Once all the kids were out of high school, they downsized to a townhome. Very little yard maintenance, no snow shoveling, etc...

They finished the basement to have a great room for family gatherings and once we all outgrew that, they now use the HOA's clubhouse or for vacations, rent a big enough place for us all to gather.

Works well and I want to do the same thing. HCBW is going to need some convincing however...