For many homeowners across Jamul, Rancho San Diego, Alpine, and East County San Diego, retirement is no longer a far-off concept. It’s becoming very real, very fast.

According to data from Realtor.com and the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 12,000 Americans are turning 65 every day, and that trend will continue for the next two years. Even more telling, roughly 15 percent of Americans over 60 plan to retire in 2026, with another 23 percent planning to retire in 2027.

Here in San Diego County, we are already seeing this shift play out in real time as longtime homeowners begin asking an important question:

“What do I really want my next chapter to look like?”

If retirement is on your horizon, downsizing may already be on your mind, even if you have not said it out loud yet.

Downsizing Is Not About Having Less. It Is About Living Easier.

When homeowners in Jamul and surrounding rural communities talk about downsizing, it is rarely about sacrificing comfort or lifestyle. It is about simplifying daily life.

Most people are not looking to feel smaller or restricted. They are looking for a home that feels:

• Easier to enjoy

• Easier to maintain

• Easier to move around in

• Easier to manage financially

A home that fits the years ahead, not the years behind.

The Top Reasons Homeowners Over 60 Are Moving

According to the National Association of Realtors, the top reasons homeowners over 60 decide to move have very little to do with timing the market or chasing a record sale price. Instead, the motivations are lifestyle-driven.

The most common reasons include:

• Wanting to live closer to children, grandchildren, or long-time friends

• Choosing a smaller, more functional home with fewer stairs and less upkeep

• Retiring and no longer needing to live near work

• Reducing monthly expenses tied to utilities, insurance, and ongoing maintenance

Across Jamul, Rancho San Diego, and East County, we see this especially among homeowners who own larger properties, acreage homes, or multi-level residences that once made perfect sense but now feel like more than they want to manage.

The common theme is simple: downsizing is about control and peace of mind.

Why Downsizing Is More Financially Feasible Than Many Homeowners Expect

One of the biggest reasons downsizing is happening right now is home equity.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner today has approximately $299,000 in equity. For longtime homeowners in Jamul and East County San Diego, that number is often significantly higher.

When you have lived in a home for years or decades, two things usually happen at the same time:

• Your home value increases

• Your mortgage balance decreases or disappears entirely

That combination creates flexibility.

For many local homeowners, selling a larger Jamul property and moving into a single-story home, lower-maintenance residence, or even relocating closer to family can be done without increasing monthly expenses, and sometimes while freeing up additional cash for retirement, travel, or future care needs.

Downsizing in Jamul and San Diego County Looks Different

Downsizing is not one-size-fits-all, especially in rural and semi-rural areas like Jamul.

Some homeowners are moving into:

• Single-story homes with no interior stairs

• Smaller homes on usable land with easier upkeep

• Communities closer to medical services and shopping

• Homes closer to family elsewhere in San Diego County or out of state

Others are exploring options like selling now and renting temporarily, or using equity strategically to fund their next move.

The key is understanding what your current home can realistically make possible.

The Bottom Line for Homeowners Considering Downsizing

Downsizing is not about giving something up. It is about designing your next chapter intentionally.

If retirement is approaching and you have started wondering what your Jamul home is worth, what your equity could allow, or whether downsizing even makes sense for you, the first step is not selling.

The first step is clarity.

A no-pressure conversation with a local real estate professional who understands Jamul, East County San Diego, and the unique dynamics of rural properties can help you evaluate your options, timing, and financial position before any big decisions are made.

When you understand your choices, you stay in control, and that is exactly what downsizing should be about.