When we moved last year we rented a car and drove 10km radius out from DH's work and then figured out what area looked OK to live in. We could of chosen areas near the beach etc but we decided having DH only 10 minutes drive from home was a prioirty. I really don't undertstand people who commute for an hour or more to get to work.

Criteria-

Had to be near a supermarket or other store so can walk to get milk etc.
Walking distance for a library or near a bus route to a library.

This way we are able to live with one car.

However after 2 years in Singapore and apartment living I am NEVER going to advocate living in apartments for families- especially children. You don't see kids playing or enjoying themselves in Singapore. They are stuck inside or at tution classes.

In Melbourne I have never seen so many parents and kids out and about- picnicking, riding bikes, walking, playing games. I'm sorry but we all need a patch of dirt or courtyard to just walk outside in.

Forget intesnive living, I think medium density of townshouses with a large courtyard should be the minimum for families with easy access to parks. High rise living is just awful.