55 when we bought (CYV), rented out for 4 years, moved down as snowbirds at 60 due to downsizing - had planned to work until 62. Kind of feel like being downsized was a blessing as we have had 2 extra years of retirement. Now almost 64. At one point flirted with being FROGS, ended up buying a condo up north for summers - happy with our decision.
In future, for which we can TRY to plan, foresee maybe flying back and forth instead of driving, although we are lucky to have kids at our halfway point (about 8-9 hours from TV and 8-9 hours from our summer condo in Ohio). Also, when something happens health-wise to one of us, will probably make a decision to be in one place or another. Which place would depend on lots of factors we can't foresee.
I think the longer you wait, the harder it is. Just takes more effort to make a change with each passing year. Try to figure out what you want and go for it. But remember, if you think you made a poor decision, you can always attempt to reverse it, and maybe make some positive changes while you're at it. We thought we would live in summers with an adult child (apt in the bsmt), but when that didn't work out (due to him going back in the military and selling home) we bought a condo that we are happier in anyway.
Could be that you end up selling a big 2-story house or a house in the country with acreage up north and becoming a frog - maybe you then try renting back north for a summer to decide if you really want to be a snowbird or not. At least you've gotten rid of an unsustainable lifestyle with a house you either cannot or don't want to maintain anymore. Life is about change - you can embrace it or suffer it, sometimes your choice.
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