We have pondered this question for 2 years. We love our smallish home, the location within 10 minutes of our kids , love our neighbors and everything we need including excellent medical care is within 10 miles.
But it is a split entry 7 stairs to main level, 7 to lower level and quite a large yard and gardens.
So we looked townhouses and concluded we are better off here. One story units near us are rare, either costly or quite old, and HOA fees add up to several thousand per year. We decided that we can add stair lifts if we need and hire out the yard and garden for a lot less than it will cost to move.
Making the decision was a relief - now we can do the little things to keep our home safe, comfortable and up-to-date. And work on simplifying gardens.
Sue