Look at the living conditions:where's the shoppingwhere's the schoolsaccess to major traffic routes vs local driving conditionsRent for a YEAR to feel out the area before you pour concrete around your feet with a mortgage.

Most of us drive enough already in our daily lives so it's nice to be able to walk to a restaurant or beach without having to get in the car, deal with traffic, parking, and then worry about getting pulled over on the way back after a few drinks.