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Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

I grew up in a town that people across the country aspire to move to. It’s the perfect combination of silent suburbia and a buzzing city life. I also made the mistake of taking my boyfriend back there one too many times, and now he’s hinting that he’d like us to move up there one day. But along with the gorgeous coastal landscape, the adorable wineries, the fabulous film festival and the dozens of good school districts, the town also comes with—you guessed it—my parents! Don’t give me that look. As much as you love your parents, do you really want to live up the street from them as an adult? The answer should be yes, and no. Here are the pros and cons of moving with your partner to the same city as your parents.

Black family holiday/Christmas

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Pro: You don’t need to travel far for big occasions

When the larger holidays come along, you’ll save a lot of money on travel. You won’t need to book a flight or a hotel to see your parents. You can just drive (or walk) up the street. You don’t need to take time off work to see them for the holidays, either.

Corbis

Corbis

Pro: You have an instant community

Because you are your parents’ child and the community, have known your parents for a while, that community is now your community. Your neighbors might comment on your messy yard, but they’ll also be there for you when you need them because they owe your parents favors from over the years.

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They’ll always be there

For better or for worse, they will always be there. There will be times when you want to bang your head against a wall and yell, “No grown woman should still be scolded daily by her parents!” But there will be times you want to cry tears of gratitude and say “Few grown women get to spend so much time with their elderly parents. I’m lucky.”