Why we prioritised lifestyle when choosing a house

When we started looking at available houses last year, our requirements were not diva like. Enough rooms to have a guest room/study, garage for both cars and ABSOLUTELY no stairs. There were a few places that fitted the bill house wise but the locations were a bit isolating considering I have two babies and know very few people. Also, hubby would have a minimum 40 minute drive for work. So here we are in a house close to shops, parks, family and Steve’s work. We’ve stored some furniture, the kids rooms are doubling as guest rooms and I’ve given up a gym membership for a staircase. I am actually enjoying the downsize, less to look after and I’m learning to deal with the stairs. During the day, we only go up for Daisy’s nap, otherwise I have everything from changes of clothes for all three of us to extra phone chargers all downstairs. We have safety gates in all the places and a cute cupboard under the stairs for all the Harry Potter fans. The concessions we’ve made house wise are made up for by the benefits lifestyle wise. What have you compromised on to make life easier? Also, any mum hacks for life with kids and stairs are most welcome!