There's No Place Like Home; Wherever that Is

by Chris Brady

Recent events have me pondering where I want to live when I grow down. I’ve loved my

Home for 30+ years, but maybe not for 40.

house since 1987, but I am so ready to punt yard work and cleaning 2-1/2 baths.

But where to next, I wonder?

My husband and I were thinking of selling and having no property.  We could be caretakers of fabulous second homes of the rich, like a Jackson Hole ranch or a Malibu beach house. 

A newsletter called “The Caretaker’s Gazette” lists these opportunities. It’s such fun reading about the homes, the exotic locales and the requirements. (That's the part that's not fun.)  I realized I would be trading my 2-1/2 baths to clean their 6 baths and horse stalls for the honor of having a free room with a view.

I think I’ll pass.

We wouldn’t want to move to a Florida/Arizona/North Carolina type of retirement community. My loved ones are mostly in PA, and living near family will always be at the top of my list.

And forget about a 55-plus community; I see those ads and shudder at the thought of living with people my own age in a sterile gated enclave.  “Who are they keeping out,” I wonder.

People like me, I surmise.

My favorite idea is to downsize to an apartment in Center City Philly.  It will be close to family, with everything I need in walking distance. I'll volunteer at museums and theaters for cheap and easy access to arts and culture. I'll have shopping and restaurants and people of all stripes and ages just outside my door. 

In my work exit strategy, I have about five years to plan for it, with a lot of stuff to move out.    

Anybody want a player piano and 200 rolls real cheap?

Have you made the move from your home to a new life somewhere? 

Are you thinking about one more move before the Big Chill?

Share your advice and experiences.

Enjoy my favorite song about house and home.