Looking for a great town or city and a better quality of life? Maybe you are seeking affordable housing, good health care and lots of outdoor recreation? Or great schools and a low crime rate? Maybe an active nightlife, great weather and plentiful amenities? No one destination is right for everyone, and sometimes it is just that "certain something" that makes a town or city a great place to live. Here we look at a few that offer a high quality of life and attract a variety of interesting people.

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Great Destinations

Extraordinary Estes Park, Colorado

Real Estate | Overview
This mountain town (elevation 7,500) of nearly 5,500 people sits in stunningly spectacular scenery at the eastern entrance to majestic Rocky Mountain National Park in rugged north central Colorado. A popular tourist destination in the summer, Estes Park is a quiet place in the winter months and home to sturdy souls who enjoy cool, crisp, clean air, cobalt skies, a slightly funky, outdoor lifestyle and the laid-back atmosphere of this high country haven.

Nifty Natchitoches, Louisiana

Real Estate | Overview

Natchitoches (NACK-uh-tush), Louisiana was founded in 1714 and is the oldest, permanent settlement within the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Located on the banks of Cane River Lake, this peaceful, southern town was originally settled by the French as a trading post and as a defense against Spanish incursion into the area. Over the years, large cotton plantations blossomed around town, and Southern aristocrats built lavish homes along the River.

Lovely Lititz, Pennsylvania

Real Estate | Overview

Snuggled deep within the scenic rolling farmland of the Amish countryside, just outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the small village of Lititz is as quaint and charming as they come. This is Pennsylvania Dutch country, and the simpler, slower Amish way of life has cast its spell over the citizens of Lititz, a community that was founded by the Moravians in 1756.

Pretty Port Townsend, Washington

Real Estate | Overview

This historic, picturesque Victorian seaport is nestled on Washington's Olympic Peninsula and was a prosperous, raucous seaport during the 1800s. Today, it is a national historic district, with much of its nineteenth-century flavor intact, and it attracts educated, successful families, singles and retirees who are seeking a historically-rich town in a truly beautiful waterfront setting.

More Great Destinations:

Camden, Maine Real Estate | Camden, Maine Overview / Sarasota, Florida Real Estate | Sarasota, Florida Overview /
Bloomington, Indiana Real Estate | Bloomington, Indiana Overview

Deciding Which Home Real Estate to Purchase

There are many things to consider when you're purchasing a home. Where do you want to live? Do you want to live in the city? This can obviously affect your commute time. Is this a good neighborhood? Don't forget to consider the investment value of where you want to live. Make sure the area has seen good price appreciation.

I addition, there's the question of what type of home should you buy. This will depend on your lifestyle, but be sure you are buying the right type of home, in the right area, based on investment value. After all, purchasing a home is also an investment.

Some say that newer homes are better investments. After all, they're brand new, everything shines. They have current architectural styles. The new neighborhood amenities (such as, pool, recreation centers and shopping) make the neighborhood very appealing. Plus, you've probably heard that most new homes appreciate quicker.

However, from an investment standpoint, pre-existing homes can offer equally as much, in some cases even more opportunity for appreciation. Older homes are generally closer to the city, which means convenient areas. Then many older homes actually have better quality construction than today's newer homes. On older homes you may find slate roofs, copper gutters, chimney flashing and hardwood floors. Finally, older neighborhoods are established, which means, "what you see is usually what you get."

But, older home may not have the newest style. The kitchens and bathrooms could be outdated. Finally, newer homes are usually maintenance-free, while you may have repair bills with older homes. Newer homes have downsides too, including the possibility of poor workmanship, poor location or unsettled.

Your real estate professional can help you make the best decision. Both older and newer homes have advantages and disadvantages, but both can be excellent investments.

Should I buy a single-family home, condo or town home? The answer to this question depends upon your lifestyle and each type of home has different investment potential. If you have a growing family, then avoid a condo. If your family is small, you may not need the space of single-family home. A condo may offer you a better fit.

Consider that the largest percentage of buyers end up buying a single-family homes. Most families have children and a lot of things to store, so they want single-family homes with more space. Therefore, single-family homes are often easiest to resell and have higher price appreciation potential. Town homes and condominiums also can offer excellent investment opportunities. Make sure you buy one in an area that is likely to see price appreciation. Real estate is about location. Your real estate agent can help you with this evaluation.

~by Bruce Swedal (www.bruceswedal.com). Article courtesy of Article Rich.

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