<p>Depends on the kid and program. S was home after freshman and sophomore years. D was home every summer, including after her college graduation. We aren’t planning on moving, so it really didn’t matter to us–we mostly kept their rooms intact too.</p>
<p>Wow - I only have 1100 sq ft. I have a feeling none of you live in S. Calif. I would be willing to downsize even from that for the right place. I want more land. I’d take a sizeable plot with a tiny cottage if they weren’t millions of dollars.</p>
<p>My neighbors moved from Northern California to northern Michigan and went from 2200 sf to 4500 sf. For a lot less money. I guess if you are willing to a cheaper COL then it could be done easily.</p>
<p>We just toured a new home built for empty nesters. It was one level with high ceilings. The master BR was on main floor with a small office area off of it for him and my favorite was through the back wall of her closet, there was a small room about 5 feet by 8 feet with an 8 ft sewing/craft table/desk with tons of cabinets over and under the work space. There was a family room, kitchen with oversized island, small breakfast table, HUGE dining room, laundry and screen porch. The lower level was family room, wet bar/kitchenette and 2 basic bedrooms with a basic jack n jill bath.</p>
<p>They wanted to have a smaller home with room to host the kids for holidays.</p>
<p>We have 5500 square feet and no kids at home. More than once we have each commented that we wish we still had our first house and less stuff.</p>