Now that the Kids are Gone

Empty nesters face two looming issues. The first one is very personal and emotionally charged. What now? After spending much of your lives caring for and being surrounded by the kids, now it’s quiet (and lonely). A sense of purpose has now disappeared, and the best remedy is to fill the void.

It’s okay to now start thinking about yourselves and doing it without guilt. Focus on enjoying life a little. Participate in some of the activities you always wanted to do but have been putting off. Make new friends. Go places. Is there a better place to lead a fuller life than in Austin? The climate and abundance of sunshine make outdoor living a must, from hiking trails to biking, golf, water activities, concerts, to just plain barbeques in the backyard. The genuine friendliness of its people is contagious, and newcomers are welcomed. You can have all of this in a scenic and environmentally friendly setting with a less stressful pace than you’ll find in just about any major metropolitan area. It’s not too bad having the live music capital of the world and ample entertainment venues as an added benefit. Yes, it really is better here.

The second issue is less emotionally charged and more practical. What about the home? The key aspects are size, functionality, and cost. I have details you’ll want to consider under Rightsizing and I’ll highlight some key considerations here as well. Space for casual entertainment may now be more important than sleeping quarters. Is that big lawn now a pleasure or a maintenance item? You may be able to get multiple uses out of a spare room instead of a separate room for everything. Is it time to go smaller? The good news is that Austin real estate comes in enough sizes and varieties to fit just about any budget in a wide range of neighborhoods.

Austin is not just a place. It’s a lifestyle, and one really worth having and living.