We want to consider appreciation rates, income/state taxes, quality of life, and extreme weather.

Will not significantly matter in current weather.

The weather and traffic here is a great equalizer when it comes to neighborhoods -- if it's grim in McKees Rocks it's going to be just as grim in Shadyside, and if it's bumper-to-bumper on I-79, it'll be bumper-to-bumper on I-376.

On the brightside LA typically has great weather all year long so can't complain when doorknocking =).

Putting yourself in the hole $1200 before expenses is not recommended unless you have substantial reserves to weather storms.

It's a really harsh chemical but will help strip everything off before you get to repainting.

For a 2 story, ~1400 sqft townhome, it rises to about 85 degrees fahrenheit on the second floor, while around 77-78 on the first floor during the summer weather.

Take your money, weather the storm and move on to the next one. 

Overall, kissed the ground when we landed at SFO last night, despite the unseasonably cold weather and the rain.       

To me, this means a city with good outdoor recreation, large enough to meet others my age, good weather, and an area where I can actually get an offer accepted on a home.Thanks so much for reading and any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated!