I hate mowing. I don't care about lawns. But I like being in control. No more moving every year to keep rent low. Update & customize to meet my desires & save money. Grow a garden & wildflowers. Remember the names of my neighbors (because the neighborhood isn't a revolving door).

But, I've always loved the long game. Plant trees for shade in ten years. Build a pergola (more shade, cooler house). Replace the old crappy X with a higher quality model that will pay for itself in five years. So on & so forth.

You do have to learn to do some of the work yourself, because tradesmen are more trouble than they are worth for small jobs.