Our house was built in 1912. We chose to buy a much smaller house (1500 square feet), but to be in a walkable neighborhood. We can walk or bike to a Whole Foods and about a dozen restaurants (all < 2 miles). We know our neighbors, and really have a strong community. Our home has "personality", but it's fundamentally solid construction.

Public transit is lacking here, but sometimes there are creative work-arounds. The biggest problem is lack of bike capacity on buses. Most can only hold 2 bikes. Our transit system is so non-dense that there's usually no other way to get to the bus. I did have a 45 minute (by car) commute that there was no way to do with any form of mass transit.

There's still work to be done. Gas is undervalued now. I'm sure it will go up soon. Our gas tax (state) is tied to average gas prices (the more expensive the price, the more tax you are charged). Our DOT is broke, and now not repairing roads (except pot holes that pose a danger). Don't know what the answer is, but it certainly isn't the status quo.

CA