In recent years, moving back to one’s hometown has become a growing national trend. Rising housing costs, remote work flexibility, and shifting priorities have led more and more people to rethink not just how they want to live, but where. For many, that reflection points back to the place they came from.
If you’re considering moving back home, the decision might feel complicated. While the idea can feel comforting for some, it can come with mixed emotions for others. But keep in mind that moving back isn’t the same as moving backward. If you’ve spent time living away from home, returning shouldn’t mean going back to your old way of life — it can signify starting a new chapter instead.
Here, we’ll explore why you might choose to return home, the pros and cons of that decision, and practical tips to help you navigate the transition.
The Modern Reasons for Moving Back Home
Nowadays, moving home is often a strategic and intentional decision, driven by modern career and lifestyle shifts. But before we dive into those reasons for moving, let’s touch on what moving home could mean for your specific scenario.
Moving Back Home vs. Moving Back to Your Hometown
You might hear the phrases “moving back home” and “moving back to your hometown” used interchangeably, but these two phrases can actually mean different things depending on your situation.
Moving back home
For many people, moving back home implies you’re moving back in with your parents or another family member. It can be a local or long-distance move and often carries emotional or financial weight. You might be doing it to save money, to care for a loved one, or perhaps to regroup during a transition or after a major life change. However, it doesn’t always have to mean this — it could also mean simply moving back to your hometown.
Moving back to your hometown
Moving back to your hometown usually means returning to the place where you grew up, but not necessarily back into your family home. You’re probably renting or buying a place of your own and rebuilding your life — just in a familiar community.
Whichever definition fits for your case, you’re in the right place. This guide can help you manage either scenario.
Top Reasons for Moving Back Home
There’s rarely a single reason behind a return home — it’s usually a combination of factors. Here are some of the most common:
Family proximity: Many people consider moving back to their hometown to be closer to family, especially during big life milestones like getting married or having kids.
Cost of living pressures: High housing costs in major cities have pushed people to look for cheaper housing elsewhere.
Remote work flexibility: Without the tie to a physical office, remote workers can choose to live in places that better support their lifestyles.
Lifestyle changes: A slower pace, more space, and intimate community ties — particularly in small towns and rural areas — are becoming more attractive.
Emotional connection: A desire to reconnect with familiar surroundings and rediscover a sense of belonging can grow stronger as you age.
What Age Do People Move Back to Their Hometown?
There’s no “right” age or right time to return home, but research and migration trends show that certain life stages make the move more common:
Early 20s–30s: Young adults cite career changes, high cost of living expenses (including student debt and rising rent), or the desire to start a family as reasons for returning to their hometown.
Mid-30s–50s: Caregiving for aging parents, feeling burned out by city life, or wanting a lifestyle reset are big drivers for those in middle age.
Post-retirement: Many retirees return to familiar communities for connection, comfort, and support.
At the end of the day, moves like this are usually prompted by a big life transition — so it’s less about your age and more about what’s going on in your life.
What Percentage of People Move Back to Their Hometown?
Studies on U.S. mobility suggest that roughly 25–35% of adults return to their hometown at some point in their lives, a phenomenon known as “boomerang migration.” This percentage has grown in recent years due to remote work, affordability challenges, and increased family caregiving needs.
Pros and Cons of Moving Back to Your Hometown
Moving back to your hometown comes with trade-offs. Understanding both sides can help you make a grounded decision and set realistic expectations for your move.
The Pros of Moving Back to Your Hometown
Stronger support system: Returning home often means you have instant access to family and longtime friends. That built-in support network can be invaluable during major life changes.
Financial benefits: Lower housing costs, reduced commuting expenses to see family, and the ability to save or pay down debt can be huge advantages.
Familiarity and comfort: Knowing the area — the local schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, etc. — can reduce stress and shorten the time you need to adjust and settle in.
Renewed sense of belonging: Being part of a community with a shared history can restore your sense of identity and help you form stronger connections than you’d be able to elsewhere.
The Cons and Challenges of Moving Back to Hometown
Limited career opportunities: Smaller cities and towns have smaller job markets compared to big cities.
