For some Long Islanders, an empty nest means downsizing to a smaller, more manageable space. For others, it means moving to a place where you will no longer have to worry about climbing stairs or doing yard work. A few even make the bold move to upgrade by finally building what they describe as their dream home.
Regardless of what form it takes, these Long Islanders say the most exciting part of empty nesting isn’t about logistics so much as a renewed sense of independence…
“We wanted a master bedroom on the first floor”
It took Drs. Sushil and Prem Sagar years to find the right home after their two daughters, now aged 37 and 34, left they say. “I saw a lot of houses I didn’t like,” says Sushil, 65. “Some had a small bedroom downstairs, or were old.” The couple moved into their three-bedroom, 2,700-square-foot town house at the Country Pointe Plainview development this spring. One of the biggest selling points for the medical doctors was the layout. “We wanted a master bedroom on the first floor,” says Prem, 64, who works as a hospitalist.
Convenience was another selling point. “We want to travel more, and we don’t want to be responsible for taking care of a house,” says Sushil, who works as a nephrologist. He adds that their former home, a 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom house in East Meadow, where they lived for 24 years, had a pool they didn’t make much use of. The outdoor maintenance on the property was proving inconvenient.
Their new home has everything they were looking for. The bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and deck also are on the main floor, and there’s a guest bedroom upstairs for when their children and two grandchildren visit. Moreover, there is a sense of camaraderie in the brand-new development because everyone has just moved in. “I’m sure we’re going to make friends, because everyone is looking to make friends,” says Prem.
Their advice For Long Islanders thinking of making a similar move, Sushil recommends patience. “This can be challenging,” he says. “But it can be done. There will be new ways of looking at things, and moving is a lot of work, so you should feel free to ask for as much help as you need, and make the move in phases.” He says that not forcing the pace of the transition is key. “When you make the move comfortably, you will settle in comfortably,” he says. “So don’t rush, and take baby steps. It’s a big project.” He also recommends looking for the perfect fit. “Look for a house you really love,” he says. “Don’t move prematurely.”