We actually “upsized” last year.
2010-2016 - had a 5,00 sq.-ft, house on the river, 2.5 acres.
2016 - downsized to a 3,000 sq.-ft. house in an aleged upscale subdivision. The week we moved in, I named the house “The Slough Of Despond”. Hubby wanted it; I cried. Neighbors so effing close we couldn’t enjoy our beautiful screen porch because there was no privacy. HOA from hell. Sub-standard homes built across the street from us (we knew some drug stuff was happening). Never been sadder.
2023 - Had had enough, so sold that house from hell and went back to a large house on acreage on the river.
Yep, if they are closer than 500 feet, they are too close.
Why would ANYONE give up a house on the river, with acreage, for a home in a development with an HOA? That’s just crazy to me. Hubby and I knew way back in the 80’s no way were we ever going to get a house in a development. We wanted LAND. Now have just under 2 acres, right up against a protected forest/wetland that the housing development BELOW us pays for so it stays that way. Our dog gets to play all day in the forest, chasing rabbits, etc.