Best Places to Live for Empty Nesters

Written By Terri Tripp

Finding Your Perfect Next Chapter

The kids are grown, the house feels a little quieter, and suddenly you’re faced with an exciting question: Where do we want to live now?

For many empty nesters, this chapter isn’t about slowing down—it’s about freedom. It’s the perfect chance to create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, whether that means strolling a charming small-town square, waking up to ocean views, or joining a community full of golf, fitness, and fun.

To spark some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of five types of communities—with five amazing destinations in each—that offer everything from culture and connection to comfort and adventure.

Vibrant Small Towns

Perfect for empty nesters who crave charm, community spirit, and a walkable lifestyle where shopkeepers know your name.

  • Fredericksburg, TX – A Hill Country favorite with wineries, boutiques, and a thriving arts scene.

  • Asheville, NC – Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this quirky town blends music, food, and mountain views.

  • Boerne, TX – A historic gem with outdoor recreation and boutique shopping.

  • Traverse City, MI – A lakeside paradise with farm-to-table dining, wineries, and year-round festivals.

  • Stowe, VT – A New England treasure where skiing, hiking, and small-town warmth come together.

Coastal Escapes

If your dream includes beach walks, fresh seafood, and salty breezes, these seaside spots might be calling your name.

  • Charleston, SC – Historic streets, Southern hospitality, and nearby beaches.

  • Naples, FL – Luxury living, white-sand beaches, and golf galore.

  • Hilton Head, SC – Bike-friendly island with resort-style amenities.

  • Clearwater, FL – Affordable coastal living with an active community spirit.

  • Cape May, NJ – A Victorian beach town with charm, culture, and colorful cottages.

Cultural Cities

For empty nesters who want it all—concerts, museums, dining, and easy access to airports for travel adventures.

  • Austin, TX – Music, food trucks, and plenty of sunshine.

  • Denver, CO – Big-city vibe with mountain backdrops and endless outdoor fun.

  • Santa Fe, NM – Southwest charm, world-class galleries, and cultural festivals.

  • Portland, OR – Quirky, progressive, and foodie-friendly.

  • Minneapolis, MN – Affordable living plus thriving arts, lakes, and community pride.

Golf & Active Lifestyle Communities

Ideal for those who want to stay fit, social, and enjoy a resort-like atmosphere every day.

  • Scottsdale, AZ – Endless sunshine, premier golf, and spa retreats.

  • Palm Springs, CA – A desert oasis with golf courses, pools, and artsy charm.

  • The Villages, FL – One of the largest 55+ communities, with clubs, activities, and built-in friendships.

  • Kiawah Island, SC – Exclusive coastal golf and refined living near Charleston.

  • Lakeway, TX – Just outside Austin, with lake views, golf, and active outdoor fun.

Close to Family

Sometimes, the best move is the one that keeps you close to the people who matter most. These areas blend comfort, amenities, and proximity.

Making It Easy with Professional Movers

A new chapter should feel exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why choosing the right movers is just as important as choosing the right town.

At A Better Tripp Moving & Storage, we specialize in making moves stress-free for empty nesters:

  • White-glove care for valuables – From antiques to family heirlooms.

  • Small shipment moves – Perfect if you’re downsizing and not relocating an entire household.

  • Careful furniture delivery & setup – So your new space feels like home right away.

  • Professional packing & organization – Protecting the things that matter most.

Whether you’re chasing ocean sunsets, mountain views, or a neighborhood closer to family, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Your next chapter is waiting.
With the right planning—and the right movers—it just might be your best yet.

Tips for a Smooth 55+ Move

Moving in this season of life is about comfort, safety, and simplicity. Here’s how to make the transition calm, organized, and confidence-boosting.

Start early, go steady

  • Build a 8–12 week timeline with weekly goals (sort, donate, pack, confirm services).

  • Put all key dates (move, cleaners, utility transfers, closing) on one master calendar.

Rightsize before you pack

  • “Edit by category”: clothes → books → kitchen → décor → garage.

  • Use four zones: Keep | Gift | Donate | Sell. Photograph heirlooms for the family archive.

  • Measure your new rooms; create a simple floor plan so you only keep what fits.

Safety-first planning

  • Ask movers for no-step pathways on move day and floor protection.

  • Pre-install grab bars, brighter bulbs, and non-slip rugs in the new home.

  • Keep hallways and bedside areas clear; label any tripping hazards.

Protect medications & medical info

  • Refill prescriptions 2 weeks in advance.

  • Hand-carry an updated medication list, allergies, provider contacts, and insurance cards.

