It seems to me that, if as you state your decision to buy is not a financial one, then the best area to buy in is very subjective.
It will to a large part be determined by your wants and needs, not the opinion of others.
Do you place a lot of value on a quiet street? On walking distance to an elementary school or shopping? On a view? Easy freeway access? On a cul-de-sac location? Distance between neighbors? Best-rated elementary school?
There are different strokes for different folks…I myself am very particular about the house I live in. I see some people – even those buying in RSF – placing lowball offers on a dozen homes and I almost can’t fathom it. The home has to be just right for me to bid, and those are extremely few and far between.
This has been a long-winded way of saying you should determine what qualities are most important to you in a home and then maybe SD R and sdr can help you whittle down the options.