Fear of stagnation: Returning home can feel like “going backwards” in life and prompt old behaviors or lifestyle choices that you’d prefer to refrain from.
Relationship dynamics: Old reputations and family patterns can reemerge — which can be challenging to cope with.
Nostalgia trap: Realizing that both the town — and you — have changed can be a hard pill to swallow.
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How To Tackle Moving Back to Your Hometown
The emotional side of moving home is just as important as the logistics. These strategies can help you adjust.
Treat Your Hometown Like a New City
Approach moving back to your hometown with curiosity. Explore neighborhoods you never lived in, try new restaurants, and check out recent developments around town. Returning doesn’t mean repeating the past — it can be a chance to rediscover the place with fresh eyes.
Set Healthy Boundaries With Family and Friends
Moving back home can lead you — and those in your family — to take up old roles that don’t suit you anymore. That’s why clear communication and setting boundaries is essential, especially if you’re living close to or with family members. Define expectations around privacy, time, and independence early on, so you can enjoy being together but maintain your autonomy as an adult.
Rebuild Your Social Life Intentionally
Old friendships may not automatically pick up where they left off — and that’s completely normal. Try joining a gym, a social group, a parent network, or a volunteer organization to get involved in the community. Stay open to meeting new people rather than relying solely on familiar faces.
Manage Your Expectations and Give Yourself Time
Whether you’re moving back to your hometown or moving long-distance somewhere else, adjusting takes patience. Some relationships may feel different, and routines will take time to establish, and that’s okay — let it happen slowly.
Focus on the Future, Not the Past
Even though you’re back in a familiar place, you still have every opportunity to start fresh.
Try framing this move as a new beginning. Focus on who you are now and who you want to be rather than who you were when you left: set new goals, routines, and traditions that reflect your current values and goals.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Move Back Home
A thoughtful plan can make the difference between a stressful move and an exciting, refreshing start.
Start Planning Early
Calculate moving costs, housing expenses, and lifestyle changes — and set a realistic budget for the move. Even though you’re familiar with your hometown, still take the time to research neighborhoods and housing options that fit your current needs — not your childhood memories.
As you’re preparing for the move, using a moving checklist can also help you stay on track.
Use a Full-Service Moving Company for a Seamless Transition
Hiring a professional mover can dramatically reduce your workload during an already emotional and potentially time-consuming move — especially if you’re moving out of state. Full-service companies can handle things like packing, loading, transportation, and storage, which allows you to focus on creating a fresh — and organized — start in your hometown.
Declutter and Curate What You Bring Back
Use the move as a reset. Let go of items tied to past phases of your life and bring only what supports who you are now. A lighter load often leads to a clearer mindset — not to mention less stuff to pack, haul, unpack, and pay for when you move it.
Create a Transition Plan for Work and Daily Life
If you work remotely, plan your remote work setup ahead of time. Also look into daily routines like childcare, grocery store commutes, and other lifestyle needs early on. Being intentional in establishing that structure can help your new life feel less chaotic and overwhelming from the get-go.
Why Colonial Van Lines Is Great for Moving Back Home
Moving back home can bring with it more emotions — and logistics — than a typical move. That’s where we come in. At Colonial Van Lines, we specialize in long-distance and interstate moves, and we know how to manage the details so you don’t have to.
Why move with us:
We bring extensive interstate moving expertise and more than 250,000 successful moves to every relocation.
Our long-distance movers are trained through Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU), a rigorous program that ensures you get reliable, top-notch service no matter where you’re moving.
We’re fully licensed with the FMCSA and understand the complexities of crossing state lines.
From packing and moving storage services to shipping your car, we adapt to what your move back home actually requires.
Make Moving Back to Your Hometown a Fresh Start
Moving back to your hometown doesn’t have to be a step back. It can instead be a practical reset — a chance to realign priorities, simplify your life, or be closer to the people who matter most.
When it comes time to make the move, having a reliable moving partner can make all the difference. At Colonial Van Lines, we can take some of the logistical stress off your plate, so you can focus on the transition itself. With our deep experience in long-distance and interstate moves, we can ensure your belongings arrive safely while giving you the space to mentally prepare for your next chapter. Request a free moving quote today!