Crankin:
It's true, 2 people don't need a house this big. But, since we have remodeled the place from top to bottom, including replacing every system and window, roof, etc. to make it energy efficient, I feel we actually live more economically than we did in the last place. I also live closer to shopping and do many more errands by bike. It's closer to the city by 10 miles, which has made a huge difference in time/gas when I go to my classes and we have 2 commuter rail stations, as well as being closer to the end point of the regular train line.
Being closer to everything makes a big difference to me personally. If you can believe this, I signed an apartment lease without having seen it in person in advance. I had little choice with several major things, happening at the same time in life.

But luckily it turned out I'm a short stroll from a long walk-in indoor elevated walkway ..that is a big help when it's very cold in winter to get to work. I plan to bike in warmer seasons which will be nice to ...stretch out the distance deliberately just so I can get abit of a fitness ride.

In this city, the idea of living in smaller homes or many condos, is slolwy coming. Probably being in the prairies here, give this illusion of endless space and development opportunities..which is wrong thinking for urban planning for a whole city. Whereas in Vancouver, BC, the natural nearby mountain barriers and ocean, people are more willing to consider the idea of residential densification.