we live in a rent free house (it came with the job) it's nothing fancy , but it's big enough for all of us.

We are a military family and have always opted for the free housing that the government offers until this move. We have 5 kids and the base housing is just too tiny for all of us considering the house we get is the same house a 1 kid family gets offered in some locations. So when we found out we were moving to Georgia we looked in the area and found a great builder and got a house built. It is different not living on base and the people in this community aren't the friendliest. The kids all were a little concerned before we moved into off base housing wondering if they would have as many friends or be as close to fun things. Now that we're in the house and they have a lot more room to keep their stuff they are happy we made this choice. As for you making your kids happy, well, they are the kids and you are the parents. Don't give them a choice. Once you get them to the better house, they'll get over moving from one house to another. It's not the house that makes the home, it's the family in it.

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If you have a long term residence arrangement I would fix the house you live in and in the worst scenario buy some little place that you can rent out with the money you would save from not having a house payment, then when you're ready sell the rentals and buy the place you really like. Remember that saving cash looses buying value and you will pay taxes on the interest you earn.

Are you happy with your current home? It sounds to me that the certain inconveniences that come with your current home are enough to at least have you thinking about moving on. Ultimately you are the decision maker in your family and should make the decision based on what you want. Your kids are important in your life, but they are after all just children and will get used to their new environment well in good time.

I would stay put, take the money you would use for a monthly house payment, and invest it in an aggressive mutual fund for the next 20 years. You have a great investment/retirement opportunity staring you in the face!

when you are ready take your time find the right deal on a house fall in love with the deal more then the house in the end you will be better served. It is not a deal if you can not walk away from it