The thing I like the most about my neighbors is that they leave me the fuck alone. I got lucky.
Considering how much turnover there has been in the area, I expect a few people who bought at less than 200k in the area are going to be looking to sell, and the landlord's who are going to be buying property are going to rent it out to some crackheads, I'm sure of it... When they do, that bliss I have of being left the hell alone will go right out the damn window.
If I had the choice, of this place, or another just like it, but away from any neighbors, I would have pushed to be away from neighbors.
Anyone who I want around, can drive here. Everyone else can go away.
Personally, I had this same decision a few years back. My choices were to buy a really nice house in town close to things with a small city lot, or buy a run-down fixer upper outside of town (20-30 minute drive) with a large wooded lot and all the space/privacy I could ever want outdoors. I chose the house in town because I was concerned that if I lived that far away from things, I would effectively be isolating myself and adding additional mental hurtles I would need to jump anytime I wanted to go somewhere, not to mention the effect it would have had on my depression.
I am quite pleased with having a grocery store within a 5-10 minute drive from my house. I have restaurants, bars, local shops, and even the public library within a 10-15 minute walk from my house. Having access to high-speed internet in town, vs satellite, or DSL out of town was also a deciding factor in my decision to live in town. Overall, I'm happy with my decision even if I don't have a large private yard to go play in.
My advice to you is to make a list of services, amenities, and conveniences that are important to you about your future home and then buy according to which better fits into the lifestyle you want to live. Best of luck.
All depends on your personality and possible HOA's in a more populated area.
Personally, I don't have a problem being separated from people, and you don't have to be lonely just because you're away from people - animals can provide you company and keep you busy. I would go with the more recluse location as you can do what you with your property more so than in a neighborhood. Grow a garden, have a bon fire, and just generally have more freedom. Land and houses are generally cheaper a little farther out so that also helps. As long as you have a reliable mode of transportation then living farther away from people is my go to. Also, a plus if you work remote and don't have to commute.
Consider the meme through the viewpoint of an introvert that hates traveling/is aware that driving is the most dangerous thing a typical modern westerner will do in their life.
Yeah, that's the downside they're afraid of and why they want input. Plus there's the simple reality that friends might say they're going to drive to meet up but in practice it's a hassle and people just tend to drift apart.
Get the cheap house then go out and do things experiences are worth their weight in gold. Plus if the other large house is in the burbs as many expensive ones are it will be hard to walk anywhere anyway so just invite people over and when you pay it off you can make it a cheap air bnb if you want.
Take the money you saved and remodel the recluse house exactly how you want. Maybe it's different there but neighbors that socialize and befriend each other have gotten pretty rare.
Recluse houses are better for debaucherous parties of all types anyway. You're more likely to get away with a little side hustle of manufacturing drugs too, which you could then invest back into the house, and parties.
Recluse houses are better for debaucherous parties of all types anyway.
All houses are great for debaucherous parties of all types! Your neighbours may not agree but they need to loosen up, maybe join one of those debaucherous parties for once
I live in town and occasionally throw debaucherous parties from time to time. The neighbors are always first on the invite list as they shan't be complaining about the noise if they are participating in creating it.
Buy the cheap house away from people, only use short sentences when talking to people when you have to venture into town, make and sell hand crafted wood statues of what you see out your window, build an underground bunker full of state of the art spy technology to monitor the town you live in, create a secret Cabal of other people monitoring their towns, slowly take over your country by blackmailing everyone you can, make it a federal crime to even look at your property, retire and enjoy the privacy.
BTW OP understand it's a tough decision but this is one of those questions social media is just shit for answers. Far too personal. Only advice is if cost of expensive house is anywhere near being a stressor, get away, becoming house poor is a total bitch and is a far greater hit than the benefit of having a dining room, or a finished basement, or running water or whatever.
