I rented for a long time also; raised my two children in apt's. I certainly agree that renting does away with yard work and any repair work and that was a big benefit for me as I raised the kids.

I had never owned a place before this place so it means a lot to me to have a place that is mine ( as long as I pay the mortgage... ). And I really enjoy working in and improving the yard.

I would like to travel also. I did a lot of traveling while in the Navy and enjoyed going to different places. Hopefully, in a few more years, I will be able to do a little bit of traveling.