If public transportation is both safe and reliable, you could opt to move into a home a bit further away from your job than you would have chosen had public transportation not been available. Proximity to medical care is particularly important for the increasing percentage of our baby-boomer population caring for their aging parents and relatives. Study the other homes on the street. Drive around the block. Trust your instincts.
Homeowners have mixed feelings about such associations.
While they certainly help to maintain the quality of the neighborhood and its property values, and maintain its safety as well, they do require membership fees. So before you slide on those rose-colored glasses and close the deal, check out that neighborhood. Come back during the evening hours. Find out who frequents the neighborhood and when. Some neighborhoods have multiple personalities and attract a different crowd at night.