We love ours and think we have more privacy than some of the "kissing lanai" designers we've been in. And cheaper to own - lower maintenance, lower utilities if the overall sq footage is less. Keep in mind there are designers smaller than the 3 bedroom CYVs, but the bonds are less in a same age villa neighborhood. We considered moving to a designer when we thought we would be full-timers, decided we would miss our privacy.
Yes, some do buy bigger if/when they become snowbirds, but many downsize as well. Some get tired of the maintenance and lack of privacy in non-CYV neighborhoods, and some downsize when they lose a spouse for maintenance or financial reasons. We think we are set for life - no more moving for us.
Downsides are the 1-1/2 car garage (some are deeper than others) in most CYVs, although there are some with 2 car garages, and the more limited space for entertaining. We can only have large crowds in good weather, but that's because we don't want to enclose our lanai as we like the outdoor feeling with the screening. Larger CYVs on corner lots or lots allowing lanai extensions aren't as limited. You'd be amazed what's in some of our backyards.
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