things you remember may no longer apply, and you have changed too. A trial run without a commitment could be a real eye opener.

[38Chevy454]

I guess I never got that home gene. It is nice to visit, but I have no real desire to retire and move back to where I grew up. I also never got the live in a big city gene either. I personally can't stand big cities and all the hassles associated with living in one. I have only limited apt/condo living in my life and hated it every time. Give me a single family house out in the country with some acreage and I am happy. Big city can have the traffic, crime, congestion, high taxes, less personal space, noise, etc.

I do like being somewhat close to big city for the shopping, medical and other things to do. But I can't live in the middle of that. Some people love it, some people don't; different likes for different needs. I will drive to the bigger city when I want to.

Your father's old house sounds nice, but I think financially it is not a good choice. Family can change and not be around forever as well. Sell the house and split the proceeds with your sister. Move somewhere further south and fly to Chicago to visit. Move to a warmer area and enjoy getting to know a new area.

[Brat]

If your wife is tepid about the move, don't go there.