It's perfect nowhere. And it isn't even close to perfect anywhere for everyone. What may be bliss to you could quite easily be awful to others. Our best advice is that when you choose where you want to live be extremely selfish. Where you live should work for your needs, likes, wants, and specific individual circumstances.
How long do you plan to live in this area? Forever? To retire? To raise kids?
Will you be working? Where can you work and get a job that supports you and your family if you have one? Will you be able to build the career of your dreams?
What weather do you enjoy most? Do you like the beach, country, mountains, desert, forest, city, suburbs? Could you live in a place that is close to these.....30 minutes, an hour, 3 hours?
What is the cost of living and housing? Is the area growing or shrinking population-wise? What is the cost of help, services, staffing?
What is the condition of local government? City? Town? State? Are all well run? Fiscally sound? Are taxes higher or lower than your current situation?
What cultural aspects are important to you? What variety and type of cultural institutions do you enjoy? Opera, symphony, rock concerts, art, museums, etc?
How suitable is the area to building a strong network of business colleagues and friends that would appeal to you most?
What educational institution/s do you or don't you need close by? What is the quality of those institutions?
What kind of architecture appeals most? Modern? Historic? Both? What is the history of the area, and its more recent trajectory to help you gauge its future?
Does the area deliver the sporting activities you enjoy?
Are you a gardener? What areas are great for types of gardens you love?
What is the quality of healthcare? How close is a good hospital?
Do you like driving or would you prefer to be in walking distance of town? Do you rely on public transportation? Will you commute every day and how long will that take? Traffic?
How close do you need to be (or want to be) to family and/or friends?
Do you need to be close to an airport with many direct flights to the places you like/want/need to visit?
How exposed/prepared is the area to climate change? What is the quality of air, water, environment? Is there an adequate water supply year-round? How clean is the area? Bugs? Noise levels?
What is the level of crime? Where is the crime concentrated?
Philosophically is the population in the area more left or right leaning: does this matter to you?
Does the area have the kind, quality and variety of restaurants and food stores you enjoy? Food matters!
Have you spent time in the area at different times of the year - preferably for a more extended period - to know what life is really like, somewhat akin to a test-drive?
What is important to you is often not important to others. All of us have to compromise on SOME things. Knowing yourself, your likes and dislikes is the key. Never choose a place for just ONE reason, unless it's a critical aspect, eg: a sick relative or specialized school.
We hope these thought-provoking questions are helpful as you contemplate your next move. Guiding you home is our mission - within Fairfield County, Connecticut or around the country. With more than 19,000 Compass agents nation-wide, we can connect you with a personable agent, experienced and knowledgeable in the area of your choice.