We became empty-nesters recently. We’d seriously entertain the idea of moving if our property tax and other concerns are significant enough to override other issues. These “other issues” are primarily to do with our kids. This is their “home” to them from the time they were toddlers and where they attended from pre-school to K-12 with friendships they’ve built from these years growing up together. Whenever they come home, they enjoy reunions not just with us but also with all their friends.
A close friend of mine, when he and his wife became empty-nesters, sold their house and relocated to another state a few years back. He reported to me later that his daughters were very upset not being able to reunite with their old friends.
Another issue is when downsizing while relocating. The kids don’t have the kind of space they were used to in their old home if we were to move to a smaller living space.
Fortunately for us, we have no reasons to move or downsize. The mortgage was all paid off some years ago, the property tax is on the low side, and the cost of living is very reasonable. We want to maintain the same familiarity for our kids when they come home. We also want to have the same spaciousness to accommodate when they become parents with kids of their own.