Hypothetical question ... would you move for these reasons

I have done a lot of moving in my lifetime. In my current situation, if I chose to move, I'd likely have to do it alone. All of our family is here, we both have jobs we like, the cost of living isn't too bad (Iowa).

I think your "Pros" out number your "Cons" in your situation.

Based on your pros, I'd definitely consider a move. Something I would think about is what you might need in the future, access to good healthcare options.

I would really struggle with a decision to move away from DD and baby. I’m not sure my pro list could be long enough to justify it.

What are the cons that come with a lower cost of living area?Fewer job opportunities? Less access to good healthcare? More rural? Politics that don’t align with your beliefs? I’m not saying these always come with a LCOL area but I would make sure I still had what was important to me in this new area and not just focus on housing costs.

Probably not because I like living where I do. I would wonder if it’s less expensive because the area is less desirable. Mostly because all my family and friends are in my area.

This is a very real possibility.  We just bought a house in June of 2023.  If we had bought it in September or October of 2022 when we moved back here, we would have had more house and a smaller payment.  I ran our payment with October 2022 interest rates and our mortgage would have been $1,200 less.  That's a lot if you plan on possibly not working.

Also realize what comes with those lower costs of living.  It's likely a more rural area with less to offer, so you will find yourself driving a lot more and have fewer choices.  Some small towns are welcoming, but will always consider you an outsider because you weren't born there.

If I financially couldn't make it or I hated where I lived, yes. I've lived elsewhere and prefer here, so I wouldn't choose to go.

Well, the fact that I just moved from outrageously expensive Southern California to Oregon gives you my answer.  I was able to sell my house, pay off all debt, and buy a small home here in Oregon, giving me a feeling of freedom that I will be enjoying the rest of my life.  There is no way I could have afforded purchasing a smaller single-story home like what I now own without moving out of state.

How far is "closer" to your mom sister? I live on the west coast and have family in WI. Pretty much any where is technically "closer" but doesn't mean it is "close".

I did not grow up near family but my kids have. Once they are settled (if they do) we will try to be close to them. My IL moved from Nor Cal to So Cal to be closer to us and BIL. I'm VERY grateful they did. They are a part of our everyday life and have a a good relationship with my kids.

I would never move away from my child/ grandchildren. Period. My friend did it and she is constantly expressing some regrets about leaving her kids and grandkids behind.

But having said that, I would also very carefully have to weigh what tradeoffs you’re making to get that LCOL. My sister and now her kids all live in TN and I’m sorry but I could never live there no matter how cheap it is to live or how much more house or land I could have for the money. The local political climate alone would be enough to send me running. Plus what will happen as you age and start to need more help and now you live farther away from your kids and wider support network?

Yes, we pay higher taxes where I currently live but those tax dollars pay for excellent schools, decent roads, better infrastructure, more accessible health care and better supports for seniors. 

Honestly, no. Cheaper doesn't always mean better. 

There are many more things I would have to consider before I even gave it a thought.

Is it a republican run state?

How is the health care system?

How is care of disabled individuals? Do they have state programs for disabled persons? Day programs? Work programs?

Is it a pro life state?

Is it a pro LGBTQ+ state?

How is the weather?

Economic state of the state?

What is the sales tax? Property tax?

How is elder care? Do they have state programs to assist the elderly?

What kind of natural disasters are there?


I live in California. The most expensive state now. Unless there is a huge shift from democrat to republican and someone tries to run our state like Texas and other southern states, I am happy to stay put. We have a vast array of programs for disabled persons, like ds, and pretty darn good health care. Women are also able to choose what is best for them. I don't have to worry that some man is going to tell me what I can and can not do with my own body and health. 

We also have the beach, mountain, deserts. Museums galore. Multiple options for shopping. There is no food desert when it comes to produce or specialty items. 

So for me, there is way more to it. I couldn't go just on what you listed. 

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, my grandmother sold her business and bought the house next door to us. By the time I was 10 we ended up moving to the other side of the country because my Dad got a chance to make a big step in his career.

Just to say if they moved would you still be happy in your present location?

While the pros do seem to outweigh the cons, I’m not sure I’d ever move further from my children.

Granted, they’ve moved further from me several times and I’ve managed. But I’m not so sure. Especially while there are babies.

I guess you really have to think about it.

If you are close to retirement I think it’s best to wait til you retire to move to a less expensive living situation so that you maximize your current home value (assuming you own, not rent).