For years, the suburban dream made perfect sense.
Extra bedrooms for growing families. A large backyard for soccer games and summer barbecues. Plenty of storage, a home office, and space to spread out.
But life evolves.
Today, many homeowners are finding themselves in a different season—one where the children have moved out, travel has become a priority, and maintaining a large property no longer feels as rewarding as it once did.
As a result, a growing number of empty nesters are asking a new question:
What if our next home could be better suited to the way we live today?
The Great "Right-Size"
According to a recent analysis by Redfin, empty nest baby boomers now own approximately 28% of America's homes with three or more bedrooms, while millennial families own just 16%. Many homeowners are living in homes that once perfectly suited their families but now contain unused bedrooms, rarely visited formal spaces, and maintenance responsibilities that continue to grow.
This isn't necessarily about downsizing.
It's about right-sizing.
The goal isn't simply to have less space—it's to have the right space.
Trading Maintenance for Lifestyle
When speaking with homeowners considering a move, the motivations are often remarkably similar:
Less time spent on home maintenance
More opportunities to travel
Walkability and convenience
Access to restaurants, arts, and culture
Proximity to healthcare and services
Being closer to adult children and grandchildren
Increasingly, homeowners are choosing to invest their time and resources into experiences rather than upkeep.
Instead of spending weekends mowing lawns, maintaining landscaping, or managing seasonal home projects, many are seeking a "lock-and-leave" lifestyle that offers greater flexibility and freedom.
The Return to Urban Living
Recent migration trends suggest that cities are experiencing renewed interest from homeowners seeking convenience, connectivity, and vibrant lifestyles.
For many empty nesters, urban living offers something the suburbs often cannot: the ability to step outside and immediately engage with the community.
Imagine walking to your favorite coffee shop, meeting friends for dinner without getting in the car, attending a theater performance, or enjoying a morning stroll through a historic neighborhood—all within a few blocks of home.
It's not surprising that more homeowners are rediscovering the appeal of city living.
Downsizing Doesn't Mean Sacrificing Luxury
One common misconception is that downsizing means settling for significantly less.
In reality, many affluent homeowners are making the move from large suburban residences into thoughtfully designed luxury condominiums that offer:
Spacious entertaining areas
Private outdoor space
Concierge services
Fitness centers
Elevator access
Secure parking
Professional property management
The square footage may be smaller, but the lifestyle often feels bigger.
Why Boston Is Especially Attractive
Here in Boston, several neighborhoods have become particularly appealing to empty nesters seeking their next chapter.
Neighborhoods such as the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, and the Seaport offer a unique combination of historic charm, walkability, cultural attractions, exceptional dining, and easy access to healthcare and transportation.
Many homeowners find themselves drawn back to the city they once left behind—this time with a different perspective and different priorities.
Instead of choosing a home based on school districts and commuting patterns, they're choosing based on lifestyle, convenience, and quality of life.
Is It Time for Your Next Chapter?
If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth exploring whether your current home still aligns with your future goals:
✓ Rooms that rarely get used
✓ Home maintenance feels increasingly burdensome
✓ You travel more often than you used to
✓ You find yourself craving a more walkable lifestyle
✓ You're thinking more about experiences than square footage
The family home will always hold memories, but sometimes the next chapter calls for a different setting.
The question isn't whether you need less space. The question is whether your home is supporting the life you want to live today.
If you're curious about what a move back to the city could look like—or simply want to understand your options—I'd be happy to be a resource.
Warmly,
Margot Lemone Manning
Sales & Leasing Advisor
Biega + Kilgore Team at Compass