Questions for empty-nesters to consider before moving

Your youngest child has emptied the house of his belongings to start his own life, and you're left with an empty nest. You're ready to enjoy a quieter house - taking trips, catching a theater production or two after work, or just relaxing and walking around your neighborhood.

Because the house is now void of adult children, many empty nesters take the opportunity to move to a smaller, more manageable house that might give them better access to the opportunities they can now enjoy.

Moving to a new house or apartment hunting gives pre-retirees with empty nests the freedom to live life the way they now want to live it. Many empty-nesters relocate to be closer to a job, or closer to a city in nice suburban neighborhoods with entertainment options they weren't able to take advantage of before. Some opt to go straight for the city life, because walking or taking public transportation caters to their lifestyle better than maintaining a car and driving everywhere.

If you're considering packing up and moving, keep in mind these considerations as you research a new home destination:

* Do you want a backyard? If you like to maintain grass, trees and plants, you probably will want to search for a new home in the suburbs or smaller communities where you can dig your hands into the dirt and put your green thumb to use. Or, if you enjoy having a backyard, but don't want to maintain it, consider doing a townhouse, condo or apartment search where the landscaping maintenance is handled by an association.

* Can you share space with neighbors, or do you need a little privacy? Renting apartments in the city or purchasing a condo means you will be closer to your neighbors than buying an individual home. This can be a great situation if you're interested in making new friends.

* How involved in cultural activities do you want to be? Living in a large city can make attendance at plays, performances and shows a lot more cost-effective and easier because you'll be living in the midst of activity that is always happening. But many suburbs and smaller towns do offer cultural activities on a regular basis, and you wouldn't have to feel overwhelmed by all the activity.

Often empty-nesters aren't choosing a retirement home when they start to downsize and relocate their life. Rather, they're looking for a pre-retirement location so they can socialize and enjoy hobbies. So get out there, and find the perfect location for the life you want to live.