The Golden Bachelorette: After Visiting Wichita Several Times, I'm Convinced Joan Vassos Is Starting To Like Kansas More Than Maryland (Maybe Even NYC?)

Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple agreed to a long-distance relationship when they got engaged on The Golden Bachelorette, but I believe Joan is starting to rethink her plans. Joan is from Maryland, where her children and grandchildren still live. She insisted she would never leave, despite her upcoming wedding to Chock, who lives in Wichita, Kansas. The couple agreed to purchase a love nest in New York City and split their time between the three homes.

Joan and Chock are now six months into their engagement, and it seems to me they’re reconsidering their commitment to a long-distance relationship. Joan’s been spending a lot of time in Wichita, including celebrating the new year and getting closer to Chock’s group of friends. And if her recent social media posts are any indication, I believe Joan’s starting to warm up to the idea of making Wichita her permanent home.

Joan Hasn't Offered Any Updates On Her & Chock's NYC Move

Their House Search Hit A Roadblock In Late 2024

Although buying an NYC home was essential to Joan and Chock’s vision for their future on The Golden Bachelorette season 1, their plans may have stalled. Joan last mentioned house hunting in early February when she spoke to E! News about the disappointment of losing out on their dream home in December. She suggested she and Chock put their NYC plans on hold until the spring as they wait for inventory to improve.

Joan and Chock’s NYC plan symbolized a new beginning and a way to grow their relationship without the baggage of their pasts. But as they've been forced to make alternate plans, I think they’re realizing adding a third home is not as exciting as it once seemed. Joan and Chock have family and support systems where they currently live, and their relationship has managed to flourish without leaving all that behind.

Joan Hasn't Mentioned Being In Maryland Recently

She’s Spending More Time Than Ever In Kansas

Joan’s social media posts make it clear she’s still traveling frequently. Joan’s recent Instagram posts have featured Wichita, New York City, California, Philadelphia, and Mexico. But the one place she doesn’t appear to be spending much time is Maryland.

Joan not mentioning her life in Maryland lately tells me she’s opening up to the idea of living elsewhere. Maryland will always hold a place in Joan’s heart, but she’s building a world outside her home state as well. NYC offers many business opportunities, while traveling to Wichita allows her to spend quality time with Chock. As Joan expands her empire and nurtures her relationship with Chock, there is less urgency for her to remain in Maryland.

I Think Joan Will Move To Kansas One Day

She Might Be Ready To Leave Maryland Behind

As their upcoming wedding approaches, I’m convinced Joan and Chock are preparing for a permanent move to Kansas. Joan’s been making herself comfortable in Chock’s home, helping him redecorate and purge clutter like his excessive sock collection. This shows me they see his Wichita home as hers as well, with the goal of one day settling down together there.

Joan and Chock’s relationship is stronger than ever, and I believe they’re prioritizing spending quality time together. The idea of constantly traveling and being apart isn’t sustainable, and Joan seems to be thriving during her visits to Kansas. Settling down in Wichita allows Chock to continue running his business while Joan gets the fresh start she dreamed of. Bouncing between three cities may have sounded good while they were still on The Golden Bachelorette, but now that reality’s set in, I’m certain a move to Kansas is in Joan’s future.