How far away should you live from your parents?

If you've ever asked yourself, “Why am I still living in this city,” chances are that one of the main answers is simply Mom.

The typical American lives within 18 miles of their mom. In the New York area the distance is even smaller - 8 miles. [ Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/12/24/upshot/24up-family.html ]

The idea of living “close enough” to our parents is appealing for a variety of reasons, but it can be challenging if they live in a city where housing is expensive or other issues are intolerable.

There is no formula for deciding whether to move away from family, but a few important factors to consider include the following:

1. Do the math. Line by line, calculate the costs and savings associated with living in each city that you are considering (including childcare if applicable).
2. Make a “good faith” decision - one that is true to your own needs while doing your best to consider the needs of your parents.
3. If you decide to move away, develop a realistic travel plan that you can confidently implement to visit your parents without a second thought.