In theory yes, in their specific case they are a lot happier. Moved to a warmer climate, their neighborhood has a lot of people their age and they have many new friends and enjoy it. They still come back and see the old friends & family often enough. Overall a great decision, but definitely influenced by the fact that paying for the house they had owned the last 30 years did not make sense for 2 people - and there aren't really cheaper options in the area.