We spend 7 months a year near our grandkids in Texas. The other 5 are for us in Florida.

Valerie Cherry, a clinical psychologist from Tampa, Florida, and her husband Glenn, 68, found a solution to balance their time between their grandchildren in Houston and their life in Florida. They rented nearby for half the year, which allowed Valerie to be a hands-on grandma while still maintaining her connections in Tampa. The Cherrys, who are a close-knit family, enjoy an active social life in Tampa, participating in various activities such as book clubs and fundraising events.

After their grandson's birth, they faced the dilemma of deciding whether to move closer to Houston or maintain their Tampa home. They explored the option of living in an apartment complex called Landing in downtown Houston, which provided them with a two-bedroom furnished apartment, access to amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts, and the flexibility to stay for as long or as short a period as they desired.

The apartment is 1,600 square feet and is classified as their second home, while their 4,800-square-foot house in Tampa remains their primary residence. Valerie and Glenn appreciate this arrangement as it allows them quality time with their grandchildren while maintaining their identity as grandparents and staying connected with their friends in Florida.