  • Pack a small home health kit (BP cuff, thermometer, bandages).

Digitize & secure vital records

  • Scan wills, trusts, powers of attorney, passports, titles, tax docs; store in a secure cloud folder.

  • Hand-carry originals in a waterproof zipper pouch—do not place in the moving truck.

Create an Essentials/First-Night kit (24–48 hrs)

  • Meds, glasses/hearing aids & batteries

  • Chargers, power strip, small lamp, nightlights

  • 2–3 days of clothing and toiletries, towels, basic bedding

  • Kettle/coffee setup, light snacks, paper plates/cups, pet supplies

  • Copies of the move plan, floor plan, and contact list

Coordinate tech & utilities early

  • Schedule internet, TV, and phone setup for move-in day or earlier if possible.

  • Transfer electricity, gas, water, trash, and forward mail with USPS.

  • Update banking, insurance, and subscription addresses.

Pack for comfort & clarity

  • Use large, high-contrast labels (Room + Top items + “Open First”).

  • Color-code by room; number boxes and keep a simple inventory.

  • Cushion heirlooms with soft wraps; request custom crating for art or antiques.

Plan arrival day like a gentle landing

  • Have movers place chairs, bed frames, and lamps first.

  • Make the bed early, plug in nightlights, and set up a hydration/snack station.

  • Unpack one sanctuary space (bedroom or den) before tackling décor.

Lean on specialists

  • Ask your mover about white-glove packing, small-shipment options, furniture placement, and donation drop-offs.

  • Consider a professional organizer for the first 6–8 hours after delivery.

55+ Moving Checklist

Planning & Admin

  • Choose move date; build 8–12 week timeline

  • Hire licensed, insured movers; confirm small-shipment options

  • Create floor plan of new home with measurements

  • Schedule utilities transfer (power, gas, water, trash)

  • Set up internet/TV/phone installation

  • File USPS mail forward and change of address

  • Update insurance, banking, subscriptions, physicians

Health & Safety

  • Refill prescriptions; print medication list

  • Pack hand-carry med kit & daily pill organizer

  • Arrange grab bars, brighter bulbs, non-slip rugs at new home

  • Confirm clear, well-lit pathways for move day

Documents & Valuables

  • Scan & back up IDs, POA, wills, titles, tax records

  • Hand-carry originals in waterproof pouch

  • Photograph heirlooms; note provenance for family

Rightsizing & Packing

  • Sort by category (Keep/Gift/Donate/Sell)

  • Schedule donation pickup or estate sale as needed

  • Order quality boxes, tape, soft wraps, labels

  • Color-code boxes by room; number and inventory

  • Request custom crating for art/antiques/fragile pieces

Essentials/First-Night

  • Meds, glasses/hearing aids & batteries

  • Chargers, power strip, nightlights, small lamp

  • 2–3 days of clothing, toiletries, towels, bedding

  • Kettle/coffee, snacks, paper goods & utensils

  • Pet food, leash, vet records

  • Copies of floor plan, mover contacts, key phone numbers

Move Day

  • Protect floors & thresholds; designate “Do Not Move” area

  • Direct furniture placement per floor plan

  • Assemble beds and lamps first; plug in nightlights

  • Verify box count against inventory before crews depart

After Move

  • Unpack bedroom, bath, and kitchen basics

  • Test smoke/CO detectors; confirm thermostat settings

  • Meet neighbors or community concierge; note local clinics and pharmacies

  • Schedule donation pickup for leftover boxes & packing

Need a calm, careful move?

A Better Tripp Moving & Storage specializes in white-glove packing, small shipments, careful furniture placement, and donation logistics—so your 55+ move feels effortless from first box to first night.

  • Full Packing & Crating

  • Local, State-to-State, or Cross-Country Moves

  • Specialized Handling:

    • Home office furniture (adjustable desks, filing cabinets, bookcases)

    • Foyer/living room décor and framed family portraits

    • Personalized or commemorative signage (family name signs, memory walls)

    • Home security devices (video doorbells, cameras, smart locks)

    • Clocks, light fixtures, and table/floor lamps

    • Awards, plaques, military/service medals, and recognition displays

    • Heirloom pieces (china cabinets, curio displays) and keepsake collections

    Service with Southern hospitality—no matter where you go!

    Let’s get you moving—request your free quote today!

    ___________________________

Want a stress-free move from professionals who care?
Get a FREE quote today or relocation tips tailored to your needs!

CALL (713) 266-8348 or complete the FORM below to get your custom moving quote today.
Let’s make your next move A Better Tripp!

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Terri Tripp
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