Sounds like it worked out nicely. I too like 2 story homes and we may still find one with MB and laundry on the main floor.
We used to mow etc. until it seemed crazy to spend $$$ on a new big riding mower. We paid a great company $350+ a month to do the maintenance but switched a couple of years ago to a needy neighbor who does a decent job. I can't wait to get rid of the yard even if we have to pay HOA fees of $200+ a month.
I can imagine how hot it gets there...no way would I work outside either!
Funny you mentioned that your current house is larger. Many of the nicer, newer homes we have been looking at are larger than our current home. Unless we choose an older home with land or a condo we will probably end up with more to clean...more to decorate. Ugh.