Empty nesters trade city condo for larger suburban home

Key facts

• A couple in their late 60s moved from a city condo to a larger suburban house after becoming empty nesters.
• The move was motivated by a need for more space for family gatherings and retirement hobbies.
• They initially worried about fitting in with younger neighbors in the suburbs.
• Proximity led to friendships with neighbors from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds.
• These neighborly relationships have become close friendships over three years.

Jackie Fishman, a freelance writer, recounts her decision at age 69 to trade her two-bedroom city condo in Arlington, Virginia, for a larger four-bedroom house in suburban Maryland. The move, occurring over 20 years after initially downsizing to the condo as empty nesters, was driven by the need for more space to accommodate their growing family, including four grandchildren, and to better enjoy retirement.

Fishman initially worried about integrating into a new suburban community where most residents seemed younger than them, with some even being contemporaries of their own children. Her immediate focus was on reconnecting with previous local acquaintances and pursuing hobbies like mah-jongg and pickleball. However, she and her husband quickly found their new neighbors to be very friendly and welcoming.

Their connection with neighbors began organically through dog walking. These casual outings evolved into regular social events, including happy hours and dinners. The friendships that developed spanned different age groups and cultural backgrounds, leading to shared experiences like enjoying diverse cuisines and engaging in deep conversations about various life topics. Fishman emphasizes the importance of listening and respectfully disagreeing, noting that these relationships have become some of her closest over the past three years.

The proximity of their suburban home has also facilitated practical benefits, such as neighbors assisting with dog walking and snow shoveling. The friendships have extended to the younger generation, with children and grandchildren forming bonds. Fishman expresses satisfaction with their choice to embrace a more diverse community in retirement, rather than opting for a homogenous, age-restricted environment, highlighting the rewards of staying open and willing to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.