Believe me - people need to think about their families when they retire. Years ago I read in Ann Landers, or equivalent, a letter from a woman who retired to the south and then her husband passed away. She had no really good friends and her family was miles from her to the North; however, she did not have the money to make a move, nor relatives who could help her. It's best, I feel, and speaking from experience, to stay near family. It will save a lot of heartache and a lot of money (trying to sell the home - particularly in today's economy). You never know what the future has in store for you.