What is the significance of the houses that surround the family meadow on three sides?

New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York. Three neighboring states. And three neighboring houses in the meadow. I think that the author did it on purpose. The family members live in these states, they live close to each other but nevertheless they get together only once a year. The three houses are for sale and the families can buy them and communicate more. But in fact the people don’t need it, they are OK seeing each other annually.