Shorter commute. Studies show that a bigger house does not bring happiness, but a shorter commute does.

I can't imagine making teenagers share a room... that seems like a disaster.

Definitely shorter commute to current and future jobs. Must stress the future jobs with job market unstable (ideally near a metro stop as well, walking distance to metro even better.)

Small comment on someone's post: barring large families (and the person commenting was from one), I'd really aim to give each kid their own room as that may affect their quality of life. So would keep that spacing issue in mind.

Anonymous wrote:If you've had to make this tradeoff, which did you pick and why?

Context: We have four kids and current home feels incredibly cramped, but is in a great location and our commutes are amazing, which gives us more time with the kids. To get a home that is more appropriate for our family size within our budget would require moving farther out into the suburbs.

We went with a longer commute, BUT the difference was only 5-10 minutes. And we both still have shorter commutes than most.

What we did tradeoff was proximity to other potential jobs. We're not quite locked into our current jobs, but switching would almost certainly increase the commute to 45-60 minutes.

You probably just need another bathroom

If kids are in middle school, they'll be gone to colleges in a blink of an eye and you won't need more space. You can retire in your home without downsizing.

Anonymous wrote:If you've had to make this tradeoff, which did you pick and why?

Context: We have four kids and current home feels incredibly cramped, but is in a great location and our commutes are amazing, which gives us more time with the kids. To get a home that is more appropriate for our family size within our budget would require moving farther out into the suburbs.

Every decision has pros and cons. You will be fine either way. I would stay and make current home more efficient.