I'm selling my single-family house (in a large urban area) and moving to a small condo building (not an apartment conversion) for just this same reason. My hou

I'm selling my single-family house (in a large urban area) and moving to a small condo building (not an apartment conversion) for just this same reason. My house, small as it is, takes up such a minuscule amount of the actual dirt that I own. Just not having to maintain the yard--tiny amount that I do just to keep the weeds trimmed down--is motivation enough. And here's the thing: I still have an outdoor area, deeded to me as part of my condo unit, for doing things like having a small garden or woodworking (if I was interested in either of those, but they're the most common "but I couldn't possibly" rebuttals I've heard). I get a deeded parking space, can paint the walls whatever color I want, and even have approval from the (tiny) condo board to run all of the network wiring inside the walls I can stand. Obviously I'm unmarried sans kids and pets, yeah? Nope, I have a spouse, a kid, and a dog. And you know what? We're all going to fit perfectly. The new place even adjoins a public park, is across the street from a 24-hour grocery, has frequent all-day (and 24-hour) transit, and is within walking distance of two of the best schools in the city. And all for about $200k less than a free-standing house in the same area. I'm thrilled to not need as much space. And yes, parents, it is entirely possible do to so comfortably, even with your kid having his or her own bedroom.