The idea of being close to children and grandchildren is great and part of the reason I intend to fulltime when I retire.
My DD, SIL and DGD currently live 500-600 miles away. In a little over five years of marriage they have lived in 4 states, and could move again, dependent on his career. Don't ever see them living in this area, as there are no opportunities for him here. DD has a more flexible profession, so can move with him.
My DS has already stated he has no plans to stay in the area, once he graduates from college. Most of my friends/coworkers children are doing the same. I moved here for a job 30 years ago and have nothing to keep me here.
I do intend to set up my portion/share of family farm, so that I can use it as homebase/retreat in times of needing to be "home". My brother and Mother live about 40 miles from there, so can check on the property and I can be close if they need me. I can travel to areas my children and grandchildren to visit, without imposing on them and forcing them to change their routines and life to fit me in. (I know when I stay with them now, one or the other of us has to change our routine and lifestyle.)
I have traveled on my own to places that pushed me. Just traveling alone for work to unknown cities or traveling with TT alone even a few hundred miles has given me the knowledge that I can manage the travel and being away from familiar area just fine. Also being alone in my home here in a town where I have few true friends is not that drastically different from being alone in my "home on wheels" in an area that I am interested in exploring.
