As I was 20' up in the air cleaning out gutters last week, I couldn't help but look down and think about how far 20' really is. It certainly looks a lot farther at 60 than it did when I bought the house 26 years ago! Then a few days later, I awoke to the sound of water dripping onto the pillow next to me. (It was during a storm with a lot of wind and rain) I could probably stand to finish replacing the windows and the place needs a some interior cosmetic work. I can afford to have the work done, however, when all is said and done, it would be a lot of money to spend so that the bats, termites and cat can live in a comfortable and good looking house. They do spend a lot more time there than I do. Additionally,maintaining the place is going to become more problematic as the years roll on by. You can see where this kind of thinking might lead.
Against the annoyance, for me, of home ownership, there is the advantage of knowing and being friends with most of my neighbors. Additionally, Skipper's, my riding partner, backyard borders mine making ride planning really easy. His wife makes really good elderberry pie (Stop for a moment to enjoy the small pun), there's always ice cream and he has a really nice deck.
Now I'm not asking for this group to make a decision for me. Truth be told, I'm to lazy at the moment to really give a lot of consideration to moving. I can't help but think, however, that its the kind of thing to which I should give some thought. Anyone else thinking along these lines?
First and most importantly, the risk of climbing the ladder to clean the gutters is NOT worth it. My professional window washer took a bad fall and his leg is a mess. It's not worth it. I get nervous just going up to change the front lightbulb at 12'.
When you consider moving, think of what you'd be giving up in the neighborhood as well. Sounds like you're happy, and there is value to that. DnvrFox made some great comments.