Economics

Absolutely agree. Our current house sits on a 1/3 acre lot, and the back of our property is a creek and some trees between the houses on our street and the street behind us. In summer we can barely even see the houses from our back deck. We also have large dogs, so having plenty of yard space to play is paramount. And this house is 5 minutes from the highway in a major metro. That said, we're both very ready to move because the house itself is no longer to our liking. Yes it was a great step up from an apartment, however as our lives have changed, so has what we want in a living space.

The thing that keeps us here is the lot itself. I sat outside listening to and watching the wildlife scamper through the trees, the birds singing, our pair of barred owls calling to each other... The thought of giving that up for a yard the size of a postage stamp and neighbors so close I can smell their dinner cooking does not appeal. I'm sure at some point we'll have to make the choice, but for the moment I'm taking the yard.