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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We have 2 people in 1,500 SF (plus finished basement) and we definitely don't need all that space.  It's a little tight when my folks come to visit, but felt just fine when we had a renter for awhile.  So maybe 500 SF/person, and if you have a usable finished basement, that could count in your totals?

personally, I like to be closer in and close to work.  If you do too, think really long and hard before buying something way out there just to get SF.[/quote]

This thread is about ideal space for a family of 5. Space requirements do not change whether you are in leesburg or in arlington.

[b]Let's remove pricing from the equation.[/b][/quote]

It is *assumed* that OP has limited funds, otherwise she would not be asking this question. 99.8% of us have to choose between location and size because of budget constraints.

Frankly, if one or both parents have to commute, then time with children is more valuable than square footage. So, shorter commute=closer in=smaller home for same amount of $$$.

Also, layout of a home is really important. I've seen a lot of very poorly laid out homes that waste space in hallways, two-storey foyers (that are empty most of the time), formal dining spaces that are used three times a year, etc. Well-used space could make a 2000 sq foot home as comfortable as a 2500 sq ft home. Also, think about the possibility of buying a home with an unfinished basement, and later converting that into a playroom or den. Just make sure that the basement has high enough ceilings--hard to change the height, but pretty easy to add drywall and tile.

[/quote]

I agree that layout is an important factor. I posted earlier - we're a family of 5 in about 2500 sqft. It's plenty of space for us and actually works better than our previous house, which was 3300 sqft. The layout is much better, and there is no wasted space.[/quote]

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