Is the U.S. Housing Market Contributing to the Epidemic of Loneliness?

In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness and isolation a national epidemic fueled by the profound effects of life during Covid-19. Is the perfect storm of the housing market - higher rates, lower inventory, rising cost of living - contributing to this growing epidemic? According to a study outlined in Dr. Murthy’s “Social Connection Fact Cards,” living in isolation in particular, and social isolation in general, are not only detrimental to our health, but they also increase the risk of death. In particular, we are seeing many Baby Boomers stay in their homes longer than they intended. For many, the “plan” was to sell the bigger home and move somewhere more manageable amidst an accessible community.

Right-sizing - the idea of moving to a place and space that fits your current life’s situation - is nuanced and deeply personal. As a real estate professional for over a decade, I’m mindful of taking time to learn the why of each person's move. The common thread is the search for community and connection on various levels.

I’ve seen this firsthand: Last Thursday afternoon, I stopped by my parents’ condo in a suburb outside of Philadelphia to visit my dad, who’s recovering from knee replacement surgery. My mom met me at the front desk and, between our short walk from there to the elevators, was greeted by no fewer than a half-dozen people in her building calling her by name.

“Sandy! How is Neal doing?” 

“Can we drop off dinner tomorrow night?”

“Please tell Neal we hope to see him by the pool soon!”

“Still on for pickleball?”

There’s comfort knowing that they live in a place where people look out for each other. It’s been four years since they moved. My dad is currently on the condo board. My mom spearheads the social committee. Together, with others in the building, they are creating a community - movie nights, holiday parties, wellness initiatives, and a new library, among so much more. 

My in-laws right-sized their life a few years ago as well. Their social calendar is just as full as my parents’, often with friends that they’ve made since moving to Center City: Random (yet regular!) happy hours, serendipitous encounters on the elevator that have led to soul-filling new connections, the list of benefits could run for pages.

While I’m acutely aware that living in a building is not for everyone, having easy access to a community that allows you to feel and be seen and included is exactly the kind of thing needed to help with this epidemic of loneliness. This current real estate market makes it harder than ever for many sellers and buyers to make the move to their dream place. But the search is worth the effort, because genuine gems can be found. After all, right-sizing isn’t a cure-all for the very real issue of loneliness and isolation, but it absolutely provides the framework to engage with others from a place of personal comfort. And in doing so, I’ve seen countless clients find a deep, unexpected sense of joy and community as a result.

*Pillow in photograph is by Philly - based artist, @nancylisagor . *