I am looking at a small airplane for recreational "Sunday afternoon
local area" flying and also for the once-a-month weekend 500 NM trip
to my hometown. I need to carry me, my wife, two kids, plus baggage
for said occupants.

Hi Bill
Before purchasing an aircraft you define your mission as you did.
Your typical mission would be well suited to a 172.
But you threw in the monthly trip. A typical 172 will give you around
1000 lb useful load, less 250 gall fuel so you are left with about 750
for passengers and baggage. Will that do it?
When you consider all of the extra costs involved in the 182, it would
be far more economical for you to buy more clothes, leave them in your
hometown and travel light. That luggage is going to cost you a LOT of
money every year.

HTH
--

Tony Roberts
PP-ASEL
VFR OTT
Night
Almost Instrument
Cessna 172H C-GICE