M
y son arrived in 2020, and the first two years of parenthood felt isolating. Since 2015 we had lived in a modest Ohio suburb, far from our relatives. Though our jobs were stable, we longed for the warmth of family and the role models a close-knit community could offer. The idea of moving back to North Carolina, where my husband’s extended family resided, grew stronger even though it meant leaving a secure job market.
We began scouting homes in North Carolina while planning a move from Ohio. The plan was clear: sell our old house, buy a new one near family, and keep our jobs remotely. In 2021 remote work became feasible, but housing costs were still a hurdle. The Midwest market in 2022 allowed us to sell our four‑bedroom home for $176,000—well above the $93,000 purchase price in 2015—providing a sizable down‑payment pool.
In early 2022, my husband found a single‑story house listed at $500,000. It had a generous yard and was within a reasonable price for the area. After crunching the numbers, we realized we could afford a $520,000 purchase with a $2400 monthly mortgage. We accepted a higher cost for the promise of family proximity and a healthier environment.
The sale of our Ohio home and the purchase of the new house were completed by mid‑2022. Three years later, the decision feels justified. My son now enjoys weekly dinners and playdates with his grandmother, and visits from great‑grandma, great‑aunt, and great‑uncle are regular. We’re only a few hours away from my own family, making shared meals and outings effortless.
The move also proved invaluable during a recent hospitalization. Family members came to the hospital, brought meals, and helped us settle back home after a stressful period. When my husband’s great‑uncle travels, my son and husband visit the rural property, feeding cats and exploring the land, deepening his sense of responsibility and family ties.
These everyday moments—coffee meet‑ups, spontaneous dinners, and the simple joy of being close—outweigh the tripled mortgage. The higher housing costs are balanced by the emotional and practical benefits of living in an intergenerational community. The move, though financially bold, has enriched our lives immeasurably.
